Winter: the bitter temperatures, the short days and eating inside. Forget about it, it’s summertime! Soon those bitter cold January days will be a distant memory (until next year). When the mercury soars past 80 and the sun is shinning there’s nothing like a drink, some great food and good old-fashioned people watching. Here are METRO’s picks for the best of eating, outside.

THE PICKS:
UPTOWN: Moto-i, the first sake brewery outside of Japan, has one of the best views of the Minneapolis skyline. Period. Pair their one of kind brews or premium sake flights with any of their affordable dishes or sides, sit back and watch the sun set over the cities. If sake isn’t your thing, the newest addition to Uptown also has a great selection of locally brewed beers. Moto-I; 2940 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.821.6262

PARKSIDE: Minnehaha Falls is a Minnesota tradition in and of itself. Sea Salt Eatery just happens to be there. Serving some of the cities best seafood alongside live music and outstanding ambience makes this a must stop for all you bikers. Heading down the Grand Rounds, alongside the Mississippi River, this place is like an oasis. They even serve Sebastian Joe’s ice cream! Sea Salt Eatery; 4825 Minnehaha Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.721.8990

RIVERFRONT: Minneapolis started here and it’s a great place to end your night. No matter what mood you’re in, St. Anthony Main’s eateries will always give you a great view alongside some great food. If you’re looking for a swank night out, head to Minneapolis’ oldest restaurant, Pracna. When you just want a good burger and some beer Tuggs Tavern will keep you afloat. If you just want a really, really good view Vic’s can’t be beat. (Photo Left: Courtesy of 3rd Foundation) Pracna; 117 Main St. S.E., Mpls.; 612.379.3200 // Vic’s; 201 Main St. S.E., Mpls.; 612.312.2000 // Tuggs; 219 Main St. S.E., Mpls.; 612.379.4404

DOWNTOWN: Solera in the summer is all about the movies. Weather permitting; the Hennepin Ave. hot spot converts its rooftop patio into a veritable movieplex twice a week. While nibbling away at J.P. Samuelson’s delectable tapas enjoy such classics as Pulp Fiction (June 16), Purple Rain (June 30) and Poltergeist (Sep. 9). If you would’ve known about this last week, you could have had a white Russian while gazing at The Big Lebowski on the big screen.

ST.PAUL: Grand Ave. is a classy place. Salut is on Grand Ave. Therefore Salut is a classy place. Fresh seafood, steak frites and a North Face store just seem right together. You’ll feel like you’re on the Champs-Élysées. Go ahead and wear that beret that’s been collecting dust since your last trip to the land where health care comes with the hor’s d’oeuvres. You won’t really be there, but sometimes fantasy is better. Look it’s Gérard Depardieu, oh wait, that’s the bus boy. Salut; 917 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651.917.2345

NORTHEAST: Psycho Suzi's used to be a biker bar. Then they added some tiki to the equation. What came out of this diabolical scheme may be the best drinks in Minneapolis. Nothing can be beat five friends and the massive Volcanic Eruption, a crazy combination of liquor, mango, pineapple and coconut. Try it with a side of deviled eggs. Even a shaman would be proud. Psycho Suzi’s; 2519 Marshall St. N.E., Mpls.; 612.788.9069

LAKESIDE: Remember when you used to watch 90210. You know, the original with Jason Priestley. One summer he ended up working at a beach club. Remember? Well if Brandon had never left Minnesota he would have gotten his summer job at Lord Fletcher’s instead. Imagine 90210 set in the Twin Cities. Now go drive your BMW out to Spring Park and live that dream. Lord Fletcher’s; 3746 Sunset Dr., Spring Park; 952.471.8513