Top 10 Patios to Visit in Edina, Minnesota

salut patio dining edina mnIt’s patio season and enjoying outdoor drinks and eats are some of the top things to do on a sunny day in Edina, Minnesota. Whether you want to be a part of the dynamic energy in downtown or take in the scenic views, that patio scene in Edina has it all, including romantic and family-friendly restaurants.

Here are the top 10 patios in Edina.

1. Tavern on France

A central location along France Avenue, Tavern on France has a great happy hour and a lively ambiance to make it one of the most popular patios in town. “It’s regularly voted the best patio by our readers,” says Angela Johnson, editor of Edina Magazine. No matter the time of day, the patio is bustling with activity, and its outdoor bar and fire pits are crowd pleasers. “It’s enclosed so you’re not hearing a lot of the traffic, even though its really close to France Avenue,” said Johnson. Order a signature cocktail like the Minneapolis Mule or Rosénade, then peruse the menu of upscale American comfort food. Some of the popular items include burgers, pizza and build-your-own salads.

 

2. Salut

salut patio dining edina mnIn the mood for rosé and oysters? You’ll find it at Salut, the chic French bistro at 50th & France, Edina’s downtown shopping and dining district. “Paris is all about patio culture,” said Kip Clayton, vice president of business development and marketing at Parasole Restaurants. “It [restaurant] really goes with French bistros and what French food is. A lot of life happens on the street.” There’s lively energy on the patio thanks to Salut’s sidewalk location, but the hanging flower baskets and bistro seating give it an intimate feel. Just in time for summer is the new Champagne happy hour starting at 3 p.m. on the weekdays, with specially priced bubbly and Champagne cocktails. Enjoy your Champagne cocktail with Salut’s French onion soup, which locals say is the best you’ll have this side of the Seine River.

 

3. Edina Grill

Adjacent to Salut, Edina Grill is perfect for family-friendly dining. Serving its take on diner classics, Edina Grill is a favorite with locals and visitors. “You have that charming downtown feel, a great standard menu, and it’s good for families and kids,” said Johnson. Order the Killer Banana Waffles or hearty Joe’s Special for breakfast before shopping at 50th & France, or grab a bite to eat during the annual Edina Art Fair. Held each June, the free event is ranked as the No.1 fine art fair in Minnesota. The patio is the place to be for Edina Grill’s social hour, weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

 

4. Arezzo

If you can’t get away to Tuscany, Arezzo is the next best thing. A longtime Edina staple, Arezzo serves authentic Italian cuisine with patio seating wrapped around a corner at 50th and France. It’s the perfect location for an Aperol Spritz or to canoodle over Chianti; its award-winning wine list has an extensive selection by the glass and bottle. At Arezzo, you’re close to the action to enjoy people watching, but on a stretch of sidewalk that gets less pedestrian traffic. The menu consists of classic Italian dishes made from scratch, Neapolitan style pizza and housemade pasta including melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi.

 

5. Wooden Hill Brewing Company

wooden hill brewery patio dining edina mnThere’s nothing like a sipping a cold beer outside on a sunny day. That’s why the patio at Wooden Hill Brewing Company, Edina’s first brewery and taproom, is a must visit. “It’s casual, friendly and great place to meet up,” said Sean Ewen, co-founder and co-owner with his brother, James. “We have large windows that look out onto it as well as a glass garage door that we’ll open up so it becomes an extension of the taproom.” Try the Code 3 Juicy IPA with one of Wooden Hill’s gourmet burgers, hot dogs or flatbread pizzas (its chef was a contestant on FOX’s MasterChef). Or sip the French River Saison while taking in the patio’s sunset views. In addition to the eight to 12 beers on tap, Wooden Hill serves non-alcoholic craft soda made in house with loose-leaf tea and spices.

 

6. Good Earth

Before or after browsing the big-name designers at the Galleria, snag a table outside at Good Earth. A foliage-draped pergola shades you from the sun, and its location above the street allows for panoramic views without the noise from all the hustle and bustle. “They’re famous for their summertime salads,” said Clayton, who notes the tomato salad is a standout. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the farmers who locally supply the best and the freshest produce.” To drink, Good Earth offers fresh juices, smoothies and natural shakes, plus beer, cocktails and organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines.

 

7. CōV Edina

Edina’s newest patio is at Cōv, located at the Galleria. The beautiful, nautical-themed patio has quickly become a hot spot thanks to its Nantucket vibe and great cocktails. It’s the place where you’ll want to linger longer. “There are a lot of heat sources so you can stay out most of the season or into the evening,” said Johnson. The couch surrounding the fire pit is a cozy place for drinks and light bites. As its name (pronounced cove) would suggest, the restaurant serves seafood. There’s everything from jumbo lump crab cake and mahi tacos to sushi, and the cioppino with lobster, scallops, shrimp and mussels is a top pick.

 

8. Ciao Bella

A glass of pinot grigio and a salad are better when enjoyed alfresco at Ciao Bella. The upscale Italian eatery is located in Bloomington, across the street from Marriott Residence Inn in Edina. The team at Ciao Bella aims to make your dining experience a memorable one with its handcrafted, quality dishes made with local ingredients. The inviting patio encourages you to savor another glass of wine or a post-dinner espresso.

 

9. Pinstripes 

pinstripes patio dining edina mnYou may come to Pinstripes to play bocce and go bowling, but its patio is the star attraction. “What’s great about their patio is that it sits right on the edge of Centennial Lakes Park, so you can watch people on the park trail and see out over the lake,” says Johnson. Adirondack chairs surrounding the fire pit are a lively setting for sipping a handcrafted cocktail or beer from the rotating list of local and craft brews. The Italian-American bistro serves classic comfort food like wood-fired pizza, burgers, sandwiches and housemade pasta. It’s the perfect place for a drink or meal during the Edina Fall into the Arts Festival, held every September at Centennial Lakes Park.

 

10. Town Hall Station

A converted gas station is the last stop on the tour of Edina’s top patios. Town Hall Station, a restaurant with its own Minneapolis-brewed beers on tap, has a true community feel. “It’s a charming little place with great food,” says Johnson. “It’s in a neighborhood, so it’s walkable from a lot of people’s homes.” You can still see the building’s past, with a sign advertising the price of gas and large windows that open up, bridging the indoor bar with the outdoor patio. Described as “road food,” the menu has burgers, tacos and pub fare—handcrafted and served fresh. Pair your food with an award-winning Town Hall Brewery beer like the Pitstop Cherry Lager or the Parkway Java Porter for a grade A meal.