Patio season is upon us. After being cooped up all day at work, and all winter inside, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as relaxing in the sunshine out on a patio with tasty food and refreshing drinks.
Your four-legged friend might have the same sentiment, and might want to get out of the house after a long day as well. Luckily for us, we live in a dog-friendly state with plenty of patios waiting to welcome you and your pooch. Here are some of the best patios in the cities with good eats and great atmosphere that both you and your pup will love.
J & S Bean Factory
One of my favorite coffee spots in St. Paul, (and not just because they remember my drink order whenever I come in), J & S Bean Factory serves up delectable coffee and is the perfect place for some dog-spotting. Dog-lovers frequent this coffee house and I always usually spot the same tiny, fluffy orange dog who seems to be a regular here. So settle in on their expansive back patio to enjoy some coffee and quality dog-spotting or even better, bring your own pooch along for a relaxing afternoon.
Pizzeria Lola
You won’t get much more dog-friendly than a restaurant named after the chef’s own adorable Weimaraner pooch, Lola, featured in the above photo. Pizzeria Lola wholeheartedly welcome dogs on their patio and will even provide your pup with a water bowl and perhaps even a few table scraps. Not only does Pizzeria Lola love dogs but also makes incredible pizza from their wood-fire oven. And you know it’s going to be good, as Pizzeria Lola’s chef Ann Kim is one of Minnesota’s deserved James Beard Award nominees.
Sandcastle
When the weather finally turns warmer nothing beats a day at the beach. Located at the big beach on Lake Nokomis, Sandcastle is the place to meetup for a break from the water with tasty treats like their classic Nokomis Dog and BBQ Pork Sandwich, washing it down with some refreshing beer or their housemade horchata. Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you on the patio and would probably enjoy a Nokomis Dog for themselves.
Tiny Diner
A great neighborhood spot in the Powderhorn Park area, Tiny Diner serves up tasty dishes made from local food and ingredients including from their own garden next to the diner. Bring your dog to their back patio where you both can escape the city-feel surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery.
Pyscho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
With it’s over-the-top blend of tiki and kitsch, Pycho Suzi’s seems like the place where everyone will find their people. Dogs included. Their dog-friendly patio is right on the riverfront and perfect for great views and making fond memories. However, after your third rum drink those fond memories might be a little fuzzy.
Surly Brewing Company
Surly is happy to welcome your dog out onto their beer garden patio. The patio has plenty of seating and fire pits so you and your pup can enjoy a tasty Surly brew on a pleasant summer night. And be sure to tag your dog on Surly’s Instagram to show just what a good boy they are.
Aster Cafe
With one of the most scenic patios in Minneapolis, the Aster Cafe provides picturesque views alongside the Mississippi River just below the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Your dog might not appreciate the beautiful scenery as much as you (who knows?), but they’ll definitely enjoy the excitement of the bustling pedestrian traffic along the cafe’s outdoor patio. And after listening to some live music and a delicious dinner, you can take your pup for a nice stroll on the cobblestone paths along the river.
Read next: Good Dog: A Guide to Dog Park Etiquette
