Minnesota Star Tribune

Patios: Off the beaten path

By Tom Horgen

July 1, 2011 at 5:28PM
T.J. Reinartz and Denise Rahne from St. Paul, enjoy patio dining at the Ngon Vietnamese Bistro in St. Paul. Leslie Hoffman brings them their dinner order. Owner Hai Truong uses local sources for the dishes the restaurant prepares.
The garden patio at Ngon Vietnamese Bistro in St. Paul. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

If huge crowds and long waits don't fit into your idea of summer fun, try one of these underrated patios.

PIZZA LUCÉ HOPKINS

What's to like: The newest location of this beloved pizza spot covers its patio with a beautiful overhead pergola and features a walk-up bar.

Surprise: The restaurant is right on the speedy Cedar Lake trail, making it a popular stop for cyclists who can ride all the way from downtown Minneapolis.

Info: 210 N. Blake Road, Hopkins. 952-767-0854. www.pizzaluce.com

NGON VIETNAMESE BISTRO

What's to like: The owner of this Frogtown favorite built a mini-oasis out of brick and wood behind the restaurant, complete with herb garden and fountain.

Surprise: Ngon is the only Vietnamese restaurant with an extensive all-Minnesota tap list -- a dozen of the very best from Surly, Lift Bridge, Summit and more.

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

LORING PASTA BAR

What's to like: Forget the sidewalk cafe. The setting here is a hidden deck near the top of this Dinkytown restaurant. With only six tables, it's about as romantic as it gets.

Surprise: It's so under-the-radar you almost have to know the secret handshake to get up there. Call ahead for availability.

Info: 327 14th Av. SE., Mpls. 612-378-4849. www.loringpastabar.com.

TOM HORGEN

Provided by Loring Pasta Bar Loring Pasta Bar�s rooftop patio.
Loring Pasta Bar rooftop patio. Loring Pasta Bar�s rooftop patio. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Tom Horgen

Assistant Managing Editor/Audience

Tom Horgen is the Assistant Managing Editor/Audience, leading the newsroom to build new, exciting ways to reach readers across all digital platforms.

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