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Top Spots: Patio + Rooftop Dining

We relish the summer in Minneapolis, and one of the best places to do so fully is on one of our award-winning restaurants’ outdoor patios (or rooftops, for that matter). Find the best spots to enjoy a meal—and a cocktail—in the sun.

Solera

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city, Solera does tapas like no other. Atop their roof, you’ll get a great view of downtown, plus a great mojito to match. Bonus: the billboard on the roof facing Hennepin Avenue gives you some lovely shade, creating a little oasis in the heart of the downtown theatre district.

Joe’s Garage

Oft voted the best “patio”—it’s really a rooftop— in Minneapolis Saint Paul, Joe’s Garage is situated right on the edge of downtown, near Loring Park. You’ll get a great view of the Basilica Saint Mary (the only basilica in the nation), plus American food, reinvented: eclectic burgers, pastas, risottos and salads. Gastronomically speaking, it’s probably the most delicious rooftop out there.

Masa

If you’re in for something cosmopolitan with a twist, try this patio. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary flair, and the décor is to-die-for, equipped with—yes, outdoor—white cloth seating.

Brit’s Pub

This old stand-by’s rooftop is full of people from all walks: from business to fraternity. With expansive dining and bar space, plus lawn bowling in the summer months, you’ll have to try really hard not to have a good time.

Monte Carlo

Often on out-of-towner’s lists, this spot is clubby and boisterous and is elegant and casual at the same time. Known for its workingman’s ethic, the place holds a lot of Minneapolis history and serves down-home cooking, with offerings like pork chops, liver and onions and golden fried chicken.

McCormick & Schmicks

Known for the best happy hour deals under the sun, McCormick & Schmicks also holds one of Nicollet Mall’s most prime patio positions. Relax in the sun with over 40+ seafood options and mingle with the after-work crowd.

Moto-I

The one and only sake brewery in the country (seriously!) has one of the only non-downtown Minneapolis rooftops to match. A stone throw’s away from uptown is Moto-I, where the sake is brewed in house, and the munchies (japanese-fused) are delectable and reasonably priced.

Lord Fletcher’s

If you’re gunning to get out of the city, Fletcher’s patio is the best. Located on the swanky Lake Minnetonka, order your fish and chips and hang out all day on the docks. A great place to get flirty in the summer.