Sidewalk Cafe

Ok, this photo was not taken in downtown St. Paul but rather a few summers ago in Boise, Idaho whose downtown has a great little outdoor cafe scene. As we begin to approach warmer weather in Minnesota is it possible that some of our downtown restaurants with outdoor patio seating will open soon? Meritage's website says they will open their terrace in April if weather permits. If they do I'll have that $12 hamburger with fries, a cold beer and a dose of vitamin D. What about the terrace at Black Dog across from the farmer's market? They have a nice balance of sunny and shady spots to sit in and they make a great pizza there. Great Waters Brewery had their patio open in January serving beer at their Winter Carnival ice bar. You won't find a better deal than their $2.50 happy hour pint of homemade beer for a perfect patio experience in downtown. Then there is Barrio, Alarys Bar, Kelly's Depot Bar, Wild Tymes, Patrick McGoverns, The Liffey....all with outside patios. The best patio of course is the one outside my own door where I can get a cheap glass of wine and put my feet in the sun.