Greater Minnesota's Best Patio Dining

This quirky outdoor space features a dockside patio with a fireplace and a pontoon-like seating area for diners. Located in Dorset, dubbed the “Restaurant Capital of the World” due to its number of restaurants per capita.

This expansive deck offers stellar views of the Greenway trail system, Sorlie Bridge, the Red River, and downtown Grand Forks. Find burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, entrees, and more made fresh daily. Try their Reuben topped with kimchi, walleye cooked to your liking, and more.

BoomTown's three brewpubs — in Hibbing, Duluth and Eveleth — are ready for even the roughest weather with their large, heated patios and a crowd-pleasing menu of soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

Enjoy a stellar view of the Chankaska Creek Ranch vineyard from a tasting deck surrounded by bonfire pits and lush plants. Dine on wood-fired pizzas, antipasti, and more while sipping their wine and cocktails.

Tucked away in the trees is Disgruntled Brewing’s patio, cornhole sets, and plenty of Adirondack chairs to relax and enjoy one of their local brews. Local food vendors, food trucks, and more swing by periodically, including popular Midwest chain Pizza Ranch.  

Although it's steps away from Lake Superior — tucked between shops in the small town of Grand Marais — this charming patio makes you feel like you’re in the middle of New England. Order fish and chips, clam strips, fish tacos, fried shrimp, buttermilk cheese curds, chowder and more at this iconic spot along the North Shore.

Specializing in wood-fired pizzas and beer, Forager Brewery is a great spot for a night out. Every dish is made with locally sourced ingredients. The patio is surrounded by a beautiful wood pergola. If beer isn’t your thing, grab a coffee drink, smoothie or fresh-pressed juice from their attached cafe.

This large cidery, restaurant, and winery in Spring Valley offers charcuterie boards, brick-oven pizzas, and more that pair perfectly with their popular Loon Juice cider, Four Daughters wine, and Traditionalist bourbons.

This spot in the popular biking town of Crosby boasts a water wall, wishing pond, fire pit, landscaped gardens, live music, and more. Find craft pizzas, sandwiches, entrees, soups, salads, grain bowls, and more, then tackle the trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

Sip craft beverages or play a game of volleyball in Jordan's large sand-pit courts or catch live music. The large patio offers dozens of tables, charming twinkle lights, and plenty of spots to soak up the sun while dining on their expansive menu.

Located next to a historic granite quarry, Molitor’s offers unique views and is a great spot to relax after a hike. Plus, it’s dog friendly. On their grounds they also offer unique events throughout the year including bonfires, trout fishing, Halloween celebrations, and sleigh rides.

With its log-cabin exterior, bonfire pits, and cozy menu, The Piggy BBQ has great Minnesota vibes. With expanded locations in Thief River Falls and Walker, add this growing chain to your list. Dine on BBQ classics like burnt ends, pulled pork, and brisket, along with plenty of sides; you won’t go hungry.

With nearly half of the patio covered by a porch roof, this spot offers shade in the summer and heat on chilly nights. Its expansive patio bar offers a fireplace, waterfall wall, two fire pits, and more. Find burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and more at this popular bar and grill.

Featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives" for its fresh tacos, sandwiches and rice bowls, this spot is a must-try. Doubly so due to its next-door neighbors (Junkyard Brewing Company) and a shared large, shady patio that welcomes dogs and families alongside its laid-back menu and drinks.

This dog-friendly brewery in Luverne offers Minnesota’s favorite frozen pizza (Heggie's), locally raised and processed meat sticks, artisan potato chips, Caroll Street Treats, and gourmet ice cream sandwiches in addition to its rotating selection of local food trucks. Sip an MN-made beer on their expansive patio.

This Duluth brewery boasts one of the best patios in town, featuring a large wood pergola, cafe lights, and planters. It’s a charming spot to dine on wood-fired pizzas and drink their award-winning beers. It’s also dog-friendly, and they offer bonfire pits on cooler nights.

Read our waterfront dining recommendations, and more spring and summer picks.