The past few weeks have been so beautiful that it’s hard to believe that Memorial Day is still a few days away!

But it’s true — we still have a solid block of months in which to spend every possible minute outdoors. And that includes dining.

Our annual guide includes 17 new, updated (or just new to our list) outdoor spaces that we visited over the year.

While we know you can’t wait to get out there and try them all, we’d also like to encourage you to be patient as restaurants staff up for the season. In some cases, menus and hours might be limited, and staffing shortages mean you might be waiting a little longer (hopefully in the sunshine!) for your food or drinks.

Here’s this year’s guide:

New kids on the block

The upper deck patio at Forepaugh’s in St. Paul has a lovely view. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Neighborhood spots

Whimsical plantings, bright flowers and fun pinwheels adorn the new Yum! Bakery patio in Woodbury. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Spots to see and be seen

Spring pea pancakes at Meritage in downtown St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

Along the water and scenic

The patio at Pier 500 in Hudson, Wis. (Jace Frederick / Pioneer Press)

Breweries, distilleries and wineries

Cocktails on the patio at Tattersall Distilling in River Falls, Wis. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

And one coming soon…

A plaza patio will open at Union Depot’s 1881 Eating House soon. (Courtesy of West Design)

1881 EATING HOUSE, Union Depot, 214 E. Fourth St., St. Paul, #110; 952-698-1881; 1881eatinghouse.com: The main restaurant in Union Depot in downtown St. Paul changed its name recently to more reflect the casual, yet elevated vibe the team is going for. They’re also about to add a patio on the Union Depot plaza, as soon as the city permitting process is complete.

ALSO:

Here are our readers’ picks for 2025 best patios in the Twin Cities.

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