This article is sponsored by Explore Edina.
It’s patio season and enjoying outdoor drinks and eats are some of the top things to do on a sunny day in Edina, Minnesota. With scenic views and the dynamic energy of downtown, Edina’s patio scene has it all, including both romantic and family-friendly restaurants.
Here are the top 5 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 it’s really close to France Avenue,” says 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
In 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,” says Kip Clayton, vice president of business development and marketing at Parasole Restaurants. “[Salut]….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,” says 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
There’s nothing like 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 a casual, friendly and great place to meet up,” says 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.
