Fresh takes on al fresco

With summer here, I'm declaring a personal moratorium on eating and drinking indoors. Bring on the bees and the balmy summer months: I pledge to drink outdoors, eat outdoors and socialize under the stars until the snow falls.

It's no secret, Minnesotans have a passion for patios. One could almost call it an obsession -- or at the very least, a predisposition for communally imbibing whenever the mercury rises above 45 degrees.

Luckily, the Twin Cities scene is home to a great number of worthy patios, from rooftop (Brit's, Stella's) to classic (W.A. Frost, Jax) to lakeside (Lord Fletcher's). This summer, a few new spots are out to make a name for themselves.

Here are five patios that I'm excited about. They run the gamut from a small Asian eatery that flew under the radar last summer to this season's next blockbuster rooftop bar.

Loring Kitchen Al fresco: Located on picturesque Loring Park, this restaurant was tailor-made for park views. Sitting under the flashy Eitel apartments, the Loring Kitchen has filled the building's courtyard with high- and low-top tables, which overlook a cluster of evergreens on the park's rim. And don't forget about the open-air portico, basically a four-season glass porch running the length of the dining room. Look for live music and outdoor cooking later this summer.

Best seat: The courtyard is comfy, but the porch actually gives you a wider view of the park.

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

Pittsburgh Blue Al fresco: In Maple Grove, this steakhouse is known as the less expensive cousin to downtown's Manny's. After three years, its owners finally built a patio they think will be the envy of their drab suburban neighbors. While it's located at a busy interchange, the sprawling patio is barricaded by walls of trees and capped with a heavy-duty wooden trellis. Check it out during the daily late-night happy hour (starts 8 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., all day Sun.).

Best seat: Right next to the soothing sounds of the patio's fountain (which helps drown out the traffic noise).

Info: 11900 Main St. N., Maple Grove. 763-416-2663. www.pittsburgh bluesteak .com.

Ngon Vietnamese Bistro Al fresco: The Frogtown section of St. Paul isn't exactly swimming in outdoor patios. But at this sleek Vietnamese dining destination, the garden patio feels like a mini-oasis on the University Avenue strip. Built last year, its cocoon-like setting is walled off from the street by a high wooden fence and topped with a trellis and large umbrellas. The fresh digs (you'll find herbs growing back here) go even better with an order of fresh spring rolls, a vermicelli noodle bowl and any number of the 13 local beers on tap.

Best seat: There's not a bad seat in the house.

Info: 799 W. University Av., St. Paul. 651-222-3301. www.ngonbistro.com.

Kieran's Irish Pub Al fresco: Bellanotte's massive patio sat dormant for much of last summer after the Block E nightspot shut down. What was far and away the most attractive street-level patio on 1st Avenue reopened in March under the guise of the relocated Kieran's. The virtues of this outdoor expanse are no secret to the thousands of Twins fans who have ransacked the pub during home games. Owner Kieran Folliard said he plans to add some more Irish detail to his sidewalk lair.

Best seat: On a busy night, any seat is a good seat -- if you can get one.

Info: Block E, corner of 6th St. and 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-339-4499. www.kierans.com.

The Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group Al fresco: So goes the name of restaurant magnate Phil Roberts' latest endeavor. Set to open June 15 in Calhoun Square, the restaurant's "skybar" is sure to be this summer's hit outdoor attraction. Attached to the side of the building is a flashy glass elevator (Roberts called it a "beacon") that will whisk bargoers upstairs. With cedar covering almost every inch of it, the rooftop features several lounge areas, plus a long covered bar. The "wow factor" is the view. Like Stella's (which sits across the street), the Cafeteria has a panoramic view of downtown Minneapolis. Let the rooftop wars begin?

Best seat: The best seat isn't a seat at all, but a coveted spot along the 50-foot railing that eyes the skyline and the street below.

Info: Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-877-7263. www.uptowncafeteria.com.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909