Twin Cities - Non-smoking outdoor dining?

[AnneInMpls]

Are there any non-smoking outdoor patios or sidewalk cafes in the Twin Cities? I'm desperately allergic to cigarette smoke, so I usually have to sit inside when I go "out" to eat. (At least my restaurant choices have expanded lately, for which I am very thankful!)

I know that the Birchwood Cafe has discrete "No Smoking" signs near their sidewalk tables, and I think that the Signature Cafe also requests that outdoor patrons not smoke.

Are there any others? I would love some other options for our gorgeous summer nights (and days). I've included a link to the Pioneer Press's outdoor dining guide for ideas.

Many thanks,
Anne

Link: http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincit...

[Loren3]

Good luck! The main reason so many restos have opened up their sidewalks and back patios is to accommodate smokers, now that you can't smoke indoors anymore.

I think I would look for the places with the biggest and most charming patio spaces, with the idea that they could find a space for you that's upwind of the smokers.

In my 'hood, that would include the Monte, and your suggestion of Joe's Garage would probably also work. Their roof is quite large. And for some reason, I have a vague recollection that the Black Forest courtyard is at least partially non-smoking, but I'm not sure.

The alternate idea would be to find places with patios so small that you are the only one there and it won't matter! 112 comes to mind. During mid-week, there are seldom people out on the sidewalk.

Again, good luck!

[AnneInMpls]

Just in case anyone's checking this thread for tips, here's a thread that mentions a third non-smoking patio at the Craftsman.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/37520...

Anne

[AnneInMpls]

I found another all-non-smoking patio in the Twin Cities (or, rather, on the outskirts).

Patrick's Wayzata Bistro
http://www.patricksbakerycafe.com/W_l...

We ate there last night. When I asked if they allowed smoking on the patio, the answer was a prompt and enthusiastic "no". Yippee! It was the end of the evening, and only one other table was occupied, so I don't know how hard they enforce the non-smoking policy. But at least their heart's in the right place!

Anne

P.S. Our dinner last night was very nice, although not completely up to par with the very high prices. Best was my husband's duck, followed by the astoundingly rich quail terrine. The baked goods, oddly enough, were the weakest part of the meal. But where else can you dine al fresco on French food with a view of Lake Minnetonka? And on a non-smoking patio, to boot? I love this place!

[soupkitten]

i sat on the wee patio at obento-ya the other day. there was a no smoking sign prominently posted near the door, and nobody was smoking-- since nobody tried to smoke, i can't speak to enforcement, but i sure didn't see any icky butts anywhere. it was a very cute patio, with nice shade from tree, some landscaping with running water/fountain, not a bunch of tables all jammed together on a hot surface, you know? it was very nice!

[AnneInMpls]

Oh, hooray! The new patio at Obento-ya sounds so lovely and appealing - I've been moping around ever since I heard about it, thinking that I didn't dare brave the smoke to sit out there. But it sounds very promising for me and my wimpy lungs.

Thanks!
Anne

[run2eat]

The patio at Longfellow Grill is non-smoking.

[AnneInMpls]

Thank you! This is very good to know. I've been avoiding Longfellow Grill, but now I can succumb to the lure of that Elvis Burger...

Anne

[The Dairy Queen]

I've never dined on the outdoor/sidewalk dining at Tanpopo. Does anyone know if it's nonsmoking?

~TDQ

[WaiterEater]

Il Vesco Vino in the old Vintage spot in Saint Paul has one of the prettiest undiscovered patios in the city. Maybe I shouldnt mention it either. Bartender told me smoking was only allowed at the actual outdoor bar. They have new wood fired pizzas now too that are as good as Punch without the wait.The patio is huge and they have live jazz out there on the weekends too.

[AnneInMpls]

Too bad that smoking is allowed. That disqualifies it as a non-smoking patio, because there's always a breeze blowing from the smokers to my table. Always. Even if there's only one smoker and the patio is "huge" - it's never huge enough when someone is smoking.

Dang.

Anne

[Loren3]

The Monte Carlo has a segregated patio - no smoking in the main section, smoking in the raised section at the back and on the streetfront. Pretty nice patio overall.

[AnneInMpls]

Happy, happy, happy me! I found another non-smoking patio: Punch Pizza in St. Paul.

We went there last night, and I was pining for an outside table. I just assumed that smoking was inevitable, but I didn't see any ash trays, so I finally thought to ask. Hooray!

Caution for other smoke-sensitive people - the tiny patio is "in" the parking lot (slightly elevated) and is right next to the entrance. So when Punch is crowded (as it often is), and people are waiting outside for a table, there are likely to be some smokers standing right next to the patio diners. So truly smoke-free dining is iffy on a busy night. But on a slow Monday, like last night, it's pretty safe.

My lungs are so happy!

Anne

[AnneInMpls]

Time for some places links for the restaurants with truly all-non-smoking patios.