Best patios in the Twin Cities area: Our Top 30

Now that the weather is cooperating, it's time to take it outside and dine al fresco.

From rooftop hangouts to four-season retractable roofs, trendy restaurants have stepped up their game to make the patio competition as tough as it has ever been. Still, new tricks aren't always enough to beat perennial favorites.

Whether classic and quaint or trendy and bustling, this year's top 30 patios have something to suit a variety of tastes.

ADMIRAL D'S WATERFRONT TAVERN, 4424 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake; 651-330-3101; admiralds.com: Location, location, location. This stone patio is small, but you can't beat the backdrop of White Bear Lake and boats coming from the landing.

DOC'S LANDING PUB AT MISSISSIPPI DUNES, 10351 Grey Cloud Trail, Cottage Grove; 651-768-7611; mississippidunes.com: Spot eagles and deer while taking in the calm, tranquil backwaters of the Mississippi River. The restaurant is on the grounds of a golf course, so there is plenty of greenery to enjoy as well. Burgers and sandwiches are the stars of the menu.

DOCK CAFE, 425 Nelson St., Stillwater; 651-430-3770; dockcafe.com: This grown-up restaurant with a patio on the water's edge provides a perfect view of the St. Croix River, lift bridge and river valley.

MUDDY WATERS BAR & GRILL, 231 Broad St., Prescott, Wis.; 715-262-5999; muddywatersbarandgrill.biz: An expansive, multi-tiered patio with primo views of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers is one of the prettiest riverfront restaurants around. Choose from open-air and umbrella-topped deck areas. The patio has an outdoor bar as well as a covered deck area to keep patrons dry even when there's rain.

Jenna Bauer of Hastings delivers food to a table on the patio at Muddy Waters Bar and Grill in Prescott, Wis., on May 17, 2014. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)

PIER 500, 500 First St., Hudson, Wis.; 715-386-5504; pierfivehundred.com: A hot spot not only for its contemporary decor and menu but also for offering one of the best seats in downtown for catching views of the pier and St. Croix River.

PSYCHO SUZI'S, 1900 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-788-9069; psychosuzis.com: It's come one, come all at this family-friendly hangout with a hip vibe. During patio season, the waiting list fills up with those who want to dine on the tiki-themed deck overlooking the Mississippi River. Polynesian cocktails and giant pizzas are a draw.

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Best patios in the Twin Cities area: Our Top 30