Stillwater Outdoor Dining Your Passport to 25+ Outdoor Dining ideas in Stillwater, MN. -

In collaboration with NellieBellie Kitchen

Your summer isn’t complete without a trip to downtown Stillwater, Minnesota to take in the beautiful scenery, great shopping, and fun activities. And don’t leave without stopping for a meal at one of the amazing Stillwater outdoor dining patio locations (who all happen to be locally owned by the way).

Even if you are familiar with Stillwater and visit the historic riverfront district on a regular basis, check out some of these patios and make sure you haven’t missed them.

We don’t think there is a better way to experience this hip historic town and all of its charm than at one of the many Stillwater outdoor dining locations. There are so many gorgeous views, menus, and ideal people-watching spots!

Many restaurants have excellent specials, menu items, and drink choices no matter what time of day you are enjoying Stillwater. Here are some of our favorite places and menu items you should check out. Put them on your summer bucket list and see what’s new!

Enjoy your culinary adventure in the historic downtown district of Stillwater, Minnesota. For a full list of restaurants, pubs, wineries, and breweries visit www.DiscoverStillwater.com.

Stillwater certainly has just as much foodie draw as the nearby big cities Minneapolis or St. Paul AND it’s more pedestrian friendly with free or very cheap parking! We encourage you to visit our culinary city year-round.

Stillwater Food Passport

Share photos of your food and drink on Instagram with #StillwaterFoodScene for a chance to WIN monthly prize drawings! Also, don’t forget you can also submit to win in the annual photo contest ($1300 Stillwater Getaway Grand Prize).

**Right Click Passport List to Save to Your Phone for Reference!**

Stillwater Outdoor Dining (in no particular order)

1. Brick and Bourbon
215 Main St. S. Stillwater, MN

This intimate rooftop patio has an amazing view of the St. Croix River! Enjoy happy hour from 3-6pm Monday to Friday with drink and menu specials. And they have brunch with a bloody mary bar on the weekends…don’t miss that!

We tried out their mango and blackberry wine slushies, the PB & Jay burger, and their maple pecan salad. That burger though! It comes on a glazed donut instead of a bun, slathered in peanut butter and a bit of bacon. This burger is a must-try, for sure! The wine slushies are a refreshing surprise, full of yummy wine, and beautiful to look at. We will be going back for another, really soon.

A great menu, beautiful view, and friendly staff Brick and Bourbon is on our must-do list for a beautiful day!

2. Tilted Tiki
324 S. Main St. Stillwater, MN

The Tilted Tiki’s patio is right on Main Street and a great location for people-watching. They have live music multiple nights a week, drink specials daily, and a menu unlike anything else in the city (we tried pickle pockets… so fun!). Their happy hour specials are from 3-7pm.

We loved the large vegan portion on their menu and tried the vegan cheesecake. It was delicious!

Don’t leave Stillwater without heading to Tilted Tiki and grabbing a drink. Their tropical drinks are beautiful, delicious, and a thrilling dose of summer!

3. Nacho Mama’s
312 S. Main St. Stillwater, MN

If you haven’t been to Nacho Mama’s yet, do so! In the summer, head to their patio located behind their building. Their alleyway patio is tucked away and a colorful place to grab a bite to eat.

Nacho Mama’s serves up large portions of delicious Mexican food. Once you come, you’ll be back! We always grab their Mexican street corn, a margarita, and homemade guacamole when we are there.

Don’t leave without sharing a Mexican Ice Cream. Easily serving 2-4 people, it’s a fantastic summer treat!

Nacho Mamas Restaurant outdoor dining patio in downtown Stillwater Minnesota — Nacho Mamas

4. Papa’s Rooftop at Water Street Inn
101 Water Street S. Stillwater, MN

Enjoy the panoramic views of the St. Croix River, the historic lift bridge and and the historic downtown district of Stillwater, MN on the 4th floor riverside rooftop of the newly remodeled Water Street Inn.

This is a nice stop for a glass of wine and woodfired pizza after a bike ride. If you are a guest at the Water Street Inn you can make a reservation, so we suggest a romantic table for two under the stars together with the best view in town day or night!

Bonus…they have parking lot that is reserved for hotel guests and a public lot right by the river.

A photo at this new rooftop view is a must for your summer in Stillwater! #StillwaterFoodScene

St Croix River Valley Broadway Papas Rooftop Stillwater Minnesota

5. Feller Restaurant at Lora Hotel
402 S. Main St. Stillwater, MN

At Feller Restaurant you’ll find a beautiful, dog-friendly patio right on the main street.

Feller has a gorgeous location and delicious made-in-house, chef-driven food! We are big fans of their Feller burger (every. single. thing. is handmade—even the bun and cheese!), foragers crostini, and cocktails.

And…Feller is a fantastic location for breakfast! Grab outdoor seating, a bloody mary (they have several interesting flavors), and flapjacks (our personal favorite). It’s hard to beat this spot for a summer breakfast!

Bonus…the historic stairs are right near them! Indulge in that dessert, you can walk it off!

Main Street outdoor dining patio for Feller Restaurant in Lora Hotel which is adjacent to the historic main street stairs — Feller Restaurant in Lora Hotel. Photo by: Eye Spy Photography

6. Matchstick Grill in Hotel Crosby
232 N. Main St. Stillwater, MN

One of the newer places in Stillwater, Matchstick has an amazing main street indoor/outdoor vibe. Giant doors open to their main street patio and allow for a great social experience.

Each weeknight features a fun special and their happy hour runs from 3-5pm (we love their fish tacos and 1/2 price selections) – it’s a great time to try a flight of something new. Did we mention that their whiskey selection is extensive? Sooo good.

The locally sourced, chef-driven menu here is ala carte and they deliver food when it finishes rather than delivering all of the dishes at once, so collaborate with your fellow diners and sit back to taste an array of flavors together.

Try their wood-fired carrots and made-in-house sausage for a true sample of the custom wood-fire grill in their kitchen.

7. Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop
131 Main St. Stillwater, MN

The patio for Leo’s Malt Shop and Grill is surprisingly large, dog-friendly, and nicely shaded. Leo’s is always the perfect place to grab a classic burger and malt with that old-time vibe in Stillwater. Their reubens are amazing and did we mention their malts? Truly, they serve up old-fashioned malts in several flavors from strawberry banana to Nutella.

Their patio is also nicely located near the historic lift bridge with great views and just off the bike trail – a perfect spot for Stillwater outdoor dining. NOTE: part of the patio temporarily closed for renovation, but there are extra tables/chairs in the public spaces on Chestnut Street you can use. We are excited to see the new patio with rooftop space and enclosed space as well as the new Gloria’s To-Go featuring quick to go items like real dairy ice cream and all beef hot dogs. Hoping for July opening!

Outdoor dining Patio with bikes and burley leaned up against the fence at Leo's Grill & Malt Shop — Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop

8. The Freight House
305 Water Street S. Stillwater, MN

With 8,000 square feet of river view deck and a tap room, the Freight House may be the largest outdoor dining spot in downtown Stillwater. Discover their new chef and large in-house smoker creating savory smoked meats from ribs to pastrami to carnitas tacos on the new summer menu.

Local beers like Lift Bridge Brewery on are on tap! You can take in the sunny views and summer vibe of the outdoor bar while sipping on a Mango Blonde or diving into cool cocktails served up in a fresh pineapple. Casual and welcoming to families and pups, the Freight House deck is a great place to people watch the nearby bike trail and admire the riverside park or raising and lowering of the historic lift bridge.

9. Quickfire Pizza
116 Main St. S. Stillwater, MN

Oh boy, this is a hidden gem of a patio convenient for grabbing drinks and a delicious dinner for that oh so needed private chat with a friend.

Immerse your taste buds in a wild variety of pizzas using all locally sourced or specialty imported ingredients. Kids will love to watch them build your za and place it into the custom wood-fired oven. Out will come the crisp toppings ready to enjoy with a local brew on tap or wine.

Take a bit to shop along Main Street while you are out and about, too.

10. P.D. Pappy’s
422 E. Mulberry St. Stillwater, MN

We can’t close out this list without mentioning P.D. Pappy’s, can we! P.D. Pappy’s patios (they have two) are right on the river. Sometimes literally. They are often victim to flood waters creeping in and invading one of their patio spaces. This happens most often in the spring but simply adds to the fun that is P.D. Pappy’s.

With live weekend music (a great line-up!) in the summer, P.D. Pappy’s is the place to head down for dancing, a drink and nacho’s (huge!). They also have a great menu full of your favorite burgers and sandwiches.

“Pappy Hour” is Tues-Fri 11-6pm plus they have really good weekly specials. Head to their patio on Sunday afternoons to listen to a 3-piece band! An easy stop before you head out on your rented pontoon from Stillwater Boat Club & Rentals next door or when the Stillwater Car Show is right in front of their location.

PD Pappy's outdoor dining deck next to the St. Croix River and boat marina — PD Pappy’s

Outdoor Dining in Stillwater…there is MORE!

This isn’t ALL of the outdoor dining locations in Stillwater, by any means (we have over 20!). There are many more places with pretty patio options and hot spot locations (oh la la see below). These are simply the ones we knocked off our bucket list and checked out so we could share some great options with you all. Keep exploring and #StillwaterFoodScene!