By Taylor Weeks

Fall is the perfect time to stave off the chilly air by enjoying the warmth of a fire. The Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs offer many locations to warm up while sipping a drink or sampling a plate of scrumptious eats. Gather your family and friends and try out one (or more) of these restaurants with unique outdoor bonfires.

W.A. Frost

W.A. Frost combines classic dining with the comfort of a fire on their ivy-clad outdoor patio. You can enjoy an artisan cheese plate or grilled bistro steak in the glow from this trendy square-shaped fire pit. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this in the quaint, historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood in St. Paul.

Seven

Climb up to the rooftop at Seven for incredible views, a full-service bar and, of course, the open fire pit. One of the hottest nightclubs in downtown Minneapolis, Seven is known for its diversity as a steakhouse, sushi restaurant and rooftop hangout. Gather your entourage to sit around the large fire pit and sip on Seven’s signature cocktails. You may also enjoy their Short Rib Grilled Cheese or Avocado and Lobster Toast while cozying up under the open sky.

Pinstripes

Take part in sophisticated fun at Pinstripes in Edina. Sit down for a meal, play a round of bocce ball or bowling, and take a drink out to the outdoor fire pit. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, the fit pit is the perfect place to curl up with Pinstripes’ classic American and Italian dishes.

Lion’s Tavern

Make your way to Lion’s Tavern for Wing Night or Taco Tuesday and choose from their extensive selection of wine, taps, signature cocktails, bourbon and scotch. To top it off, they have the perfect spot to enjoy your food: a six-sided fire pit. Relax after a long day in front of this bright and toasty fire in the iconic town of Stillwater.

Maynards

Maynard’s Restaurant is perched on lakefront land that used to be home to the Excelsior amusement park. Dine on the catch of the day and a glass of wine inside and cap the night by sitting around the stone fire pit just outside the restaurant. While you’re there, admire the gorgeous views of Lake Minnetonka.