Now that Minnesota is off to a beautiful spring season, it’s our obligation to enjoy outdoor life after a long winter. In a foodie paradise like Minneapolis, there’s no better way to celebrate the fresh air than by enjoying a meal (and perhaps a libation or two) on a patio under the sun.

We reviewed various local publications and surveyed Minneapolis residents to get these picks for some of the “COOLest” Minneapolis restaurants with patios.

From Downtown to Uptown to neighborhood favorites, here are the seven spots that made our list of best patios in Minneapolis:

1. Hola Arepa
Address: 3501 Nicollet Ave. S. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Hola Arepa)

In its 2015 list of great outdoor dining spots, Minneapolis Eater said that Hola Arepa has burst into the “stratosphere of Godlike food status.”

“If you get a seat at the coveted window outside, you’ll never want to give the spot up,” the article reads. “Birk and Christina’s playful menu is perfect for eating outdoors.”

From delectable arepas to “whimsical” desserts, Hola Arepa should be on your bucket list of restaurants—and patios—to enjoy.

2. Psycho Suzi’s

Address: 1900 Marshall St. NE in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Psycho Suzi’s Facebook page)

Psycho Suzi’s is a Nordeast treasure, featuring a Tiki bar theme, a huge menu that will make anybody’s mouth water, and—of course—a huge patio. When we asked our social media followers about their favorite Minneapolis restaurants with patios, Michael K. was the first to chime in with this suggestion. In addition, Thrillist, a food, drink and entertainment website, named the restaurant and bar as the No. 5 best outdoor drinking spot in MSP last summer. The patio fills up quite quickly, so get there early!

3. Canteen Coffee Bar

Address: 3255 Bryant Ave. S. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Canteen Coffee Bar Facebook page)

If you’re looking for a little relaxation, a cup of coffee and a place to enjoy the fresh air, Canteen Coffee Bar may be a great choice. This spot was suggested on Facebook by Lois P. who said that while it wasn’t a traditional restaurant, the cafe is situated on a “nice quiet street to hang out on.”

The menu features specialty coffee drinks and small eats such as buttered toast, Hollybars, granola parfait and macaroons. Oh, and the cafe is dog-friendly, too!

4. Sandcastle

4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Sandcastle Facebook page)

Sandcastle is truly an outdoor food and drink destination in Minneapolis, and was named as one of the best patios last year by the Pioneer Press. Set on the shores of Lake Nokomis, the restaurant offers an expansive outdoor space with many picnic tables. The restaurant boasts menu items with many local ingredients, as well as house-made items such as the Sweet Pea Falafel Wrap and Gazpacho. Diners can also enjoy a cold brew or wine with a side of sunshine.

5. Pizzeria Lola

Address: 5557 Xerxes Ave. S. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Pizzeria Lola Facebook page)

Pizzeria Lola in Southwest Minneapolis was suggested by Danny M. With a dining patio set at the front of the restaurant, diners can enjoy the sun while consuming wood-fired artisan pizzas such as The Boise, which comes topped with potatoes, gruyere and fontina cheeses, carmelized onions, olive oil and rosemary.

6.Stella’s Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar

Address: 1400 W. Lake St. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Stella’s Fish Cafe Facebook page)

Stella’s Fish Cafe is an Uptown staple, with three stories of dining—including a rooftop patio and bar that overlooks the bustling neighborhood. FourSquare recently listed it as one of the best places with a rooftop patio in Minneapolis.

7. Darby’s Pub and Grill

Address: 315 5th Ave.N. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Darby’s Pub and Grill)

Darby’s Pub and Grill, which was suggested by Morris E., is located just a block and a half from Target Field and offers a large patio to enjoy the lively downtown Minneapolis atmosphere. The full menu is served all day and features dishes such as the Pesto Chicken Melt, bacon wrapped tater tots and jumbo wings. The restaurant also offers a stellar weeknight happy hour featuring a variety of food and drink specials from $3 to $5.

8. Smack Shack

Address: 603 Washington Ave. N. in Minneapolis

(Photo Credit: Smack Shack Facebook page)

Smack Shack is a casual, coastal restaurant serving traditional American favorites—and they’re best known for their lobster-infused dishes. Of course, seafood is even tastier when you’re able to enjoy it outdoors.

“Smack Shack in the North Loop is the sport for coastal dishes and drinks before and after Twins games,” Minneapolis Eater said. “Their infamous lobster mac and cheese is the stuff dreams are made of and washing it down outside with a cold one? Yes please. The size of the outdoor patio is expansive.”

In addition, our Facebook followers mentioned a few spots that lie outside of Minneapolis, including: Cossetta’s/Bar Louie in downtown St. Paul and The Lookout in Maple Grove.

From everyone at Welter Heating, Happy Spring! We truly hope this list helps you find a spot to enjoy the beautiful weather.

To stay cool this spring and summer, contact us to order, install or repair your air conditioner. 

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