These nine spots are new or new to our patio guide this year. See the rest of the Pioneer Press 2025 patio guide here.
CENTRO, four metro locations, including 1901 Minnesota 36, Roseville, and 750 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul; centrompls.com: If you had ever been to The Good Earth in Roseville, you know the massive front deck was a major draw. And the new tenant, Centro, takes full advantage of the space, with some fun new touches like disco balls! The tacos and crunchwraps, washed down with an on-tap margarita, are great summertime fare. The sidewalk terrace at the Highland location is popular and cute, too.
DARIO, 323 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-614-2560; dariorestaurant.com: This North Loop hot spot brings its ’80s color palette outdoors with seafoam green tables surrounded by fencing, planters and trees. Chef Joe Rolle is serving up not-so-classic Italian dishes, getting creative with vegetables, meats, and especially the best-in-class house-made pastas.
FOREPAUGH’S, 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-666-3636; forepaughs.com: This newly refreshed mansion just outside of downtown St. Paul is as good, or maybe better, than ever, and surrounded by quaint outdoor spaces, including a few front-porch tables, some on the front lawn and the coveted second-floor terrace, just a few feet from where the servant who allegedly haunts the place met her untimely demise in the 1880s. The house-made pastas and elegant meat and fish dishes are special-occasion worthy, and the bar menu includes plenty of options for a quick, pre-event meal, including a fantastic burger.
IE BY TRAVAIL, 4724 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-200-8397; italianeaterymsp.com: South Minneapolis rejoiced when this Italian staple returned to the fold this February with new owners — the guys behind Travail in Robbinsdale. The shaded, planter-surrounded, dinner-only patio is as pretty and popular as ever, and it doesn’t take reservations, so go early or expect a wait! The house-made pastas are worth any effort you have to make.
INDEED BREWING, 711 15th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-843-5090; indeedbrewing.com: This Northeast Minneapolis brewery has really upped its patio game in the past few years, adding tented seating in the former parking lot as well as a permanent food truck. New in the past few weeks: Pizzeria Lola has taken over for the now-defunct Revival operation, offering excellent personal-sized pizzas out of an outdoor oven. Because the oven keeps the trailer so cozy, the team is hopeful they’ll be able to serve pizzas from it year-round.
JOAN’S IN THE PARK, 631 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul; 651-690-3297; joansinthepark.com: We’re loving the creative use of concrete space next to this tasting-menu-only gem in Highland Park. Outdoor rugs, white tablecloths, a privacy fence with cute shaded windows and twinkly lights set the ambiance for your special occasion or just Friday-after-a-long-week dinner.
KHUE’S KITCHEN, 693 Raymond Ave., St. Paul; 612-600-9139; khueskitchen.com: Nosh on chef Eric Pham’s famous spicy fried chicken sandwich, phenomenal chicken salad or sublime jicama sticky ribs on this well-appointed upper-deck patio in an industrial area of St. Paul. A great spot to take gluten-free or vegetarian and vegan diners.
SAJI-YA/EMMETT’S, 701 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-225-8248; sajiya.com and emmettspublichouse.com: These two newly reopened restaurants share a space abutting Grand Avenue. Wrought iron fencing, hanging plants and plenty of greenery make you forget you’re on a busy urban street. Both restaurants have decent cocktails and whether you’re craving sushi or fish and chips, they’ve got you covered.
WELLS ROADSIDE, 3712 Quebec Ave. S., St. Louis Park; 952-277-7777; wellsroadside.com: This “drive-in” is basically a counter-service, year-round patio, with a metal roof and retractable sides. The inexpensive burgers (seriously, a single is $6.50!), shakes and soft-serve cones make it feel like summer no matter the weather. The Oklahoma smash, with thinly sliced onions smashed into the burger, is crave-worthy. The patio is extremely dog-friendly (they serve a special sundae just for the canine set) so expect to see some well-behaved pooches.
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