The outdoor seating at Bar Lurcat is appealing for its green-swept Loring Park views and the D'Amico-savvy service. But there's also the food. Chef Adam King's menu ranks among the top local spots for bar bites, including some of the city's tastiest burgers, divine miso-marinated sea bass and you'll-never-eat-just one mini-doughnuts.
- 1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500, www.damico.com
There's a lively stretch of tables on the sidewalk in front of Meritage, where St. Paulites in the know gather for chef Russell Klein's festive and flavorful French cooking. The urbane setting -- love those Landmark Center views -- are a bonus. Can't stop for lunch or dinner? Then drop by the crêpe stand, open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
- 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670, www.meritage-stpaul.com
The lavishly appointed patios at Porter Creek Hardwood Grill will set off a serious case of outdoor living envy: great-looking (and comfortable) furniture, fancy water features, blazing fire pits and more landscaping than the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Here's what to order: slow-braised lamb shank, flatbreads, rotisserie chicken and panna cotta.
- 14201 Burngarten Dr., Burnsville, 952-698-1888, www.portercreek.com
