Monte Carlo
This shady respite is one of the North Loop's better outdoor getaways. The sandwiches — meatloaf, crab salad on toasted pumpernickel, an artery-clogging Reuben — are popular options, along with a long list of grill classics, including liver and onions, a few steaks and shrimp cocktail.
219 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-333-5900, montecarlomn.com
Meritage
Take a seat at downtown St. Paul's top-performing sidewalk cafe and enjoy the urbane setting and chef/co-owner Russell Klein's seafood-focused French cooking.
410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670, meritage-stpaul.com
Sandcastle
The patio at this colorful beachside stand hugs the shores of beautiful Lake Nokomis. The varied menu swings from a classic BLT to a brown rice bowl topped with roasted vegetables and tangy kimchi. Other highlights include dolled-up hot dogs, well stuffed shrimp tacos, a first-rate pulled pork sandwich and soft-serve ice cream, all at reasonable prices. Beer and wine, too.
![The patio area at the Wise Acre Eatery, 5401 Nicollet Ave South, Mpls, MN. ] TOM WALLACE • twallace@startribune.com __Assignments #20018935A_ July 14, 2011_ SLUG: rn0728_ EXTRA INFORMATION: The Wise Acre Eatery restaurant, 5401 Nicollet Ave South, Mpls, MN, has been open for a couple months. People: A portrait of Chef, (CQ) Beth Fisher, and a portrait of Fisher and GM (CQ)Caroline Glawe. Food: Fried chicken, "Shades of Summer" salad, and the custard sundae of the day. _Names were CQ'ed from Bi](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/LB6MRMLJPZ33M3XE72HFOQCF2E.jpg?&w=1080)
![Russell and Desta Klein in the doorway of Meritage. ] - Assignments #20019254A_ August 13, 2011_ SLUG: rn0818_ EXTRA INFORMATION: __ Meritage, added a raw bar earlier this year, Absynthe drinks. Foods shots: "Composition of summer corn," gnocchi with shrimp, lobster in gelee, striped bass. Salmon salad __ (CQ) Russell and Desta Klein, by Russ.bestmn2012 bestmn2012](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/I2EY42UJP5W5JHDRG7ZPYAOTPM.jpg?&w=1080)
