I’m a foodie, a craft beer lover, and a neurotic dog mom. I am always looking for great restaurants that meet my needs and love my dog as much as I do. I test a lot of places, all in name of research. What can I say? I’m a scientist at heart.

Few places meet my criteria.

My rescue dog Snickers needs (yes, needs) a comfortable place to lay. If it is heated, that makes me happy.

She needs a menu of her own. A treat would be nice. A fresh bowl of water and a nearby potty place are also requirements.

I search high and low for creative food with layered flavors, and a long list of craft beers brewed right here in Minnesota, and also exciting cocktails.

O, and chocolate dessert.

Yes, it’s a long list, and no, I am not afraid to admit it.

Here are my top three patios in the Twin Cities that meet all of my reasonable (?) requirements.

1. The Block in St Louis Park. Oddly enough, I recently ate here to meet a dog photography client. Thank you M and S for a lovely dinner! Located in St. Louis Park, it’s a primo meeting spot. The dog patio is covered and heated. The patio floors are event heated in the winter. And OMG their food is amazing for humans and dogs alike. They offer beer from Fulton, Surly and Bent Paddle among other familiar breweries. I tried the chocolate cake (research, remember? ), and I loved it. I have heard great things about their Sunday Brunch and it’s on my foodie bucket list. You need to go.

2. Howe’s Daily Kitchen & Bar Located in the Howe neighborhood in South Minneapolis, this is the place for lunch or dinner. If you go during happy hour, you can get a cheesy gouda cheddar skirt burger with layers of cheese, 2 beef patties, garlic butter, pickles & red onion served with parmesan rosemary truffle crinkle fries for ten bucks! Best deal ever for burger lovers. And you know that beer goes well with a burger, right? Order the pup some chicken or a rice woof-woof bowl. Don’t be surprised when the waitstaff spoils your dog with affection.

3. Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room Best patio in Northeast! Bring your dog and enjoy Taco Tuesday. They have $5 off tacos that day plus trivia. Make your week happier and order a craft beer. Or get all day breakfast and pretend your Tuesday is a Saturday. This is home to Minneapolis’ only three course menu for your dog. The heated, tented paw-tio is open in the winter so long as their heaters can keep up. If it’s below zero the patio might not be open, and really should you venture out anyway? Best get take out and dream of spring.

Give one of these dog friendly restaurant patios a try and let me know what you and your dog think.