DAY BY DAY CAFE

Breakfast and lunch daily, best enjoyed in the cafe's pretty garden. Early birds eat very well -- two eggs, two pancakes, bacon or sausage for $4.75 -- between 6 and 7 a.m. weekdays.

477 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-227-0654, www.daybyday.com

JAX CAFE

This granddaddy of dining patios remains one of the city's best, a private, leafy getaway, complete with trout stream. Check out the $20.10 special: an 8-oz. sirloin, a house salad, au gratin potatoes and a chocolate sundae, served at lunch daily and at dinner Sunday through Thursday.

1928 University Av. NE., Mpls., 612-789-7297, www.jaxcafe.com

NORTHEAST SOCIAL

What a sweet stretch of sidewalk tables, a lovely urban venue to enjoy chef Edward Hayes Jr.'s flavorful, uncomplicated cooking. Now serving weekday lunch.

359 13th Av. NE., Mpls., 612-877-8111, www.northeastsocial.com

PSYCHO SUZI'S MOTOR LOUNGE AND TIKI GARDEN

Suzi's low-brow (in an amusing way) tiki-inspired patio is the place to enjoy retro snacks (tater tots, deviled eggs, cheese curds), ßpizzas and crazy-fun cocktails.

2519 Marshall St. NE., Mpls., 612-788-9069, www.psychosuzies.com

SPOONRIVER

A chic sidewalk setting, popular with Guthrie-goers, for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

750 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-436-2236, www.spoonriver.com

RICK NELSON