Best Patios In Minneapolis

After months and months of long, winter days, when the weather finally perks up Minnesotans are the first to head outside and take advantage.

And for me, nothing quite says summer like sipping on a nice, cool drink while sitting at a hip Minneapolis patio. Minneapolis is perfect for patios with endless skyscrapers lending ultimate rooftop views.

But instead of wasting your time figuring out where to go, check out a few of the best in our list below. These are just 10 of the top, not the top 10 so don't be fooled if you don't see your favorite. It's a challenge to narrow it down to just 10, so feel free to leave a comment and let us know what makes your list.

There's a ton of places to do some patio partying, so consider these as just a snippet of our favorites. But don't delay – summer won't last forever!

Joe's Garage

1610 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-904-1163
Directory | Website

For a place named after a garage, this restaurant and bar has a great outdoor view. The patio, which sits atop its trendy Loring Park location, gives customers a great view of Minneapolis, the park and the foliage that surrounds it. At night when the sun goes down, strings of delicate lights illuminate a perfect evening outdoors.

Brit's Pub & Eating

1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-3908
Directory | Website

Sure, you might be saying this is an obvious choice, but hey, Brit's does downtown patio living like no other. The patio not only wraps around the gigantic green space but it's two levels. If that's not enough I have two words: Lawn bowling. Need I say more?

Seven Sushi Ultralounge and Skybar

700 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-238-7777
Directory | Website

With a rooftop patio that wraps around a center bar, Seven Sushi Ultralounge and Skybar is the perfect spot to start your night out on the town or grab some great sushi during happy hour. If things get a bit too chilly at night, Seven gets things crackling with a posh open fire pit.

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge

2519 Marshall St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-788-9069
Directory | Website

Take a trip to a tropical island, without leaving the city at Psycho Suzi's. Here, paradise is always open for business and grass skirts are welcomed, if not encouraged. Make the experience complete by ordering off Psycho Suzi's tiki drink menu.

Jax Cafe

1928 University Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-789-7927
Directory | Website

Jax Cafe could almost be called Relax Cafe. The earthy green atmosphere of this outdoor patio is perfect for those wanting to step away from city life for a few moments of rest and relaxation.

(tie): Vic's Dining and Tuggs Tavern

201 Main St. SE and 219 Main St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-312-2000
Vic's Dining | Tuggs Tavern
Directory

Vic's is located on the Minneapolis riverfront, making it a perfect combo of city skyline meets nature. Right next door, Tuggs Tavern nearly shares this patio space and offers a bit more relaxed atmosphere, making the two in a tight race for who's better. Either spot is great for people watching and don't forget the outdoor concert series on hot summer weekends.

Stella's Fish Cafe

1400 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-824-TUNA
Directory | Website

For the Uptown area, Stella's is well known for its expansive outdoor patio. Located on the fish cafe's rooftop, this summer spot has a great view of Uptown and turns into quite the light show once the sun tucks away for the night. It also transforms nicely from that nighttime party on the patio to a toasty sun-soaked lunch spot.

Solera

900 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-338-0062
Directory | Website

Truth be told, the climb to Solera's rooftop patio is somewhat exhausting (perhaps that's just because I'm out of shape). But once you make it to the top, the view is well worth it. Plus, during the summer, Solera projects summer movies on the rooftop, giving you the option to enjoy a flick, without the guilt of being indoors during a perfect summer night.

Nicollet Island Inn

95 Merriam St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-331-6528
Directory | Website

You may know Nicollet Island for its cozy, luxurious hotel but for those looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the sunshine, it's hidden gem of a patio is divine. With views of the Minneapolis skyline and the flowing Mississippi, this patio is a great, quiet spot to get away from the buzz of the city.

Black Forest Inn

1 E. 26th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-872-0423
Directory | Website

Black Forest Inn is a historic institution, one that celebrates its humble beginnings and offers a great breath of classic dining in an otherwise up-and-coming EatStreet location. The patio is hidden from the public's eye, giving it a great shaded area with peeks of sunshine and a calming artistic fountain.