This year’s patio guide has a new category (it also honors one of the greatest boy bands ever — don’t argue!) that contains 15 newly minted patios we’ve visited this past year and can’t wait to tell you about.

Our annual guide includes our perennial list of favorites in categories such as along-the-water haunts, neighborhood classics and trending hot spots.

RELATED: Readers choose their top 25 patios

We also give you the lowdown on changed or improved patios, such as Ox Cart’s al fresco dining revamp, a major renovation that includes plans for a rooftop patio at Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub at Water Street Inn, and more. (* = changed or improved patio).

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

BARDO, 222 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-886-8404; bardompls.com: Choose between lounge chairs with a fire pit or wrought iron tables and chairs at this urban oasis serving New American cuisine, well-curated wines and inventive cocktails. Stringed lights lining the trees on the patio add to the quaint and cozy feel. Dogs are welcome.

COLITA, 5400 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-886-1606; colitampls.com: One of the past year’s hottest new restaurant additions, Colita serves some of the best contemporary Mexican fare and cocktails around, and the hot spot just rolled out two patios. A few tables on the sidewalk are available, but the majority of the restaurant’s 46 patio seats can be found in an enclosed space on the east side of the building. Plants, wood accents and a pergola for shade add to the charm. Garage doors adjoin the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The patio is first-come, first-served via a waiting list, so you might want to head there when the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. to snag a seat.

COV (Cov Edina, 3155 Galleria, Edina; 952-999-4011, covedina.com. Cov Wayzata, 700 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.5253, covwayzata.com): An Edina location recently opened, with a Nantucket feel that extends to an open-air patio and a patio area that can be enclosed. The menu of oysters and plenty of seafood adds to the coastal vibe. COV’s location in downtown Wayzata also has a pretty patio, with lake views.

DELICATA, 341 Pascal St., St. Paul; 651-756-8123; delicatastp.com: The landscaped and fenced-in 65-seat patio with flowers, plants and trees offers a serene setting for grabbing meatballs and antipasto platters as well as sandwiches, pizza or gelato in the Como Park neighborhood. The patio is dog-friendly.

FELLER, Lora Hotel, 402 Main St. S., Stillwater; 651-571-3501; fellerrestaurant.com: The patio at the gorgeous new Lora boutique hotel is in downtown Stillwater, so you can take in the city’s historic charm, plus the bluffs, the St. Croix River, and the action on Main Street. Order from the hunter-and-gatherer menu or enjoy happy hour (from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday) that includes $3 off specialty cocktails and wines by the glass, $5 tap beer, and small plates.

GRAND CATCH, 1672 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-348-8541; grandcatchmn.com: This Cajun seafood boil spot offers two patios: a colorful, hopping sidewalk patio out front as well as a one in the back with wooden benches. Both areas are perfect for peeling jumbo shrimp or cracking into that lobster tail.

HAI HAI, 2121 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-223-8640; haihaimpls.com: The spot serves up Southeast Asian street food and has a colorful, 80-seat patio that transports you to another place. Colorful stools and floral cloths bring tropical notes to the decor. If full sun is not your thing, half of the patio is covered and can be enclosed for those wanting shade or protection against bad weather. There’s even a service window for ordering drinks. The patio seating is first-come, first served, and is dog-friendly.

HOLMAN’S TABLE, Holman Field, 644 Bayfield St., St. Paul, 612-800-5298, holmanstable.com: Holman’s Table at the St. Paul Downtown Airport (also known as Holman Field) gets to shine this year with its first full patio season. Sinking into one of the dark, wicker chairs at the two- and four-tops on the 36-seat, elevated patio is a way to practically sit on the tarmac and, if your timing is right, watch planes fly in and out of the reliever airport. Patio seating is first-come, first-served.

KEG AND CASE WEST 7TH MARKET, 928 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; kegandcase.com: In all, Keg and Case will have three patios. Currently there’s a 45-seat patio for Revival Smoked Meats customers. Later this summer, look for patio seats to be added at In Bloom (and bonus, reservations will be taken) as well as at Pimento Jamaican Kitchen. In addition, there’s also the Keg and Case Park area, where you can bring your purchases from the market outdoors and make a picnic of it.

NICO’S TACOS ON COMO, 2260 Como Ave., St. Paul; 651-450-8848; nicostacobar.com: The new Mexican restaurant in St. Anthony Park continues the reputation of its predecessor, Muffuletta, in having a patio that quickly attracts a crowd on warm weather days. After all, the open-air patio is still a great place to catch some rays, and greenery still fills the landscape — this time tropical-themed accents.

RED RABBIT, 788 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-444-5995; redrabbitmn.com: The centrally located Red Rabbit in the former Wild Onion space sports a quaint patio with a fireplace where you can take in the action along Grand Avenue while sipping on aperol spritzes and negronis and dining on menu items ranging from oysters to rustic Italian fare in the form of pizzas, pastas and more. The original Red Rabbit, in Minneapolis’ North Loop, is also a hot spot for dining al fresco.

REVOLUTION HALL, Rosedale Center, 1595 Minnesota 36, Roseville; 651-400-7918; revhallrosedale.com: Rosedale Center’s shiny new food hall just rolled out a 60-seat patio complete with a bar for ordering beer, wine and other drinks. You can also order from one of the 11 food and beverage concepts inside, and when your order is ready for pickup, you’ll get a text message.

ST. PAUL TAP, 825 Jefferson Ave., St. Paul; 651-227-6315; stpaultapmn.com: The former Tavern on the Avenue received a major makeover before introducing the space’s newest restaurant iteration. During the past few weeks, the upgrades went on outside. Construction of a patio just wrapped up, and al fresco dining was slated to start this week. The 2,000-square-foot patio includes a full service bar along with booth-and- table seating that accommodates shaded or sunny areas. Catch a Twins game under the stars on one of the many televisions or play games on the patio like Giant Connect 4 and Jenga. And bring Fido. This patio is dog-friendly, and even features a menu especially for your furry friend.

HEWING HOTEL ROOFTOP BAR AND LOUNGE, 300 Washington Ave. N. Minneapolis; 651-468-0400; hewinghotel.com: Just this month, a weekend brunch menu was added to the offerings on the rooftop bar and lounge of the Hewing Hotel. That way, you can enjoy the pretty views of the city while enjoying dishes such as buttermilk pancakes with strawberries and cream, brisket hash and waffle ham and gruyere Monte Cristos pool- and sauna-side. Brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

WALDMANN BREWERY, 445 Smith Ave., St. Paul; 651-222-1857; waldmannbrewery.com: This German-style lager house has added a sizable beer garden, where you can enjoy your beer and house-made wurst. Nab a seat at one of the tables or bench seats perfect for large groups. There’s even a fire pit and a walk-up window.

ALONG THE WATER/SCENIC

6SMITH (Boat Works Building), 294 E. Grove Lane, Wayzata, 952-698-7900; 6smith.com: Pull up to one of the patio seats off the main floor or head to the rooftop patio. Either way, this sleek, contemporary spot on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay is a place to watch the waves and boats docking.

ACQUA, 4453 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake, 651-407-7317; acqua-restaurants.com: Nab a seat on one of the quaint patios on either floor of this duplex restaurant overlooking White Bear Lake, or cross the street and enjoy the restaurant’s more spacious lakeside patio. Italian fare served here is top notch.

ADMIRAL D’S WATERFRONT TAVERN, 4424 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake, 651-330-3101; admiraldswbl.com: The casual, come-one, come-all vibe makes it a welcoming spot for enjoying views of White Bear Lake.

BIRCH’S ON THE LAKE, 1310 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, 952-473-7373; birchsonthelake.com: Brew house and supper club with an expansive wood deck on a hill offers pristine views of Long Lake. Or, walk to the bottom of the hill where a fire pit surrounded by chairs sits right next to the lake. It’s also a place to grab a decent brew and gastro-pub fare.

BRICK & BOURBON, 215 Main St. S., Stillwater; 651-342-0777; brickandbourbon.com: Bird’s-eye views of the St. Croix River and historic Lift Bridge make scoring a seat on this small rooftop deck worth your while. Craft drinks and spins on comfort food are the lay of the land.

*CHARLIE’S RESTAURANT AND IRISH PUB AT WATER STREET INN, 101 S. Water St., Stillwater, 651-439-6000; waterstreetinn.us: The spot features pub fare and two patios that offer a spectacular backdrop of the St. Croix River and Lift Bridge. The first-floor, covered patio was redone last year and can be enclosed or open, depending on the weather. And there’s another patio to come. The inn is currently under construction with plans for a three-story, 20-room addition with rooftop patio. The patio is slated to roll out in mid-June, featuring 120 seats and its own bar and kitchen.

CURRENT, the Afton House Inn Hotel, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton, 651-436-8883; currentrestaurant.com: Restaurant with a patio a few hundred yards from the St. Croix River offers views of the majestic waters and marina. The area’s charming small-town vibe makes you feel like you’re on a staycation.

DOCK CAFE, 425 Nelson St., Stillwater, 651-430-3770; dockcafe.com: Grown-up restaurant with a patio on the water’s edge offers direct views of the St. Croix River, Lift Bridge and river valley.

FREIGHT HOUSE, 305 Water St. S., Stillwater, 651-439-5718; thefreighthouse.com: One of downtown Stillwater’s most popular and sizable patios boasts seating on the main patio, gazebo with wrap-around bar or beer garden. Take in vistas of the St. Croix River and historic Lift Bridge. Challenge your dining mate to a game of bocce ball. And dine on burgers and local tap beer while there.

GIANNI’S STEAKHOUSE, 635 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952-404-1100; giannis-steakhouse.com: Take in views of Lake Minnetonka while dining in style at one of Gianni’s white-linen-covered tables with hand-woven bistro chairs. The happy hour on the patio (from 4 to 6 p.m. daily) includes a supper of top sirloin or bavette steak and salad served with a glass of wine for $27.

MALLORY’S RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP BAR, 609 Second St.; Hudson, Wis.; 715-531-4101; mallorysrooftop.com: Sit at one of the high tops offering glimpses of the St. Croix River, head to a lounge area with fire pits or belly up to the long bar at this downtown restaurant with a rooftop patio and bar. Food is as casual or fancy as you want it to be, from burgers to knife-and-fork entrees.

MUDDY WATERS BAR & GRILL, 231 Broad St., Prescott, Wis., 715-262-5999; muddywatersbarandgrill.biz: Outdoor hot spot has become a destination for its expansive, multi-tiered patio. Its primo views of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers make it one of the prettiest riverfront restaurants around. The patio has an outdoor bar and a covered deck area to keep patrons dry when there’s rain.

PIER 500, 500 First St., Hudson, Wis., 715-386-5504; pierfivehundred.com: Contemporary dining spot, with great views of the pier and St. Croix River, offers one of the best decks in downtown Hudson.

PORTSIDE, 317 Main St. S., Stillwater; 651-342-1502; portsidestillwater.com: The second-floor restaurant with a patio overlooking the St. Croix River is a way to take in the waterfront action in a casual atmosphere. Dine on a menu of wings, burgers, pizzas as well as barbecue-influenced fare.

PSYCHO SUZI’S, 1900 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-788-9069; psychosuzis.com: Tiki-themed deck and Polynesian cocktails at this spot overlooking the Mississippi River inspire rest and relaxation.

SANDCASTLE, 4955 Lake Nokomis Parkway W., Minneapolis, 612-722-5550; sandcastlempls.com: The outdoor dining action is in full swing at this bright-blue lakeside walk-up eatery. Bar stools face Lake Nokomis, and a picnic-bench area easily accommodates large groups.

SEA CHANGE (Guthrie Theater), 806 Second St. S., Minneapolis, 612-225-6499; seachangempls.com: If the contemporary, design-savvy, open-air patio isn’t enough to impress, check out the pretty views of the Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge.

SEA SALT EATERY, 4801 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, 612-721-8990; seasalteatery.com: Legions line up at this pavilion restaurant inside Minnehaha Park, and it’s easy to see why. The spot not only dishes up some of the best seafood around, but it also has a picturesque bench area amid parkland and near a roaring waterfall.

NEIGHBORHOOD

B-52 BURGERS AND BREW, 5639 Bishop Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-451-3838; b52burgersandbrew.com: B-52’s patio has several seating options, such as a long marble-top bar and a lounge area. Fireplaces and television screens add to the vibe.

BARBETTE, 1600 W. Lake St., Minneapolis; 612-827-5710; barbette.com: Nabbing a seat on this bustling 46-seat Uptown patio and having a glass of rose and moules frites — in our opinion, the best around town — is one of our favorite pastimes. It should become one of yours, too.

BOCA CHICA, 11 Cesar Chavez St.; St. Paul; 651-222-8499; bocachicarestaurant.com: One of St. Paul’s staples for authentic Mexican fare boasts a stone terrace with a few umbrella-laden tables looking out onto Cesar Chavez Street.

BRIT’S PUB, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-332-3908; britspub.com: Multi-tiered expansive rooftop patio accommodates large groups that come to lawn bowl and eat fish and chips. Others can pull up to the sidewalk cafe in front and catch the Nicollet Mall street action.

BRUNSON’S PUB, 956 Payne Ave., St. Paul; 651-447-2483; brunsonspub.com: The dozen or so tables with blue umbrellas on the two-tiered, landscaped deck fill fast. Probably because it’s a great place to soak in some sun. The reliable sandwiches, burgers and salads with Southern flair and down-to-earth prices don’t hurt either.

BURGER MOE’S, 242 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-222-3100; facebook.com/burgermoes: Thanks to the canopies and flower beds, this playful, casual spot is bursting with colorful decor.

CITY PLACE TAPROOM AT WHOLE FOODS WOODBURY (305 Radio Drive; wholefoodsmarket.com): Yes, it’s true. This grocery store features a taproom and coffee bar with a patio for restaurant and grocery store customers to linger. Sleek lounge furniture, tables with poppy-yellow chairs and fire pits are part of the charm.

COZZIE’S TAVERN AND GRILL, 11154 60th St. N.; Stillwater; 651-342-0447; cozziestavern.com: Spacious roadside spot off Minnesota 36 sports a multifaceted backyard oasis. There’s a stone patio (designated non-smoking), a wood deck, lawn area with bean-bag toss and even a small spot for volleyball during the warm-weather months and boot hockey during the chilly season. The mini-Coney dogs from the casual menu are not to be missed.

DARK HORSE BAR & EATERY, 250 E. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-313-7960; darkhorsebarandeatery.com: Charming 110-seat patio offers a retreat from busy East Seventh Street. The patio here includes bar seating, barrel-top high-tables for large groups, low-tops, fire pits, strings of lights and colorful flower beds. The full menu is available, including sandwiches, pizzas, curry bowls and 40 beers on tap.

DAY BY DAY CAFE, 477 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-227-0654; daybyday.com: Breakfast and lunch spot offers a fenced-in, multi-tiered patio that makes for a serene retreat in the middle of the city. Landscaping touches such as potted flowers, fish pond and waterfall add to its restfulness.

EL BURRITO MERCADO, 175 Concord St., St. Paul; 651-227-2192; elburritomercado.com: This beloved Mexican spot now offers a 36-seat, festive patio that even comes with weekend entertainment. Every Friday is Fiesta Friday, with a mariachi band from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and karaoke from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Reservations are encouraged. Fridays are a popular night for birthday celebrations.) On Saturdays, Latino music from local talent is on the roster. And on Sundays, family activities are featured.

FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY & CAFE, 1662 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-789-8870; frenchmeadowcafe.com: When French Meadow opened a St. Paul location a few years ago, most people knew about the sidewalk seating in the front of the restaurant, but few knew about one of Grand Avenue’s best-kept al fresco dining secrets — French Meadow’s outdoor dining area in the back. The small, fenced-in patio with wood booth benches, wrought-iron tables, draped lights and colorful flower beds offers an escape from the city hustle and bustle. Enjoy the health-conscious eating options while there.

GRAY DUCK TAVERN, 345 Wabasha St., St. Paul; 651-340-9022; grayduckstpaul.com: Sidewalk patio with eight two- and four-tops, red umbrellas and flowerbeds is a convenient gathering place, thanks to the restaurant’s location in the heart of downtown. The spot is contemporary, serving global comfort food and trending cocktails.

HERBIE’S ON THE PARK, 317 Washington St.; St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com: The 60-seat downtown patio near the Ordway on Washington Street is a bit hidden from the street. If you find the right seat, you can catch the sidewalk action and views of Rice Park.

JAX CAFE, 1928 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-789-7297; jaxcafe.com: Classic steakhouse with a zen-like garden and koi pond in the back is a place to get your “om” and filet mignon on.

KENDALL’S TAVERN & CHOPHOUSE, 12800 Bunker Prairie Road N.W., Coon Rapids, 763-755-1234; kendallstc.com: Restaurant at Bunker Hills Golf Club includes a sizable deck looking out onto sprawling greenery.

LA GROLLA, 452 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-221-1061; lagrollastpaul.com: Friendly neighborhood Cathedral Hill spot is a place to eat pasta while sitting on a patio lined with flower beds. Flowering trees add to the vibrant colors.

MERITAGE, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670; meritage-stpaul.com: Sidewalk terrace with brasserie charm aims to whisk you away. French dishes and wine list at this spot in the heart of downtown are also buzzworthy.

MOSCOW ON THE HILL, 371 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-291-1236; moscowonthehill.com: Neighborhood spot with wood deck with tents, string lights and colorful cushions attracts regulars from Cathedral Hill and beyond. Russian fare such as perogies and house-infused vodkas are also a draw.

PATRICK McGOVERN’S, 225 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-224-5821; patmcgoverns.com: A retractable roof is part of this pretty, three-tiered, landscaped patio, making the casual hangout a place to come rain or shine.

RED RABBIT, 201 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-767-8855; redrabbitmn.com: North Loop hot spot has a spacious patio with plenty of low- and high-top tables and lounge areas with, of course, red cushions. Dine on rustic Italian fare, small plates and inventive cocktails.

REVIVAL, 525 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-340-2355; revivalfriedchicken.com: This often-packed spot adds more seating in the warm weather months, thanks to a fenced-in patio out back. Umbrellas, flower beds and lamppost lighting add to the charm. There is also a new patio at Revival’s second St. Paul outpost, at Keg & Case West 7th Market (see description under Keg and Case), which just opened.

RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL, 4940 U.S. 61 N., White Bear Lake, 651-653-6718; rudysredeye.com: Rooftop terrace with colorful tents, comfy wicker chairs and banana-leaf palm trees make snowbirds feel like they never left Florida.

SEVENTH STREET TRUCK PARK, 214 W. Seventh St.; 651-340-8431; truckparkusa.com: Retro-themed indoor food-truck park serving pizza and chicken and ribs near the Xcel Energy Center has garage doors that open to different themed bars where you can sit and take in the hustle and bustle of West Seventh. Its neighboring sibling restaurant New Bohemia Wurst+BierHaus also has outdoor seats.

SMACK SHACK, 603 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-259-7288; smack-shack.com/minneapolis: Grab a seat on the long, 150-seat patio at this popular North Loop seafood spot and make sure oysters and lobster rolls are part of your group’s order. Retractable coverings can be adjusted according to whether you want sun or shade. Water-tight overhangs also make the patio a reliable option for dining al fresco even if it starts to drizzle. The 3-to-6 p.m. happy hour is especially popular.

*SPRING CAFE, 1360 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul; springcafestp.com: Spring Cafe, the pavilion overlooking Lake Como, may be under new ownership and have a new menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and burgers, but one thing has stayed the same — it’s reputation as a prime spot for eating outside, thanks to a spacious pavilion and bench and lawn areas overlooking Lake Como.

T. MORRIS PUB & GRILL, 9555 Wedgewood Drive, Woodbury, 651-294-3160; tmorrispubgrill.com: Prestwick Golf Club restaurant spotlights from-scratch pub fare. The stone deck with its signature orange umbrellas and views of the golf course greenery are as popular as ever. Potted plants, flower beds and a stream also make for a picturesque setting.

THE HOWE, 3675 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-729-3663; howempls.com: Two patios — a sidewalk and back deck — offer plenty of choices for enjoying nice weather. The spot is also a draw as a dog-friendly patio, complete with yoga mats for your furry friend to lounge on and a dog menu to order from.

THE LIFFEY (Holiday Inn), 175 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-556-1420; theliffey.com: The second-floor patio at this Irish pub is expansive and comes with a wrap-around bar and plenty of seating. It’s also a good spot for views of the Cathedral of St. Paul and the state Capitol.

THE TAVERN GRILL, four metro locations, including 772 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, 651-578-3000; 10950 Club West Parkway, Blaine, 763-398-8100; and 3561 Lexington Ave., Arden Hills, 651-478-4450; thetaverngrill.com: Tavern Grill draws regulars not only for its wide-ranging menu — casual burgers and pizzas as well as fancy steak and seafood — but also for its elaborate landscaped patios. Fireplaces, lounge areas, waterfalls and wrap-around bars are part of dining al fresco at Tavern Grill, depending on the restaurant location.

THE TILTED TIKI, 324 Main St. S., Stillwater, 651-342-2545; thetiltedtiki.com: Tiki-themed spot in the Grand Garage Building includes a patio with palm trees and thatched decor, with Polynesian cocktails and food to match. The spot along downtown’s Main Street lets you take in sidewalk and street action.

TINY DINER, 1024 38th St. E., Minneapolis, 612-767-3322; tinydiner.com: A charming little patio inspires in big ways. Its solar roof, edible gardens and rainwater catch system are a show-and-tell of sustainable and urban farming practices. And then there are the pretty plates emphasizing local ingredients.

TRIA, 5959 Centerville Road, North Oaks, 651-426-9222; triarestaurant.com: Take in nature at this popular dinner and Sunday-brunch spot on the former farm of railroad mogul James J. Hill. The menu changes seasonally. The addition of Edison bulbs strung across the entire patio means it is no longer pitch black when the sun sets, so patrons will get some extra patio time each night.

VIVO, 15435 Founders Lane, Apple Valley, 952-891-6569; vivomn.com: The fancy stone terrace has a pond and is dotted with fireplaces and multiple seating areas that offer plenty of privacy and peace.

WASHINGTON SQUARE BAR AND GRILL, 4736 Washington Ave., White Bear Lake; 651-407-7162; washingtonsquareonline.net: This patio regularly makes the list in our annual readers’ patio picks and it’s easy to see why. This spacious deck in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake sports a fun vibe and a delicious menu of American- and Mexican-influenced fare at affordable prices.

SEE AND BE SEEN/HOTSPOTS

4 BELLS, 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-904-1163; 4bells.com: An open-air patio with tables lining the side maximizes views of Loring Park. Shift a few degrees, and you’ll also catch pretty skyline views. Or, head to the four-season atrium with a full bar, televisions and fireplace, also on the second level. The first floor gives additional outdoor dining options. Choose between sidewalk seating in the front or a quaint area in the back alleyway.

BAR LURCAT, 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-486-5500; cafelurcat.com: The elegant establishment features a patio with gorgeous views of Loring Park. For something more quiet and private, we’ll let you in on a secret: Lurcat also has a few outdoor seats in the back on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as there isn’t a private event.

BETTY DANGER’S COUNTRY CLUB, 2501 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-315-4997; bettydangers.com: Look for the big Ferris wheel at the eclectic and whimsical Betty Danger’s and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Outdoor seating is dotted around the mini-golf course and Ferris wheel. While there, get in line and take a 20-minute Ferris wheel ride, which offers spectacular views of the Northeast Minneapolis arts district.

BOROUGH RESTAURANT AND PARLOUR BAR, 730 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-354-3135; boroughmpls.com: Be a part of the North Loop action at this contemporary restaurant with a spacious dockside patio with a bar. Or, grab one of the sidewalk seats out front.

BUTCHER AND THE BOAR, 1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-238-8888; butcherandtheboar.com: Belly up to the bar or score a bench seat on the large wooden deck at this downtown Minneapolis hot spot. Brat lovers won’t want to miss ordering one here.

ESKER GROVE, 723 Vineland Place, Minneapolis; 612-375-3540; eskergrove.com: The Walker Art Center’s restaurant is on the first floor, and so is an equally contemporary patio. The mix of bench seats and tables offers great views of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the skyline.

SEVEN STEAKHOUSE SUSHI AND ROOFTOP, 700 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-238-7770; 7mpls.com: Expansive rooftop patio, luxurious and mod decor, fancy dining menu and one of the best skyline views in downtown.

THE LEXINGTON, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-289-4990; thelexmn.com: The 80-seat rooftop retreat offers plenty of choices for sun or shade. A bar and kitchen guarantee that Polynesian-themed drinks and bites come out at just the right pace. Opens 4 p.m. daily and for lunch Fridays and Saturdays at noon. A second-floor private event space seating up to 120 people is also available.

LIBERTINE (Calhoun Square), 3001 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-877-7263; libertinempls.com: Rooftop patio with bar provides the best perch in Uptown to observe the neighborhood’s hustle and bustle. While there, play a game of giant beer pong.

LION’S TAVERN, 324 Main St. S., Stillwater, 651-342-1900; lionstavern.com: The large, landscaped, multi-tiered stone patio is gorgeous on its own. Red umbrellas, cabanas, lights, fountain, fireplace and pergola with granite banquet table add to the wow factor. Look for a menu of American fare with some South American and Mediterranean influences. Craft cocktails are also a draw.

LOUIS RISTORANTE & BAR, 211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476; cossettas.com: Located off the third-floor sit-down Italian restaurant, the large terrace has its own bar, pretty Italian villa accents and flower beds. And then there’s the gorgeous view of the Cathedral of St. Paul. For something more low-key, the second-floor wrap-around patio is part of the more casual Cossetta restaurant.

MERCY RESTAURANT AND BAR, 901 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-767-6999; lemeridienchambers.com/mercy-restaurant-bar: Sleek courtyard patio with fire pits, mod lounge areas, cabanas and umbrellas, all done up with stylish furniture and decor.

MONELLO CUCINA, 115 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-353-6207; monellompls.com: Escape from the urban hustle and bustle at this quaint patio with plenty of Italian villa-esque charm at this fine restaurant establishment in Hotel Ivy. Order a drink at the outdoor bar and order from the more casual patio menu to further wind down from your day.

*OX CART ARCADE & ROOFTOP, 255 E. Sixth St., St. Paul, 651-756-8909; oxcartalehouse.com: Lowertown’s first restaurant rooftop patio is a stunner. Plenty of sunlight falls on the sizable deck with a wrap-around bar, a lounge area with fireplace and tabletops. CHS Field, the Mississippi River bluffs, the state Capitol and downtown make for great views. With the restaurant’s recent revamp to an arcade and carnival-theme comes updates to the rooftop as well. Look for games like giant Jenga and more poppy, festive furniture accents and decor.

SALUT BAR AMERICAIN, 917 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-2345; salutbaramericain.com: French-American brasserie boasts one of the largest patios along Grand Avenue, making it a primo spot for people-watching on a warm day.

STELLA’S FISH CAFE, 1400 Lake St. W., Minneapolis, 612-824-8862; stellasfishcafe.com: The unique rooftop patio with built-in bar at this seafood spot continues to be trendy. It’s the only two-tiered rooftop restaurant deck in Uptown.

UNION RESTAURANT & BAR, 731 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-455-6690; unionmpls.com: Thanks to a retractable roof, it’s patio season all year-round at this trendy downtown dining spot. Suit up, because this is the place where the pretty people like to come dressed to impress.

W.A. FROST, 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-5715; wafrost.com: This perennial favorite has long been a crowd-pleaser for its classy vibe, fancy stonework and abundant gardens. The spot is even more breathtaking when lit up at night, making it one of the most romantic spots around.

BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES AND WINERIES

ALEXIS BAILLY VINEYARD, 18200 Kirby Ave. S., Hastings, 651-437-1413; abvwines.com: Wine connoisseurs, picnic lovers and those looking for a place to chill amid a sprawling estate will find a trip to this vineyard right up their alley. Create your own picnic basket with local artisan cheeses, grab a bottle of Alexis Bailly vino from the on-site shop and find a place to sit on the lawn or patio. Stroll the sculpture garden or play a game of bocce ball while you’re at it. In July and August, live jazz is featured on Sunday afternoons.

BAD WEATHER BREWING, 414 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-207-6627; badweatherbrewery.com: When the garage doors open up on nice days, revelers hit the pavement outside and station themselves at one of the bench seats while enjoying sips of Bad Weather’s house brews. A food truck can usually be found on the premises, too.

BANG BREWING, 2320 Capp Road, St. Paul, 651-243-2264; bangbrewing.com: Small, 100 percent organic brewery in a grain silo can fit plenty more patrons on warm-weather days. The brick patio includes a steel-covered pavilion area that provides shade and additional picnic-bench seating. A fire pit with chairs is another seating option. While there, enjoy the rain gardens, natural prairie and wildflowers.

BAUHAUS BREW LABS, 1315 Tyler St. N.E., Minneapolis; bauhausbrewlabs.com: Large outdoor area includes plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a Bauhaus brew. Look for artsy murals and poppy colors on everything from the building to the furniture and you’ll know you’ve arrived at this brewery just steps away from the Northeast Minneapolis arts district.

BELLE VINEZ WINERY, W10829 875th Ave., River Falls, Wis.; 715-426-9463; bellevinez.com: Sprawling winery with plenty of greenery offers a retreat for those wanting some rest and relaxation while sipping on the house vino and dining from the menu of charcuterie plates, brick-oven pizzas and more.

DAY BLOCK BREWING COMPANY, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis; 612-617-7793; dayblockbrewing.com: The spacious patio within walking distance of U.S. Bank Stadium makes it an ideal spot to pre- and post-game or just gather on nice days.

LAKE MONSTER BREWING, 550 S. Vandalia St., No. 160, St. Paul, 612-964-6288; lakemonsterbrewing.com: This sizable brewery off the Cretin-Vandalia exit on Interstate 94 seems to be always hopping, and the patio is no exception. Wood chairs and tables with umbrellas dot the expansive sidewalk patio in front of the brewery. Patrons can sip a beer and dine from the featured food truck parked outside.

SAINT PAUL BREWING, 688 Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-1945; stpaulbrewing.com: Formerly known as Flat Earth Brewing, this East Side brewery’s patio keeps in touch with the past at the site on the historic Hamm’s Brewery complex.

SURLY BREWING COMPANY, 520 Malcolm Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 763-999-4040; surlybrewing.com: Beer drinkers and foodies have a giant campus near the University of Minnesota to do their thing. The 1½-acre beer garden with views of the Witch’s Hat Water Tower offers a sizable outdoor space for hanging out. Grab one of the bench seats or a spot around one of the fire pits.