Rochester MN Guide to Patios and Outdoor Dining

This post was last updated in August 2024. 

It’s finally patio season! As Minnesotans, we all know how important it is to relish every single second of summer. That being said we are looking forward to long evenings sitting, sipping, and sampling all that Rochester’s patio scene has to offer! We hope this guide will be your go-to list when picking the perfect place to enjoy Rochester’s finest outdoor dining options.

Café Aquí

Caffeine + Chlorophyll… a match made in heaven! Café Aquí is located inside Sargent’s Gardens. In the warm weather months, their seating area spills out on the patio amongst the plants and vegetation for sale. It is a perfect atmosphere for sipping and relaxing!

Address: 1811 2nd St SW Suite B, Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 884-8376

Beetles Bar and Grill

Casual, laid back, convenient location, and endless popcorn! What more could you ask for?!

Address: 230 20th Avenue SW · Rochester, MN

Phone: (507) 529-9599

Benedict’s Morning Heroes

The ultimate stop for breakfast, brunch, and more!

Address: 10 East Center St Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: (507) 361-1208

Canadian Honker

Serving the Rochester area since 1984, these made-from-scratch meals will be sure to help you create memorable meals.

Address: 1203 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 282-6572

Chester’s Kitchen and Bar

Chester’s is perfectly located in the quintessential Rochester location…the Peace Plaza.

Address: 111 S Broadway, Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 424-1211

City Market

Located in the heart of downtown Rochester and serves up New York-style deli sandwiches. You cannot go wrong with City Market!

Address: 212 1st Ave SW Rochester, 55902

Phone: (507) 536-4748

Crave Rochester

Crave prides itself on serving the freshest, highest-quality food using only the best ingredients!

Address: 220 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: (507) 512-3800

FiveWest

With breakfast and two happy hour options, you can’t go wrong with Five West. They offer several menu options from salads to full meals.

Address: 1991 Commerce Drive NW, Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 361-5555

Forager Brewery

Forager specializes in wood-fired pizzas and craft beer made on-site! The menu items (both beer and food) are made up of locally and regionally sourced ingredients! We LOVE their lawn and covered outdoor dining area.

Address: 1005 6th Street NW, Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 258-7490

Hot Chip Burger Bar

“Not your Dad’s burger bar.” Voted the best burger in Rochester in 2020-2023!

Address: 1190 16th St SW #600, Rochester, 55902

Phone:  (507) 424-0080

Hollandberry Pannekoeken

Hollandberry (formerly Pannekoeken) has been in Rochester for over twenty years, still bringing you the Pannekoeken – an oven-baked pancake from Dutch ancestry served with over twenty-five different varieties!

Address: 214 N Broadway Ave • Rochester, MN 55906

Phone:  (507) 322-6660

Kung Fu Tea

Kung Fu Tea is located right on Broadway to the owners’ other restaurant (and local favorite) Pho Chau.  Kung Fu Tea serves up various tea-based drinks, slushies, and smoothies.  This is also where you can get boba tea! If you haven’t tried this fun tapioca tea drink, go ahead and give it a try.  They have a cute patio for you to enjoy your drink right outside the restaurant.

Address: 1006 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, Minnesota 55906

Phone: (507) 206-6466

Little Thistle Brewing

While food is not prepared and served by Little Thistle (it’s a taproom only), most days of the week there is a restaurant set-up inside to serve food or a food truck there to satisfy your cravings!  The patio is spacious and open and great for families.

Address: 2031 14th Street NW, Rochester MN, 55901

Phone: (507) 226-8014

Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina

You can experience the authentic flavors of Mexico right here in Rochester!

Address: South – 7386 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester 55902

North – 3539 22nd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: (507) 206-0302

LTS Brewing Company

LTS is one of Rochester’s very own brewing companies. They not only brew delicious craft beers, they also have unique craft sodas. LTS Fresh is a food truck that can be enjoyed most evenings as well as other visiting food trucks.

Address: 2001 32nd Ave NW Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 226-8280

Mango Thai

A taste of Thailand right here in Rochester. Mango Thai is sure to satisfy your Thai cravings!

Address: 318 South Broadway, Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 288-2360

Old Abe Coffee Co

Your favorite bike coffee cart guy has a permanent location serving up delicious, vegan fare and of course your fave coffee drinks!

Address: 832 7th St NW, Rochester MN, 55901

Phone: (507) 271-0294

Opa! Opa!

If you are looking for a Mediterranean meal Opa! Opa! has it covered. They offer a wide range of authentic Greek food and a family-friendly atmosphere!

Address: 1106 15 Ave. SE, Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 282-1212

Our Paladar

Our Paladar offers housemade specialties such as gnudi, focaccia, pasta, and seasonal dishes based on availability, and as the menu says, “whim.”

Address: 20 4th Stree SE, Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 206-0483

Panera (North)

A great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Panera has several menu options that will satisfy a range of appetites and ages.

Address: 3780 Marketplace Dr. NW, Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 280-9185

Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria

Enjoy authentic New York-style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food right in the heart of our beloved downtown. Quality, fresh ingredients are the foundation of this neighborhood pizzeria and they do not disappoint!

Address:  130 5th St SW, Rochester, 55902

Phone: (507) 424-7800

People’s Food Co-op

Grab a bite to eat in their extensive deli, hot bar, or grab-n-go case, and head out to their patio! Perfect place to end a bike ride!

Address: 519 1st Ave SW, Rochester, 55902

Phone:  (507) 289-9061

Pi Wood-Fired Pizza

At Pi, their specialty is authentic artisan pizza baked in their custom-made oven. Their open kitchen creates an exciting and unique dining experience!

Address: 3932 Marketplace Dr. NW, Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 424-3885

Purple Goat

Opened in August 2021, The Purple Goat is the newest restaurant of the Creative Cuisine Company family. Located in the old Shopko North building in northwest Rochester, MN, the restaurant will seat 166 indoors, 24 at the bar, and 60+ on the extensive patio. A huge patio you don’t want to skip out on during patio season!

Address: 3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 160, Rochester, MN 55906

Phone: (507) 361-5144

SMOAK BBQ

SMOAK mixes a modern and casual ambiance with traditional Texas-style BBQ. We want our BBQ to be the ultimate comfort food – flavorful and memorable. The open dining room features spacious farm tables for large parties, a beautiful bar with smoked handcrafted cocktails, and vast windows and garage doors. SMOAK also features a beautiful patio with a large pergola, string lights, and outdoor bar seating – the perfect spot to relax during those warm summer months.

Address: 2291 Commerce Dr. NW, Rochester MN, 55901

Phone: (507) 361-7427

Taco Jed

Taco Jed is one of Rochester’s Newest Taco joints.  Serving seven different breakfast tacos, nine varieties of lunch and dinner tacos, and all the extras – chips, salsa, queso, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Their full bar offers beers on tap, wine, and mixed drinks. Their newly built patio would be the perfect place to enjoy a taco and margarita!

Address: 808 South Broadway (Soldiers Field Plaza), Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 258-9064

Tavern 22

At Tavern 22 there is so much to do! Stop by for a bite to eat or chose from a long list of cocktails and beer on tap to drink! Enjoy pool or darts for fun games too!

Address: 3401 Northern Valley Place NE Rochester, MN

Phone: (507) 258-4445

Terza

Terza is hand-crafted classic Italian and was created in the spirit of Dell’ Anima which means “soul of the pasta” and celebrating the bountiful flavors of Italy with friends & family. Their patio is just off Broadway and Historic Third Street so the people-watching is excellent!

Address: 30 3rd Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: (507) 216-9190

Thai Pop

Bringing the past to the present, Thailand to Minnesota, and the passion for good food and drinks to you.

Address: 4 3rd St SW Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 266-8146

Thesis Beer

Good beer,  good music, good vibes! Thesis Beer has arguably the best live music in all of Rochester and some amazing beer too. This is a great neighborhood spot for a pint and some tunes!

Address: 1929 2ND ST. SW ROCHESTER, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 206-3283

The Tap House

The Tap House offers over 50 beers on tap and a menu to complement! The rooftop patio seating and view of downtown make for a picturesque backdrop!

Address: 10 Historic 3rd St SW, Rochester, 55902

Phone: (507) 258-4017

The Tap House – West End

The Tap House West End takes everything we love about the downtown location but expands it with a fantastic menu and more seating with an even bigger patio!

Address: 2365 Commerce Dr. NW, Rochester MN, 55901

Phone: (507) 361-3250

The Thirsty Belgian

Providing delicious beverages, pub-style comfort food, and entertainment from its staff, The Thirsty Belgian is a triple threat!

Address: 2650 S. Broadway Suite #600 Rochester 55904​

Phone: (507) 258-4402

Twigs Tavern and Grille

Twigs offers a variety of menu items from full-on entrees to small plates to share. They also offer an extensive menu of truly gluten-free options.

Address: 401 6th Street Southwest, Rochester, 55902

Phone: (507) 288-2677

Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar

Victoria’s is known for its large portions and fresh ingredients. Located in the heart of downtown it’s a great place to enjoy a hearty meal!

Address: 7 1st Ave SW, Rochester, 55902

Phone: (507) 280-6232

Wahlburgers at HyVee

Enjoy menu items that are made-to-order with fresh ingredients at Hy-Vee Market Grille. Top off your meal with one of their on-tap beers.

Address: 4221 W Circle Dr. NW • Rochester, 55901

Phone: (507) 292-6012

Whistle Binkies Old World Pub (North)

Whistle Binkies (North) offers a variety of classic pub food, a vast array of beers, and the perfect pub-like atmosphere.

Address: 3120 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, 55906

Phone: (507) 289-9200

Whistle Binkies on the Lake (South)

Whistle Binkies (South) also offers a variety of classic pub food, a vast array of beers, and the perfect pub-like atmosphere…and bonus a lakeside patio!

Address: 247 Woodlake Drive SE, Rochester, 55904

Phone: (507) 424-1227

Wildwood

Wildwood is locally owned and independently operated. It is a WILDLY popular sports bar in Rochester established in 2012!

Address: 1517 16th St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 226-8380

Workshop Food Hall & Bar

Join The Workshop Food Hall & Bar for food, drinks, and fun! With four different kitchens and a full-service bar, there are options for everyone! Eat inside or enjoy the outside dog-friendly patio too!

Address: 1232 3rd Ave. SE Rochester, MN 55904

Email: theworkshoprmn@gmail.com

Did we miss your favorite outdoor dining spot?  Email us!  info@rochesterlocal.com