We are finally on the cusp of Memorial Day weekend, and we can’t think of anything we’d rather do than sit on a patio with a drink and a nosh.

We have earned this, people.

The weather so far this spring has been a little topsy-turvy, but we managed to visit 14 new or new-to-us outdoor spaces.

Use this guide for the rest of the season to find the perfect al fresco dining experience. We have helpfully grouped them into neighborhood patios, those with a scenic view and those that are a little more upscale (see and be seen). Breweries and wineries have their own category, too.

Happy unofficial start to summer! Let’s spend as much of it outdoors as possible!

While we know you can’t wait to get out there and try them all, we’d also like to encourage you to be patient as restaurants staff up for the season. In some cases, menus and hours might be limited, and staffing shortages mean you might be waiting a little longer (hopefully in the sunshine!) for your food or drinks.

New Kids on the Block (or just new to the guide)

1881 EATING HOUSE, 214 E. 4th St., St. Paul; 952-698-1881; 1881eatinghouse.com: The main dining space for this lunch and dinner cafe is located smack-dab in the middle of the lobby of Union Depot, so it only seems fitting that its patio should be on the historic train station’s front steps. The patio menu is significantly smaller than the inside menu, so be prepared to spring for tacos, a burger, salads or pizza, along with some small-plate apps. The patio is surrounded by a low-gated privacy fence, but unlike other restaurants that try to seclude patio diners from their surroundings, 1881 embraces the excitement of urban dining, inside and out.

ALARY’S, 139 E. 7th St., St. Paul; 651-224-7717; alarys.com: The longtime downtown dive reopened under new ownership two years ago, and after a couple of brief kitchen residencies, the spot — now officially renamed Alary’s Kitchen and Bar — has a full in-house food menu available both inside and on the large back patio. The patio, tucked between a parking lot and a parking ramp, is really nothing fancy, which feels exactly right. That’s not a criticism, to be clear; it’s well-secluded and very well-maintained, and greenery and flowers brighten up the space. A couple of weeks ago, music over the speakers was replaced by a Minnesota Wild playoff game broadcast, set loud enough to hear but not to overpower your conversations. There’s also infrastructure for an outdoor bar and/or stage setup, which was not in use on a cool May evening but is an exciting sign for summer.

ALL SAINTS, 222 E Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-259-7507; allsaintsmpls.com: There’s eating outside, and then there’s upscale patio dining. With classy design and thoughtful patio table service, All Saints is clearly in the latter category. The bistro is just across the river from downtown Minneapolis, with the patio tucked between two buildings along the usually bustling East Hennepin Avenue, and we find something alluring and invigorating in its night-on-the-town vibe. The patio is expansive but packed with tables; it can be a bit of a tight squeeze. But the food and drinks, from fancier-seeming options like duck confit to the underdog standout fried chicken, are all very good.

CROWBAR, 704 E. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul; 651-571-9276; crowbarstp.com: We are absolutely loving this quirky new cocktail bar extension of the Voliere Spirits distillery in the old Hamm’s building complex. The decor is steampunk-vintage cool, and there’s something fun to look at around every corner. The patio, new this year, has a man-made river, funky black-and-white umbrellas for shade, fun landscaping that includes birdhouses for days and even a giant bird cage for a lucky few to sit in. Oh, and the cocktails are fantastic, too.

GASTHAUS BAVARIAN HUNTER, 8390 Lofton Ave. N., Stillwater; 651-439-7128; gasthausbavarianhunter.com: We’re not sure what took us so long to try this German outpost in the woods outside of Stillwater, but we’re sure we’ll be back on another nice day when we feel like a road trip. The deck outside the cabin-in-the-woods-feeling restaurant is fairly bare bones, but you’re looking at tall pines and the servers wear dirndls. The very German menu includes lots of schnitzel and wurst and some of the best German potato salad we’ve had outside of Germany, and the beers are served by the liter so you can get your workout in while you’re drinking, or the half liter if you prefer.

LILIANA, 10060 City Walk Drive, Woodbury; 651-493-9089; lilianamn.com: A pretty pergola and raised bed planted with colorful flowers make you forget you’re in a suburban development. Bonus: The building provides natural shade by the time the restaurant opens in the afternoon. Enjoy a fabulous cocktail — the bittersweet gin-based Higitus Figitus or a build-your-own spritz (the restaurant stocks a dizzying array of amaros) are perfect for a summer day — and follow it with some tasty house-made pasta or the craveable mortadella sandwich, topped with chef Kenzie Edinger’s genius house-made ricotta American cheese and a giardiniera aioli that takes it over the top.

MACANDA, 294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata; 952-679-1222; macandawayzata.com: The pairing of Latin and Japanese cuisines might seem weird, but just go with it, because the 150-seat patio that is essentially right on Lake Minnetonka is all about the vibes. The food is good, the cocktails are good, the view is spectacular.

MARMA, 11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo; 651-370-1342; marmamn.com: Although it’s too bad that entrees are not served on the patio — so you’ll need to dine inside if you want the tasty and globally inspired noodles, fish or beef dishes — we think it’s still worth it to grab an outside table at this Lake Elmo spot. Patio-goers have access to starters, salads and bar fare like flavor-packed but not overly spicy gochujang wings and shatteringly crispy Brussels sprouts, and the patio itself feels like hanging out in your coolest neighbor’s backyard, with turf grass, a stone firepit and a porch swing.

NORTH 20 BREWING, 12266 W. Bacardi Ave., Rosemount; 651-423-6176; north20brewing.com: It feels like you’re driving to the end of the earth to get to this brewery that is adjacent to farm fields, and the out-back patio feels just as rural. You’re overlooking a gorgeous clearing that is popular with the local deer population and is best when the sun is setting. There’s a short food menu — pulled pork sandwiches, brats, hot dogs and a few appetizers — to go with your house-brewed beer.

OBB’S, 1347 Burns Ave., St. Paul; 651-776-7010; obbsbar.com: We’d been to this iconic east side bar many times before we knew about its hidden-gem patio. There’s landscaping, a water feature, a full roof for shade and plenty of space for groups. Plus, you get to watch people meandering down the Indian Mounds Trail across the street. Great dive-bar food and atmosphere.

PIG ATE MY PIZZA, 10700 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington; 952-582-1467; pigatemypizza.com: The second outpost of this casual pizza place from the team behind Travail opened this winter in the southwest corner of Bloomington. The completely covered patio with cute wooden booths even has pull-down walls, so if the rain hits, you can just keep noshing. There are big-screen TVs out there for watching the game, too. If you prefer to be in the sun, there is a sunny strip to the back as well. The pizzas here are fantastic, but there are burgers and a few pastas, too. Drinks include beers from the team’s Nouvelle Brewing as well as a full bar with a spicy margarita that screams sunny day drinking.

SOUTHERN SOCIAL, three metro locations including 1940 Rahncliff Court, Eagan; 651-478-7919; southernsocialmn.com: We’ve been enjoying the Eagan location of this southern spot since it opened in 2023, and although you can see cars fly down I-35E from the patio, you wouldn’t otherwise know you’re dining near the highway. The restaurant is on a hill separated from the interstate by woods and a pond, which mostly mask the traffic noise, so the balcony-like patio feels surrounded more by nature than suburban sprawl. The food — especially meat-forward dishes — is worthwhile. And the cocktail menu includes “punch bowl drinks” that can be prepared in 4- or 8-person servings, but the individual portions of those drinks, a little lighter and a little cheaper than the rest of the cocktail menu, are great patio sippers.

URBAN GROWLER, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul; 651-340-5793; urbangrowlerbrewing.com: After ordering both food and drinks at the bar, it’s worthwhile to bring your table number outside to the patio at Urban Growler, the brewery somewhat hidden in the industrial section of St. Anthony Park. Picnic-style tables give the space a beer-garden feel, and though beer is certainly their forte, there are plenty of non-beer beverages, too, from house-made sodas to cocktails made with hard seltzer. We like the creative ways that beer is incorporated into their food menu; the beer-braised corned beef in the Reuben sandwich was particularly delicious.

WANDERING LEAF, 2463 W. 7th St., St. Paul; 612-293-5754; wanderingleafbrewing.com: Much of the attention paid to the Sibley Plaza brewery’s space goes to its bright, plant-filled interior, and rightly so — it’s stunning and makes for a delightful hang-out — but don’t sleep on the patio. It’s simple but lively,

with picnic tables and high-tops, plus space for a food truck in back to complement the must-try options at Soul Lao next door. Massive garage-door cutouts, added by the Wandering Leaf folks when converting the space from a strip-mall dollar store, help make the patio function as one blended space with the interior.

Neighborhood

B-52 BURGERS AND BREW, 5639 Bishop Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-451-3838; b52burgersandbrew.com: B-52’s rooftop patio has several seating options, such as a long marble-top bar and a lounge area. Fireplaces and television screens add to the vibe.

BARBETTE, 1600 W. Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-827-5710; barbette.com: Nabbing a seat on this bustling 46-seat Uptown patio and having a glass of rose and pommes frites — in our opinion, some of the best around town — is a favorite pastime.

BOCA CHICA, 11 Cesar Chavez St.; St. Paul; 651-222-8499; bocachicarestaurant.com: One of St. Paul’s staples for authentic Mexican fare boasts a cute stone terrace with a few umbrella-laden tables looking out onto Cesar Chavez Street.

BOLE ETHIOPIAN, 1341 Pascal St., St. Paul; 651-330-2492; boleethiopiancuisine.com: This long-standing, multi-level, landscaped and fenced patio in the Como neighborhood is currently serving up some delicious Ethiopian food. Eat your platter amidst the flowers, plants and trees at this pretty spot.

BRIT’S PUB, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-332-3908; britspub.com: Multi-tiered expansive rooftop patio accommodates large groups that come to lawn bowl and eat fish and chips. Others can pull up to the sidewalk cafe in front and catch the Nicollet Mall street action.

BRUNSON’S PUB, 956 Payne Ave., St. Paul; 651-447-2483; brunsonspub.com: The dozen or so tables with blue umbrellas on the two-tiered, landscaped deck fill fast. Probably because it’s a great place to soak in some sun. The reliable sandwiches, burgers and salads with Southern flair and craft cocktails with down-to-earth prices don’t hurt either.

THE BUNGALOW CLUB, 4300 E. Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-866-3334; thebungalowclubmpls.com: Visit this lovely Longfellow restaurant for chef Andrew Kraft’s tasty prix fixe menus, delicious craft cocktails and the pretty patio, which has plenty of shade from an expansive pergola with a rooftop.

BURGER MOE’S, 242 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-3100; burgermoes.com: Thanks to the canopies and flower beds, this playful, casual spot is bursting with colorful decor. The vibe is casual and, as the name implies, burgers take center stage on the menu.

CENTRO, four metro locations, including 1901 Minnesota 36, Roseville and 750 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul; centrompls.com: If you had ever been to The Good Earth in Roseville, you know the massive front deck was a major draw. And the new tenant, Centro, takes full advantage of the space, with some fun new touches like disco balls! The tacos and crunchwraps, washed down with an on-tap margarita, are great summertime fare. The sidewalk terrace at the Highland location is popular and cute, too.

CHURCHILL STREET, 4606 Churchill St., Shoreview; 612-466-2596; churchillst.com: Pretty, covered space ringed with planters and equipped with permanent heaters to beat the chill is a great spot to lunch with friends. Counter-service model for lunch ensures efficient service, and their salads, sandwiches and breakfast foods are top-notch. In the evening, enjoy elevated comfort foods like chicken, salmon and steak as well as craft cocktails in a full-service environment.

THE COPPERFIELD, 735 Maple St., Mendota Heights; 651-340-5144; thecopperfieldmn.com: Much-needed neighborhood patio in Mendota Heights serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are huge heaters if the weather is chilly, and pretty planters and strings of Edison lights set the mood. Dog-friendly; full bar.

COZZIE’S TAVERN AND GRILL, 11154 60th St. N.; Stillwater; 651-342-0447; cozziestavern.com: Spacious roadside spot off Minnesota 36 sports a multifaceted backyard oasis. There’s a stone patio (designated nonsmoking), a wood deck, lawn area with bean-bag toss and even a small spot for volleyball during the warm-weather months and boot hockey during the chilly season. The mini-Coney dogs from the casual menu are not to be missed.

CRASQUI, 84 Wabasha St., Suite No. 3, St. Paul; 952-600-5578; crasquirestaurant.com: Urban terrace with bright blue umbrellas for a tropical vibe. The arepas and seafood here are spectacular, and the Wednesday date-night special is one of our favorite deals in town. Bonus: the craft cocktails here, with a special emphasis on rum, are phenomenal and the wine list is excellent.

DAY BY DAY CAFE, 477 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-227-0654; daybydaymn.com: Breakfast and lunch spot offers a fenced-in, multi-tiered patio that makes for a serene retreat in the middle of the city. Landscaping touches such as potted flowers, fish pond and waterfall add to its restfulness.

DOCK & PADDLE, 1360 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul; 618-312-6994; dockandpaddle.com: Park pavilion restaurant has a menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos and burgers. It’s a prime spot for eating outside, thanks to a spacious pavilion and bench and lawn areas overlooking Lake Como.

EAT STREET CROSSING, 2819 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-345-4136; eatstreetcrossing.com: The patio at the new Minneapolis food hall is spacious yet cozy, with plenty of tables, a firepit and a walk-up bar. Pick from sushi, burgers, Brazilian pizza, ice cream or pan-Asian fare at the new Staff Meeting restaurant — a new concept from chef Louross Edralin that replaces a ramen shop. Cocktails from the central bar are well-made, too.

EL BURRITO MERCADO, 175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul; 651-227-2192; elburritomercado.com: This beloved Mexican grocery, deli and restaurant offers a sprawling, festive patio that even comes with weekend entertainment.

EL CUBANO, 870 Dodd Rd., West St. Paul; 651-508-1173; elcubanorestaurante.com: This little neighborhood spot has been steadily making improvements to what used to be a small parking lot in front of the building. There are now several palapa-covered picnic tables, more than a handful of colorful wrought-iron tables and some tropical greenery and now more palapa-covered tables around back! It’s a great neighborhood spot to meet friends for a casual, counter-service dinner.

EM QUE VIET, 1332 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-330-4363; emqueviet.com: This adorable Vietnamese restaurant, run by the family that sells the delicious giant egg rolls on a stick at the State Fair, features a hidden oasis with a wood-paneled plant wall and cute furnishings. We are big fans of the banh xeo savory crepe and the bun rice noodle salad topped with one of those egg rolls. There are craft cocktails, too!

ESTELLE, 1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-330-9648; estellestp.com: This hot Mac Grove restaurant serves excellent cocktails and Italian-, Spanish- and Portuguese-inspired dishes, but did you know they have a cute patio, too? In addition to sidewalk seating in front of the eatery, there’s also a wood deck in the back. It’s decked out with wrought-iron furniture, vertical planters filled with herbs on the walls, a funky mural and string lights for just the right ambiance. New this year: Overhead heaters to extend the patio season.

FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY & CAFE, 1662 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-789-8870; frenchmeadowcafe.com: Nab a sidewalk table in front of the restaurant. Or, head to the back of the restaurant, where a fenced-in patio with wood benches, wrought-iron tables, draped lights and colorful flower beds offers an escape from the city hustle and bustle. Enjoy the health-conscious eating options while there.

GAI NOI, 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis; gainoimpls.com: After opening Minneapolis stunner Khaluna a few years back, Laotian chef Ann Ahmed launched Gai Noi in Loring Park in spring 2023 to immediate national acclaim. The restaurant is quite large and walk-in only; the patio, with comfortable seats and cute flower boxes, is well-arranged to provide guests with a choice of sunnier or shadier table. And the food is great: The uber-flavorful wok-fried beef and the basil wings, succulent with a dry rub that feels like a Southeast Asian Old Bay, are both standouts.

GLORIA’S TO GO AND LEO’S, 131 Main St. S., Stillwater; 651-351-3943; leosgrill.com: Renovated patio at Leo’s in downtown Stillwater with a new outdoor food concept serving soft serve ice cream and hot dogs, in addition to Leo’s current offerings such as burgers and malts.

THE GNOME CRAFT PUB, 498 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-219-4231; thegnomepub.com: The Gnome, which replaced the Happy Gnome a few years ago, has undergone a revamp, including an expansion of the patio that is now three times the size of the previous outdoor dining area. What’s more, the new 200-seat expansive wood deck dotted with tables and chairs takes advantage of shaded trees on the deck by adding hanging hammock swings — how fun is that? Enjoy pretty spring, summer and fall days here while dining on the menu of burgers, pastas, a giant pretzel, salads and more.

GROVELAND TAP, 1834 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-699-5058; grovelandtap.com: This neighborhood burger joint recently added several spaces — a bar, which is helpful for those waiting for tables, and a giant, covered patio out back. The patio, which has at least a dozen booths in addition to tables, also sports a few TVs for catching the big game and a fireplace for those chilly fall and spring nights.

HAI HAI, 2121 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-223-8640; haihaimpls.com: This spot serves up Southeast Asian street food and has a colorful, 80-seat patio that transports you to another place. Colorful stools and floral fabrics bring tropical notes to the decor. If full sun is not your thing, half of the patio is covered and can be enclosed for those wanting shade or protection against bad weather. There’s even a service window for ordering drinks.

HERBIE’S ON THE PARK, 317 Washington St.; St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com: The 60-seat downtown patio near the Ordway on Washington Street is a bit hidden from the street. And if you nab the right seat, you can catch the sidewalk action and views of Rice Park while dining on tavern fare cranked up a notch.

HERBST EATERY & FARM STAND, 779 Raymond Ave., St. Paul; 651-340-0254; herbstsaintpaul.com: True farm-to-table eating, in a pretty, shaded, private patio? Sign us up! Ample shade, and comfy chairs and tables offer comfort while dining. The menu changes frequently, but is always heavy on vegetables, freshly made pastas and beautifully composed meat dishes. The cocktails are innovative, the wine list spectacular and the service next-level.

HOLMAN’S TABLE, Holman Field, 644 Bayfield St., St. Paul; 612-800-5298; holmanstable.com: You’re practi

cally on the tarmac when sitting on the patio at this St. Paul Downtown Airport (also known as Holman Field) eatery. Sink into one of the dark, wicker chairs on the 36-seat, elevated patio and, if your timing is right, watch planes fly in and out of the reliever airport.

THE HOWE, 3675 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-729-3663; howempls.com: Two patios — a sidewalk and back deck — offer plenty of choices for enjoying nice weather. The spot is also a draw as a dog-friendly patio, complete with yoga mats for your furry friend to lounge on and a dog menu to order from.

IE BY TRAVAIL, 4724 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-200-8397; italianeaterymsp.com: South Minneapolis rejoiced when this Italian staple returned to the fold this February with new owners — the guys behind Travail in Robbinsdale. The shaded, planter-surrounded, dinner-only patio is as pretty and popular as ever, and it doesn’t take reservations, so go early or expect a wait! The house-made pastas are worth any effort you have to make.

IRON RANGER, 1085 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-203-7096; ironrangermn.com: This neighborhood favorite in recent years has expanded its patio to include an outdoor bar and ornate fencing, and a little patio right on Grand Avenue that serves sister cocktail bar The Vermilion. It’s a popular neighborhood hangout, so if you’re looking for a seat, it’s best to arrive early. Check the restaurant’s social media pages for a live music schedule. And definitely order a porketta sandwich when you’re there.

JAX CAFE, 1928 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-789-7297; jaxcafe.com: Classic steakhouse with a zen-like garden and koi pond in the back is a place to get your “om” and filet mignon on.

KENDALL’S TAVERN & CHOPHOUSE, 12800 Bunker Prairie Road N.W., Coon Rapids; 763-755-1234; kendallstc.com: Restaurant at Bunker Hills Golf Club includes a sizable deck looking out onto sprawling greenery.

KHUE’S KITCHEN, 693 Raymond Ave., St. Paul; 612-600-9139; khueskitchen.com: Nosh on chef Eric Pham’s famous spicy fried chicken sandwich, phenomenal chicken salad or sublime jicama sticky ribs on this well-appointed upper-deck patio in an industrial area of St. Paul. A great spot to take gluten-free or vegetarian and vegan diners.

LA GROLLA, 452 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-221-1061; la-grolla.com: Friendly neighborhood Cathedral Hill spot is a place to eat pasta while sitting on a patio lined with flower beds. Flowering trees add to the vibrant colors.

LUCI ANCORA, 2060 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; 651-698-6889; luciancora.com: During the pandemic, Luci Ancora was allowed to add tables on the property along the concrete sidewalk right next to the building facing the parking lot. They amped it up by repairing the parking lot and sidewalk that includes brick pavers, planters, colorful umbrellas and rechargeable lights illuminating each table. The result: a quaint, charming patio with a country European/Italian feel, a perfect complement to the menu.

MALCOLM YARDS, 501 30th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-886-1022; malcolmyards.market: Fire pits and Adirondack chairs in the front, more utilitarian picnic tables with planters as a border in the back. Great place to meet friends with a variety of dietary needs — find everything from stellar burgers to Detroit-style pizza to Bangkok burritos from World Street Kitchen. Full bar, but also a beer and wine wall for quick self-service.

MANCINI’S CHAR HOUSE, 531 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-224-7345; mancinis.com: Before, the patio area at this longtime institution was just an afterthought, functioning more as a smoking den than anything. That all changed during the pandemic when Mancini’s went all out and created a pretty, landscaped patio with brick flooring, tented areas for shade and flower beds for diners to have the option of dining al fresco.

MOSCOW ON THE HILL, 371 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-291-1236; moscowonthehill.com: Neighborhood spot with wood deck with tents, string lights and colorful cushions attracts regulars from Cathedral Hill and beyond. Russian fare such as pelmeni, cabbage rolls and house-infused vodkas are also a draw.

MUCCI’S, 786 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; 651-330-2245; muccisitalian.com: The side yard of this West Seventh neighborhood gem is an outdoor oasis, complete with a full privacy fence, pergola, hanging planters and even a waiting area. The restaurant has added a full bar in recent years, too, so enjoy a negroni with your house-made pasta or pizza.

NICO’S TACOS ON COMO, 2260 Como Ave., St. Paul; 651-450-8848; nicostacobar.com: This Mexican restaurant in St. Anthony Park continues the reputation of its predecessor, Muffuletta, in having a front patio that quickly attracts a crowd on warm weather days. After all, the open-air patio is still a great place to catch some rays, and greenery still fills the landscape — this time tropical-themed accents such as banana leaf, birds of paradise and agave plants. And bonus: In addition to the popular patio in the front, there’s also a quaint backyard courtyard that transports you to Europe.

NINA’S COFFEE CAFE, 165 Western Ave., St. Paul; 651-292-9816: This longtime institution on Cathedral Hill added a new sidewalk patio during the pandemic. It’s all thanks to supporters stepping up while restaurants were struggling — Nina’s received an up-to-$5,000 match from an anonymous customer. Some of the money helped create a 30-seat patio with umbrellas, planters and more.

PATRICK McGOVERN’S, 225 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-224-5821; patmcgoverns.com: A retractable roof is part of this pretty, three-tiered, landscaped patio, making the casual hangout a place to come rain or shine.

PORZANA, 200 N. First St., Minneapolis; 612-489-6174; porzanampls.com: Daniel del Prado’s new North Loop steakhouse, which swapped out the upscale Midwestern quirk of the Bachelor Farmer for the Argentinian chef’s trademark creative elegance, makes excellent use of a slim alleyway for a charming European-style patio. It’s a splurge, to be sure — a single 6-oz entrana (like skirt steak; juicy, beefy, perfectly seared) with chimichurri, a side of crispy oven-roasted potatoes with smoky red pepper sauce and a pair of cocktails topped $100 — but the top-notch service and overhead twinkle lights make for a transporting patio experience.

RED RABBIT, two locations, 788 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-444-5995; and 201 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-767-8855; redrabbitmn.com: The centrally located Red Rabbit in St. Paul sports a quaint patio with a fireplace where you can take in the action along Grand Avenue while sipping on aperol spritzes and negronis and dining rustic Italian fare. The original patio has been spruced up and expanded, with nicer seating that wraps around the back of the restaurant. The original Red Rabbit, in Minneapolis’ North Loop, is also a hot spot for dining al fresco with its spacious patio with plenty of tables and lounge areas with, of course, red cushions.

POTLUCK, Rosedale Center, 1595 Minnesota 36, Roseville; 651-330-3064; potluckmn.com: Rosedale Center’s food hall includes a 60-seat patio. That way, you can order from one of the handful of food and beverage concepts inside, and then take it outside.

RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL, 4940 U.S. 61 N., White Bear Lake; 651-653-6718; rudysredeye.com: Rooftop terrace with colorful tents, comfy wicker chairs and banana-leaf palm trees make snowbirds feel like they never left Florida. On top of that, the menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish, steaks and chops should have something for everyone.

SHAMROCK’S PUB AND GRILL, 995 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-228-9925; crshamrocks.com: A bright spot of the pandemic was that places that were usually so busy that they barely have time to catch their breath finally tackled their patio projects. Shamrock’s added a sweet little space with pavers, built-in wooden booths, picnic tables and a brand new bar that opens to the outside, with a separate indoor lounge in case of inclement weather. There’s a flowering tree planted in the corner of the space, too.

SMORGIE’S, 127 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-204-5096; smorgiesbar.com: The affordable spot across from the Xcel Energy Center has adopted a new motto: “It’s not too terrible.” The very Minnesotan compliment-ish also applies to the patio, which is nothing fancy. If the restaurant is busy, you might have to order food (via QR code) inside and carry it out yourself to some of the metal tables or lounge chairs alongside the building, or to the walk-up bar. Not a destination patio, exactly, but if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat outside before heading to the X, Smorgie’s will do the trick.

ST. PAUL TAP, 825 Jefferson Ave., St. Paul; 651-227-6315; stpaultapmn.com: The 2,000-square-foot patio includes a full-service bar along with booth-and-table seating that accommodates shaded or sunny areas. Catch a Twins game under the stars on one of the many televisions.

SAJI-YA/EMMETT’S, 701 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-225-8248; sajiya.com and emmettspublichouse.com: These two restaurants share a space abutting Grand Avenue. Wrought iron fencing, hanging plants and plenty of greenery make you forget you’re on a busy urban street. Both restaurants have decent cocktails and whether you’re craving sushi or fish and chips, they’ve got you covered.

STOCKYARDS TAVERN & CHOP HOUSE, 456 S. Concord Exchange, South St. Paul; 651-350-7743; stockyardstc.com: Tucked-away but sprawling patio features fire tables at nearly every seat, outdoor bar, umbrellas, a pergola and a large high-top table made from reclaimed

barn wood. Adjacent to wooded area that makes you feel like you’re far from the city. Big menu that includes some of the best rotisserie chicken we’ve tasted and a full bar.

THE ‘WICK PUB & GRILL, 9555 Wedgewood Drive, Woodbury; 651-294-3160; thewickpubgrill.com: Prestwick Golf Club restaurant spotlights from-scratch pub fare. The stone deck with its signature orange umbrellas and views of the golf course greenery are as popular as ever. Potted plants, flower beds and a stream also make for a picturesque setting.

THE TAVERN GRILL, several metro locations, including 772 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, 651-578-3000; 10950 Club West Parkway, Blaine, 763-398-8100; 3561 Lexington Ave., Arden Hills, 651-478-4450; and 15435 Founders Lane, Apple Valley, 952-683-1222; thetaverngrill.com: Tavern Grill draws regulars not only for its wide-ranging menu — casual burgers and pizzas as well as fancy steak and seafood — but also for its elaborately landscaped patios. Fireplaces, lounge areas, waterfalls and wrap-around bars are part of dining al fresco at Tavern Grill, depending on the restaurant location.

TRIA, 5959 Centerville Road, North Oaks; 651-426-9222; triarestaurant.com: Take in nature at this popular dinner and Sunday brunch spot on the former farm of railroad mogul James J. Hill. The menu changes seasonally. Edison bulbs strung across the entire patio means it is no longer pitch black when the sun sets, so patrons get some extra patio time each night.

WASHINGTON SQUARE BAR AND GRILL, 4736 Washington Ave., White Bear Lake; 651-407-7162; washingtonsquareonline.net: This patio regularly makes the list in our annual readers’ patio picks and it’s easy to see why. This spacious deck in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake sports a fun vibe and a delicious menu of American- and Mexican-influenced fare at affordable prices.

WELLS ROADSIDE, 3712 Quebec Ave. S., St. Louis Park; 952-277-7777; wellsroadside.com: This “drive-in” is basically a counter-service, year-round patio, with a metal roof and retractable sides. The inexpensive burgers (seriously, a single is $6.99!), shakes and soft-serve cones make it feel like summer no matter the weather. The Oklahoma smash, with thinly sliced onions smashed into the burger, is crave-worthy. The patio is extremely dog-friendly (they serve a special sundae just for the canine set) so expect to see some well-behaved pooches.

YUM! KITCHEN AND BAKERY, several metro locations, including 164 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651-615-1230; or 8340 City Centre Drive, Woodbury; 651-603-4444; yumkitchen.com: One of our favorite lunch spots in St. Paul has an indoor-outdoor space that features a screen to keep out the rain if the weather is bad but you still really want some fresh air. And in Woodbury, brightly colored flowers and whimsical pinwheels surround a lovely 60-seat space with giant red umbrellas for shade. Counter-service model serves homey but delicious sandwiches, salads and plated dishes, including the best tuna melt in town, served on a house-made English muffin. Save room for dessert — all the baked goods here are delicious.

YUMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT + BAR, 400 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-207-6810; yumisushibar.com: This patio is so cute and the food so delicious that we almost don’t want to tell you about one of St. Paul’s best-kept al fresco dining secrets. In addition to a sizable indoor dining room, this Cathedral Hill spot features a more-than-30-seat outdoor dining space with bamboo and teak accents. A private, fenced-in patio offers some privacy from the hustle and bustle of Selby Avenue. The space is just the right backdrop for dining on sushi rolls, sashimi plates, noodle dishes and teriyaki and tempura platters.

ZAMBONI’S ON 7TH, 174 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-225-2999; zambonison7th.com: Familiar name, new location: With Eagle Street Grille gone, pizza joint Zamboni’s joined forces with The Loon Cafe to move into the large corner spot across from the Xcel Energy Center and expand their Italian-influenced menu. Sports bar vibes reign supreme inside, but the semi-secluded back patio captures a quaint, weathered charm that feels like old St. Paul.

See and be seen

BOROUGH RESTAURANT AND PARLOUR BAR, 730 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-354-3135; boroughmpls.com: Be a part of the North Loop action at this contemporary restaurant with a spacious dockside patio with a bar. Or grab one of the sidewalk seats out front.

BUTCHER’S TALE, 1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-236-4075; butcherstale.com: Downtown Minneapolis’ most magical outdoor space has reopened with a new owner and new name, but the original butcher (chef Peter Botcher) from Butcher & The Boar is back, this time helming the kitchen. The meat-centric menu is as good as ever.

COLITA, 5400 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-886-1606; colitampls.com: Colita serves some of the best contemporary Mexican fare and cocktails around, and the hot spot comes with two patios to sit back and relax on. A few tables on the sidewalk are available, but the majority of the restaurant’s 46 patio seats can be found in an enclosed space on the east side of the building. Plants, wood accents and a pergola for shade add to the charm. Garage doors adjoin the indoor and outdoor dining areas.

DARIO, 323 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-614-2560; dariorestaurant.com: This North Loop hot spot brings its ’80s color palette outdoors with seafoam green tables surrounded by fencing, planters and trees. Chef Joe Rolle is serving up not-so-classic Italian dishes, getting creative with vegetables, meats, and especially the best-in-class house-made pastas.

EMBER & ICE, Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan; 651-689-9800; omnihotels.com/hotels/viking-lakes-minnesota: The contemporary Ember & Ice, the Omni Vikings Lakes Hotel second-floor patio connected to Ember & Ice lounge, boasts several seating areas, firepits, its own bar and a great view overlooking the Vikings practice field. All this while being able to enjoy a great cocktail and food list. The vibe in the lounge takes on Icelandic culture of the North, and that philosophy extends onto the patio.

FOREPAUGH’S, 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-666-3636; forepaughs.com: This gorgeous mansion just outside of downtown St. Paul is as good, or maybe better, than ever, and surrounded by quaint outdoor spaces, including a few front-porch tables, some on the front lawn and the coveted second-floor terrace, just a few feet from where the servant who allegedly haunts the place met her untimely demise in the 1880s. The house-made pastas and elegant meat and fish dishes are special-occasion worthy, and the bar menu includes plenty of options for a quick, pre-event meal, including a fantastic burger.

HEWING HOTEL ROOFTOP BAR AND LOUNGE, 300 Washington Ave. N. Minneapolis; 651-468-0400; hewinghotel.com: Contemporary rooftop bar and lounge at the Hewing Hotel has a spectacular view of the city. Not only that, the food and drinks are always reliable.

JOAN’S IN THE PARK, 631 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651-690-3297; joansinthepark.com: We’re loving the creative use of concrete space next to this tasting-menu-only gem in Highland Park. Outdoor rugs, white tablecloths, a privacy fence with cute shaded windows and twinkly lights set the ambiance for your special occasion or just Friday-after-a-long-week dinner.

THE LEXINGTON, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-289-4990; thelexmn.com: The 80-seat rooftop retreat offers plenty of choices for sun or shade. An upstairs bar and kitchen guarantee that drinks and food come out at just the right pace. A second-floor private event space seating up to 120 people is also available.

LOUIS RISTORANTE & BAR, 211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-3476; cossettas.com: Located off the third-floor sit-down Italian restaurant, the large terrace has its own bar, pretty Italian villa accents and flower beds. And then there’s the gorgeous view of the Cathedral of St. Paul. For something more low-key, the second-floor wrap-around patio is part of the more casual Cossetta restaurant.

MAISON MARGAUX, 224 First St. N., Minneapolis; 612-900-1800; maisonmargauxmpls.com: What might be chef David Fhima’s most personal restaurant yet, the stunning new Maison Margaux in Minneapolis’ North Loop has Parisian style in spades, including on its outdoor terrace, which sports a pretty pergola, classic bistro chairs and strings of lights for ambiance. The classic French cuisine here — they even have frog legs — is dynamite, as are the cocktails. There’s also a very eclectic, very large wine list.

MERITAGE, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670;