![Isaac Bar, clockwise from left, of Minneapolis, Tyler Smith, of Minneapolis, and Micah Berman of St. Louis Park eat and drink on the patio at Maynards in Excelsior on Tuesday, July 1, 2015. ] LEILA NAVIDI leila.navidi@startribune.com /](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BHYHXGQ7745G2OJUT5LAVX7WEU.jpg?&w=1080)
It's Greek To Me
New ownership has rejuvenated this Lyn-Lake anchor. The restaurant's roomy patio — which has been drawing diners since 1984 — continues to be the well appointed, off-the-sidewalk refuge it has always been. Drop by on Wednesdays, when prices on by-the-glass wines drop by $2. Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, lunch Saturday and Sunday.
626 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-825-9922, itsgreektomemn.com
Maynards
Yes, there are other patios overlooking Lake Minnetonka, but none matches the impressive combination of lake views and sheer size (capacity: 500!) that is the sunny "wharf" at Maynards. The menu is pulled from the familiar burgers/wraps/salads circuit; the bar's summer-party output includes colorful warm-weather cocktails. Lunch and dinner, daily.
685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior, 952-470-1800, maynards-excelsior.com
Washington Square Bar & Grill
Charming downtown White Bear Lake boasts a number of outdoor dining options, but the neighborhood's gold standard is the handsome, comfortable patio at this well-run, crowd-pleasing destination. The menu covers all kinds of bases, from small plates and craft beers to jumbo breakfasts and half-pound burgers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily.
4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, 651-407-7162, washingtonsquareonline.net
