Photo: @whiskey_tree at Saint Paul Brewing
Written by: Mecca Bos

Dads, grandads, savvy grandmas and Minnesotans of all kinds come to think of it, have long known that one of the best ways to stay warm is from the inside out. Drinking beer and brown liquor outdoors (or sometimes in the garage) is one of our favorite ways to while away the winter.

Toss in an outdoor heat lamp and woolen blankie, and sometimes it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way (OK, that might be overstating things). But the point is, we don’t let a little matter like low mercury get in the way of throwing a few back on the patio.

A-Side Public House

This restaurant and coffee bar in the West Seventh neighborhood is located inside a former fire station. Stop in this eclectic space to enjoy approachable farm-to-table dishes that specialize in comfort fare. During the weekends, enjoy a cozy spot on the patio inside one of their group-igloos (through March 31!).

The Gnome

The unofficial favorite craft pub of serious Twin Cities beer snobs, The Gnome is ground zero for everything brewski related with a seemingly endless tap list and truly excellent bar food to pair. The restaurant welcomes visitors to their expansive deck space and will even strike up a fire in the outdoor stone fireplace.

Lake Monster Brewing

Always a stripped-down brewery with no table service and no kitchen, Lake Monster is low on pretense and high on welcoming everybody— including dogs. Dogs allowed outside and in, and most nights food trucks are parked outside for in or outdoor dining. Or BYOF (bring your own food) and buy your beer here. Four wood fires, four propane fire tables, and many standing heaters.

Patrick McGovern’s

An ultimate classic Irish Pub St. Paul-style, McGovern’s has long been the site of many a pre- and post- stadium pub and grub shenanigan. The building dates to the turn of the century, and a no-frills menu (burgers, nachos, wings, et. al) gives you a feel for this working-class West 7th neighborhood. Its patio features a retractable roof for optimal sunshine and is adorned with stone waterfall features and landscaping for a quaint ambiance.

Waldmann Brewery

Housed in the oldest surviving commercial building in Minnesota (constructed in 1857) Waldmann Brewery has been restored as its original purpose as a German lager saloon, and retains its wood stoves, virgin pinewood floors, and hand-blown window glass. The Smith Avenue location is still a German enclave, and the beer and the menu reflect it— wursts, spazle, and pils. The best time to experience this patio is during the Winter Carnival when you can watch the parade march past the brewery.

Mecca Bos is a Twin Cities based food writer and professional chef. Thinking of tacos and travel are hobbies. Her work can be found at meccaboswrites.com