THE HOT FIVE Make the most of splendid summer weather with an al fresco meal.
BAR LURCAT
The City of Lakes' much-vaunted park system has one missing link: very few restaurants that take advantage of all that lovely green space. Cafe Lurcat's bar, overlooking Loring Park, is an exception, with a swell patio and a let's-order-more menu.
1624 Harmon Place, Mpls., 612-486-5500, damico.com
CAFE BARBETTE
Uptown's funky bistro has a sweet stretch of sidewalk tables and a menu filled with well-prepared classics: omelets, generously stuffed buckwheat crepes, a swell Nicoise, steak au poivre and more. Another plus: great late-night fare.
1600 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-5710, barbette.com
MUFFULETTA
The deck at this Milton Square stalwart just got a much-needed makeover, and it's a pleasant place indeed to enjoy a five-spice pork burger, a mushroom-caramelized onion turkey melt, a roasted beet-horseradish salad, gnocchi with duck confit and more comfort-food twists.
2260 Como Av., St. Paul, 651-644-9116, muffuletta.com
PATRICK'S BISTRO
It's not on the lake, but the sidewalk patio at Patrick and Azita Bernet's urbane cafe in Wayzata doesn't need a view to impress. At dinner, order the chevre-mozzarella turnover drizzled with lavender dressing, the gazpacho, the lamb chops and the classic orange-glazed duck breast. And for heaven's sake, don't skimp on dessert.
