Curiocity: Sure Sign Of Spring? Patios Are Back
It's official -- spring is in the hiz-house. If it wasn't apparent by the sight of jacket-less workers taking to the streets, it's definitely clear by the beautiful sight of patio resurgence.
Some people have furry animals or bird watching to tell them when spring's a comin' -- we have patio preparations. Once those little tables and chairs are set up, something just lights up inside us Midwesterners. It's hard to explain -- and people in year-round warm climates clearly wouldn't understand -- but in a way, seeing an unveiled patio after a long, brutal winter is almost like the heavens above, parting the clouds to say, "It's all over. You made it. It's going to be OK now."
Think I'm being dramatic? Do I need to remind you of the snow totals we had this winter?
It's a place where Minnesotans can enjoy their two loves -- non-winter seasons and ice cold beer. Throw in a couple appetizers and you've got yourself one perfect evening.
We've picked our favorites in the past -- both in St. Paul and Minneapolis -- but just in case you're eager like me and want to get out there and enjoy some patio partying, here is just a sampling of the places ready for your outdoor adoration.
Downtown Minneapolis
Brit's, 1110 Nicollet Mall
Patio open from 11 a.m. to "whenever it starts to cools off"
Joe's Garage, 1610 Harmon Place
May be opening patio this weekend
The Local, 931 Nicollet Mall
Patio open from 11 a.m. until close
Seven, 700 Hennepin Ave.
Officially opens at 1 p.m. Friday, stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends
Café Lurcat, 1624 Harmon Place
Patio opens at 4:30 p.m.
Newsroom, 990 Nicollet Mall
Patio open at 7:30 a.m. until close
Barrio, 925 Nicollet Mall
Patio open until close
O'Donovan's Irish Pub, 700 1st Ave. N.
Sidewalk patio open until close
Uptown
Uptown Cafeteria, 3001 Hennepin Ave.
Patio open until close
Stella's, 1400 W. Lake St.
Patio open until close
moto-i, 2940 S. Lyndale Ave.
Patio open until close
Cowboy Slims, 1312 W. Lake St.
Patio open until close
Tiger Sushi, 2841 Lyndale Ave. S.
Patio will be open starting this weekend -- April 8
Northeast
Psycho Suzi's, 1900 Marshall St. NE
Patio open until close
Vic's Dining/Tuggs Tavern, 219 Main St. SE
Patio open until close
St. Paul
W.A. Frost, 374 Selby Ave.
Patio open until close, weather permitting
The Liffey, 175 W. Seventh St.
Patio to open on limited basis Saturday, fully open next weekend
Sweeney's Saloon, 96 N. Dale St.
Patio open until close, weather permitting
Billy's, 857 Grand Ave.
Patio open until 12:30 a.m.
Know of other patios that are open? Comment below and let us all know -- and save me a seat!
