There’s no use denying it any longer, pups—winter has arrived in Minnesota. As the brrrr descends on the Twin Cities, it’s important to find ways to continue to hang safely with our best buds out of the house (so they don’t go mutts watching endless cooking competitions with us). Since we all know how real that cabin fever can be, check out our list of dog-friendly heated St. Paul/Minneapolis patios.
1. Aster Cafe (Minneapolis)
Located on the self-proclaimed prettiest street in Minneapolis (we don’t disagree), Aster Cafe’s floof-friendly and firepit-laden patio overlooks our beloved Stone Arch Bridge and the majestic Mississippi. Between the view and the vittles, does it get any better? We doubt it. Walk-up reservations only.
2. Bad Weather Brewing (St. Paul)
Don’t let the name fool you! St. Paul’s Bad Weather Brewing will turn your winter frowns upside down as you mix, bork, and mingle on their heated patio. Wander over to enjoy a beer or two and support some of the drooliest food trucks the Twin Cities has to offer. Walk-up reservations only.
3. The Block (St. Louis Park)
We could talk about the yummy offerings for us hoomans, but those take a backseat to The Block’s heated “paw-tio,” complete with a three-course meal for our four-legged frens. We can see those tails wagging already. Plus dogs drink free on Tuesdays—pupper will get a free can of Tail Chaser Dog Brew (bone broth) with any food purchase! Walk-ups encouraged; reservations can be made online.
4. Forgotten Star Brewing (Fridley)
This historic World War 2 production facility turned brewery celebrates winter with its heated patio and ice rink! Your pup might not be quite as excited as we are about the second part of that sentence, but rest assured there’s plenty to keep everypawdy entertained during a fun night out at Forgotten Star Brewing. No reservations required.
5. The Gnome Pub (St. Paul)
The temps are dropping, but The Gnome Pub’s patio is heating up. Between their fireplaces, heaters, and pints of beer, pup’s sure to stay toasty. Heck, this might even become your new Saturday brunch spot (hello Bloody Mary board for 4)! If you’re feeling adventurous and Mother Nature allows, take a stroll on Grand Ave. to burn off the zoomies. Reservations are highly recommended.
6. Hola Arepa (Minneapolis)
We don’t know how we’d go the whole winter without Hola Arepa‘s atmosphere and arepas, and thankfully we don’t have to. There’s just something about their cozy patio that makes you feel a little like you’re on vacation, regardless of the weather. Maybe it’s the tropical drinks? No matter the reason for your visit, doggo’ll be delighted to join you in this magical little oasis all year long. Reservations requested; walk-ups may be available.
7. The Howe (Minneapolis)
Along with Stanley’s and Pub 819, The Howe is part of the Craft & Crew family of restaurants, a dog-friendly hospitality group that is doing the important work of making sure that Twin Cities puppers get the star treatment. Enjoy The Howe’s delicious mutt menu on their heated paw-tio, or stay curled up at home and have any of it delivered via Bite Squad. Patio is first come, first served!
8. Number 12 Cider (Minneapolis)
Between outdoor lights and patio fireplaces, this outdoor cider spot is nothing but warm and cozy. If pup has an appetite, wood-fired pizza is available daily (highly recommend The Goat). Number 12 Cider’s flights are pawfect for nailing down your fave crafted cider. No reservations required.
9. Smack Shack (Minneapolis)
Warm up all winter long at this floofer favorite! Smack Shack has got you covered with infrared patio heaters and wind blockers. Their famous lobster rolls might be served cold, but they’ll make you so happy you forget all about the weather. Patio tables are first pup, first served.
10. Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room (Minneapolis)
You know NE Minneapolis’ staple Stanley’s is pup-obsessed when they proudly proclaim their year-round dog-friendliness on the front page of their site (sounds like our kind of people). Their spacious patio offers a warm and toasty yappy hour as well as a three-course menu that is sure to please even the most discerning doggos. Reservations available; walk-up pups allowed if space is available.
11. Terzo (Minneapolis)
Warm pup this winter over a glass of fine Italian wine (300+ options!) or an imported craft beer at Terzo‘s enclosed outdoor patio and bar. Their rotating Italian-inspired dishes, homemade pastas, cheeses, and breads are pawsitively drool-worthy. Salute, Sidewalk Doggers!
12. Un Dito (Minneapolis)
Tucked into the nook of Italian Eatery sits Un Dito’s quaint enclosed patio. Pup by after a walk down the neighboring Minnehaha Parkway or pick up some T-R-E-A-Ts for a Lake Nokomis picnic with your furry BFF! Either way, you’ll both snarf down some Sicilian-inspired snacks while their $1 espressos keep hooman pawperly caffeinated.
13. Utepils Brewing (Minneapolis)
At this North Minneapolis spot, “good living comes from good brewing,” and from cuddling up with pup in their new winter beer garden complete with tents, fires, Christmas trees, and food trucks. Talk about cozy! No reservations required at Utepils Brewing.
14. Waldmann Brewery (St. Paul)
In 2017, Waldmann Brewery took up shop in St. Paul’s oldest surviving commercial building. Today they continue to honor the spirit of their founder as they serve up delicious beer, pretzels, and wursts in their heated biergarten. Pup’s ears just perked up at that last part. Registration is required, but please note it is not a reservation. They will make every effort to seat you as close to your preferred time as possible.
Too cold for patios? Check out these Minnesota indoor dog parks and breweries that allow dogs inside their taprooms. Which spot is your fave? Or h*ck, do you know of others that would be just as snuggly? Howl at us in the comments below or share them in our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
Featured photo: Tanika
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group, and grab one of our Dog-Friendly Brewery Passes.