APERITIF RESTAURANT & BAR

A vaguely Mediterranean menu, and a patio (complete with outdoor bar) that's as well-appointed as the restaurant's sumptuous interior. Drop by during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m. weekdays) for reduced-priced drinks and noshes.

772 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 651-578-3000,

www.aperitifrestaurant.com

CAFE 28

This Linden Hills favorite has a small but pretty patio, where diners dig into an eclectic menu (burgers four ways, grilled rack of lamb, pork simmered in a three-chile sauce) or make a habit out of the $14 Friday night fish fry.

2724 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-926-2800, www.cafetwentyeight.com

LORING PASTA BAR

The long stretch of sidewalk seats outside owner Jason McLean's eclectic and affordable Dinkytown restaurant and bar is the place to watch the world go by, at least the U of M's world.

324 14th Av. SE., Mpls., 612-378-4849, www.loringpastabar.com

MERITAGE

Go for chef/co-owner Russell Klein's beautifully executed bistro fare, stay for the cosmopolitan sidewalk cafe, with fine city views in every direction. Drop by Tuesday or Thursday during lunch for sweet and savory crepes, prepared to order at the sidewalk stand.

410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670, www.meritage-stpaul.com

PORTER CREEK HARDWOOD GRILL

Fire pits, water features, outdoor bars, landscaping for days and enough great-looking patio furniture to stock a Pottery Barn outlet. Order the flatbreads, and anything that features the kitchen's terrific rotisserie chicken.

14201 Burngarten Dr., Burnsville, 952-698-1888,

www.portercreek.com

RICK NELSON