According to dog owners, Minnesota really only has two seasons: winter and patio season. We hate leaving our furry friends home, especially when we drop a fry and get all emotional because there’s nopuppy there to snap it up. Luckily there are TONS of restaurants with amazing dog-friendly patios in the Twin Cities. Here are a few of the best, but make sure to check our directory cuz there are enough to fill up your calendar with al fresco doggy dinner dates all season long!
Aster Cafe
25 Southeast Main Street, Minneapolis
Find a prettier location to dine… we’ll wait. Located under a canopy of trees and overlooking the city skyline and mighty Mississippi, Aster Cafe is an excellent choice for a first date (you know, the kind of first date where you both bring your dogs).
Barbette
1600 W Lake St, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Say “oui” to brunch at Barbette and your only regret will be that you couldn’t try everything on the menu. This French-style brasserie uses local and sustainably farmed ingredients and welcomes pups big and small on their streetside patio.
Book Club
5411 Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis
We’re getting relaxed West Coast vibes from this California fusion eatery. Your chowhound will smell Book Club’s woodfire grill from the patio as it sizzles with salmon, sirloin, and chicken dishes. Early birds come at 8 a.m. but they’ll be servin’ delicious fare through dinner.
Brunson’s Pub
956 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul
Follow your nose to the hidden patio paradise at Brunson’s Pub. The mouth-watering pub food like fish & chips, bacon mac & cheese, and heavenly burgers will probably drive puppers crazy, but you’ll be oh-so-glad you came!
Burger Moe’s
242 7th Street West, Saint Paul
Just like your hungry hound, Burger Moe’s takes burgers VERY seriously. Bursting with flavor and accompanied by an unrivaled menu of appetizers, this place is the real deal. Fries makin’ you thirsty? They’ve got sixty (seriously, 60!) beers on tap to take care of that.
Café and Bar Lurcat
1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis
For the ultra-sophisticated hound, Café and Bar Lurcat are rolling out the white tablecloths for dog-toting patrons on the front patio. Enjoy gorgeous views of Loring Park while you dine with your fancy ‘lil princess.
Dark Horse Bar & Eatery
250 E 7th St Saint Paul
Pizza, wings, and whisky on a quaint patio tucked into an alley. Add in Bingo and a Meat Raffle and you’ve got yourself a puppin’ good time at Dark Horse Bar & Eatery. Go during Happy Hour so it won’t cost you so much when pup woofs down your pulled pork sliders.
Hai Hai
2121 University Ave NE, Minneapolis
Experience the fresh flavors of Southeast Asia on Hai Hai’s patio that was designed to feel like you’re dining on street food in Asia. On hot summer days, you’ll catch tropical vibes from their seasonal, refreshing cocktails.
Hola Arepa
3501 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis
If you haven’t tasted these Venezuelan-style stuffed arepas, made fresh every day from scratch and with love, you are majorly missing out! Grab a spot under an umbrella and sink your teeth into Hola Arepa’s delicious Latin street food.
Lake & Irving
1513 W Lake St, Minneapolis
A walk around Lake Bde Maka Ska always makes your bud’s tummy rumble. Treat him to a weekend lunch on the shaded patio at Lake & Irving where pups are welcome to marvel at culinary dishes that might actually be too good to share (don’t worry, there are dog treats, too).
Moscow on the Hill
371 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
Stroll around this enchanting Cathedral Hill neighborhood before settling in for the most authentic Russian dining experience in the Twin Cities. Moscow on the Hill specializes in European, Ukrainian, and Russian comfort foods that are sure to make doggo drool.
Pizzeria Lola
5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis
It’s a restaurant named after a gentle, pizza-loving Weimaraner… need we say more? Pizzeria Lola also boasts a flower-lined patio where pups are welcome to drool over you as you enjoy signature wood fire pizzas like the Korean BBQ, Lady Zaza, and Sunnyside.
Sea Salt Eatery
4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
If you aren’t totally swooning over Sea Salt Eatery after walking along the picturesque Minnehaha Creek, you definitely will be after tasting the freshest seafood around. This gem is only open in the summer, so savor it while you can!
Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room
2500 University Ave NE, Minneapolis
All pups receive a complimentary Peanut Butter Nilla Woofer at Stanley’s, but why stop there? Treat your bestie to a full meal off the dog menu including Nala’s Turkey Muttloaf, a Tail Chaser Dog Brew, and Homemade Pupcream for dessert.
Stray Dog
401 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
Many a stray dog have wiggled their way into our hearts, but there’s still room left for some love for Stray Dog. With dozens of menu options for every taste and diet under the sun, plus a super dog-friendly patio, this family-owned restaurant should fit right in!
The Freehouse
701 N Washington Ave #101, Minneapolis
Pup’s beggin’ for your home cooking, but that sounds like too much work right about now. Point your paws towards The Freehouse for comforting and hearty home-style meals without all the mess. Doggo wasn’t offering to do the dishes anyway.
The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar
3675 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis
The Howe might be the most well-known restaurant among Twin Cities dog lovers, and rightfully so. With a dedicated dog menu catering to the finest doggie tastes, and an ultra pup-friendly patio that’s tented and heated in the winter, you and your pal can dine year-round.
Tiny Diner
1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis
For sustainable dining, look no further than Tiny Diner. Pup’ll feel proud sitting on the patio covered by solar panels which help power the restaurant. You’ll dine on fresh, local ingredients while surrounded by greenery in this urban oasis. Everyone wins!
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