THE HOT FIVE Restaurant patios were made for June weekends.

ACQUA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

Two marvelous outdoor venues: A snug deck off the dining room, and a lovely lakeside patio. Two great deals: A design-your-own three-course dinner for $30, and an early happy hour (4 to 5 p.m.) where all bottled wines are half-price.

4453 Lake Av. S., White Bear Lake, 651-407-7317, www.acquawbl.com

BRODERS' PASTA BAR

This is what warm weather is all about: A seat at the handsome outdoor bar, an enviable Italian wine list and a parade of tasty, inexpensive small plate items.

5000 Penn Av. S., Mpls., 612-925-9202, www.broders.com

CAFE LURCAT AND BAR LURCAT

The bar's great-looking patio, which overlooks beautifully revitalized Loring Park, is tailor-made for enjoying some of the city's best sliders as well as cinnamon-dusted mini doughnuts, miso-glazed sea bass, duck pot stickers and other affordable delights.

1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500, www.damico.com

DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB & RESTAURANT

Nicollet Mall's roomiest and best-looking sidewalk cafe is the place to savor chef Jack Riebel's smartly executed New American fare. Select your own three-course dinner (starter, entree, dessert) for $39.

1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.com

TAVERN ON FRANCE

This affordable burgers-pizza-salad spot boasts an outdoor eating and drinking destination that's so attractive it looks as if it belongs on one of Minnesota's countless lakeshores rather than a busy suburban thoroughfare.

6740 France Av. S., Edina, 952-358-6100, www.tavernonfrance.com

RICK NELSON