New kids on the Block

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.

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.

FOREPAUGH’S, 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-666-3636; forepaughs.com >> This newly refreshed 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.

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.

INDEED BREWING, 711 15th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-843-5090; indeedbrewing.com >> This Northeast Minneapolis brewery has really upped its patio game in the past few years, adding tented seating in the former parking lot as well as a permanent food truck. New in the past few weeks: Pizzeria Lola has taken over for the now-defunct Revival operation, offering excellent personal-sized pizzas out of an outdoor oven. Because the oven keeps the trailer so cozy, the team is hopeful they’ll be able to serve pizzas from it year-round.

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.

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.

SAJI-YA/EMMETT’S, 701 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-225-8248; sajiya.com and emmettspublichouse.com >> These two newly reopened 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.

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 $6.50!), 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.