Three primo patios.

With its made-for-summer design, the dining room at Loring Kitchen & Bar embraces the outdoors — and the green sweep of Loring Park — in a major way, and that's not even considering the restaurant's roomy patio. Weekend brunch, with its Benedicts, $10 bottomless Mimosas and changes-each-week waffles, is particularly pleasant. And popular (Hint: Make a reservation).

1359 Willow St., Mpls., 612-843-0400, www.loringkitchen.com

Watch the fountains spray away from the vantage point of the super-deluxe deck at the Eden Prairie outlet of Redstone American Grill. Seriously, the place is so great-looking that the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce should feature it on marketing materials. The menu's well-composed roster of All-American favorites more than matches the surroundings.

8000 Eden Road, Eden Prairie, 952-903-9500, www.redstonegrill.com

The hidden patio at Moscow on the Hill has a definite in-the-know vibe. Diners can select from a long list of Russian favorites, and the bar, not surprisingly, is Vodka Central, specializing in flights and martinis of many stripes. There are plenty of noteworthy food- and drink-deals to be had during happy hour(s), which run from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, plus 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

371 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-291-1236, www.moscowonthehill.com

RICK NELSON