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.

Seven places to eat and drink in the open air (no garage necessary):

Please check individual locations to confirm accuracy.

Saint Paul Brewing

On the site of the Historic Hamm’s Brewery, since 1865 in the Land of Sky Blue Waters, the patio with outdoor tents, heaters and fire pits at Saint Paul Brewing has leveled up with a fire pit in a canoe. Who needs water when there’s fire, ice, and beer?

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.

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. Take advantage of outdoor fire pits for a better feel for the scene on the Ave.

Urban Growler Brewing Company

As the first women-owned microbrewery in Minnesota, this fact alone is reason to visit Urban Growler. But also an authentic Midwestern style Friday Fish Fry year round, and outdoor beer garden. “Midwest Cabanas” are available for reservation with access to fire pits and food available to order on steam tables so it stays hot all night long. Call ahead to reserve.

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. Go for their Winter Carnival Watch Party as the parade passes right in front of the brewery.

Winter Beer Dabbler

Can’t decide? Try all the beers at the 2023 Winter Beer Dabbler where unlimited samples of beers allow an all-access pass. What’s better than one beer? All of them.

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