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Lunch spots with a nice view in Minnesota

You refuse to spend your lunch break staring at a wall. You want a meal that comes with a view worth looking at.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Cabana Club image 1
The Cabana Club image 2
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Restaurant

Patio overlooks a spectacular city skyline next to the river, creating a cozy and gorgeous atmosphere. Space fills with a welcoming and comfortable vibe, often enjoyed during sunsets. Creative cocktails and a variety of food choices complement the beautiful setting.

Offers a versatile menu suitable for both late lunches and family gatherings. Serves lunch alongside brunch and dinner, making it a consistent choice throughout the day.

Every table offers a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline and river. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a river-facing patio highlight the stunning views throughout the space.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The patio offers an exceptional view of the river."

"The food here is mouth-watering and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The Butter Board is available for $10 during happy hour.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

02
HAVEN Asian Eatery image 1
Thai restaurant

Space offers great lake views and outdoor seating with a quiet, clean atmosphere. Interior feels bare and uninviting, with some issues like a greasy floor and chemical smells. Activities for children and small giveaways add a casual, family-friendly touch.

Lunch offers great Asian dishes with consistent quality. Options suit both dine-in and delivery, making it a reliable lunch spot.

Views include a small lake, walking trails, and a river. The setting feels like a greenhouse with architecture and greenery outside.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I thought the lunch here was great and delicious."

"I loved the nice view of the lake and greenery."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's floor can be greasy and slick, posing safety concerns.

2

The beef and chicken dishes are halal.

3

Items with gluten are clearly marked on the menu.

03
Minnehaha Regional Park image 1

Powerful waterfall anchors a spacious park with open picnic grounds and accessible bike paths. Peaceful atmosphere blends with natural scenery featuring bridges, creeks, and sandstone climbing spots. Play areas and a concert pavilion add to the family-friendly vibe.

Lunch happens on a patio or inside the restaurant, offering a midday, midweek break. Options are available on weekdays and in a regional park setting.

Beautiful views of the falls and river surround walking trails. The scenery includes waterfalls and creekside paths visible from multiple angles.

People are saying

"You have to see the frozen falls at this park; it's incredible."

"I enjoyed the beautiful, easy-to-access view of the falls."

"I thought the lunch here was good."

Good to know

1

Parking is not free; be prepared to pay.

2

There are concerts in the summer at the park.

3

Expect local art events and food stands during special occasions.

04
Minnehaha Falls image 1
Tourist attraction

Waterfall and surrounding trails create a scenic setting with breathtaking views. Large open grounds include an outdoor theatre and public food court, supporting a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. Families enjoy play areas and pedal carts, while music and art add cultural touches.

Picnic tables sit both outside and inside a connected building, offering spots to eat. The area near the falls works well for a picnic lunch or meals from the nearby restaurant.

Amazing views of the falls are easy to access with well-maintained trails and handicap accessible paths. The park offers beautiful scenery full of nature and clear vantage points to enjoy the falls.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with its wonderful waterfall."

"The waterfall here is gorgeous, offering a nice view."

"This lunch spot is a gorgeous, quiet place."

Good to know

1

Entry to Minnehaha Falls is free for all visitors.

2

Parking costs $1.30 per hour and requires license plate recognition.

3

The park occasionally hosts festivals and events, so check the calendar.

05
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum image 1

Sprawling gardens and natural landscapes include hills, prairies, bogs, ponds, and a waterfall. The atmosphere stays serene and tranquil, with well-maintained trails winding through sculpture and Chinese gardens. Amenities like a visitor center, cafe, and fire pits add comfort without disrupting the peaceful vibe.

Lunch happens in a peaceful cafe surrounded by flowers and trails. Options include a cafeteria and a nearby spot called Red Bench favored for meals.

A 3-mile paved drive and walk trail offer diverse scenery with views of plants, flowers, and sculptures. The landscape is well maintained and provides lovely views around every turn.

People are saying

"I found the gardens and trails to be beautiful and peaceful."

"The scenery here is beautiful and stunning."

"I had a nice lunch, and the soup was good."

Good to know

1

Reservations for parking are required before visiting the arboretum.

2

The entry fee is $25 per person for special events like Winter Lights.

3

The arboretum spans 1200 acres with extensive gardens and walking paths.

06
VFW Post 1782 image 1
Veterans center

A veterans center with unbeatable lake views and a busy, friendly atmosphere. The small deck fills up on nice days, offering a great spot to relax and play pull tabs. Prices stay reasonable, making it a popular place to enjoy food and drinks while honoring servicemen and servicewomen.

Food serves well for lunch and dinner with solid quality. Outdoor deck seating offers a nice spot to enjoy meals during warmer months.

Fantastic lake views overlook White Bear Lake, offering an unbeatable sight. The spot provides a great place to enjoy a meal while honoring servicemen and servicewomen.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible and always tasty."

"This lunch spot has fantastic food, especially the Reuben."

"I loved the great views overlooking the lake."

Good to know

1

Parking space is limited, especially for handicap parking.

2

The entrance is very handicap accessible.

3

Prices for food and drinks are reasonable.

07
Off the Rails image 1
Bar & grill

Long bar with many taps and patio overlooking stadium create a lively setting. Live music and DJ energize the space, especially before games when the crowd is loud and festive. Dog friendly atmosphere attracts locals who enjoy games, drinks, and casual fun.

Offers quick carry out options ideal for weekday lunches. Serves as a convenient stop before activities like stadium tours.

Outdoor seating offers a view of the park and stadium. The patio combines a great vibe with these sights.

People are saying

"The food at this bar is genuinely delicious and great."

"This lunch spot has great food, my kids said it was bussin'."

"The outdoor seating has a nice view of the park."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, but ask for the menu during busy times.

2

Trivia night occurs weekly, providing a fun activity for visitors.

3

Expect a reduced menu on days with special events at the nearby ballpark.

08
Char Blu Riverside image 1

Upscale restaurant combines chic design with thoughtful sound-barrier panels to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoy top-notch steaks and cocktails in a space that balances lively bar energy with quieter dining areas. Expansive patio and river access add a unique outdoor dimension during warmer months.

Lunch features a burger with bacon and fries that stand out. The lunch combo includes a Caesar salad and a half turkey croissant sandwich, both solid choices.

Riverside views stand out near the water. The terrace and patio offer spots to enjoy the scenery when open.

People are saying

"The steak here is tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"The food and drinks here are excellent and beautifully presented."

"The food here is superb and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour in the bar area offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Social Hour features reasonably priced drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The outdoor patio can accommodate about 250 people during warmer months.

09
Cardamom image 1
Restaurant

Bright space blends Scandinavian and South Asian styles with a stunning live tree inside and views of a sculpture garden and skyline. Outdoor seating offers comfortable breeze and shade with lively conversation filling the room. Cocktails feature bold flavors, and vegetarian options stand out.

Quick and excellent lunch service stands out even on busy days. The menu offers great options, and the modern yet cozy atmosphere includes views of the Sculpture Garden.

Views include a sculpture garden and the Minneapolis skyline. The patio offers great people watching and natural lighting enhances the modern yet cozy atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and unique."

"This Mediterranean food's lamb burger is juicy and flavorful."

"The lamb burger was juicy and flavorful, one of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered seven days a week, making it a great option for any day.

2

Happy Hour features discounted lamb sliders, perfect for a light snack.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

10
The 'Wick Pub And Grill image 1

Outdoor seating offers gorgeous golf course views and a relaxed, upscale vibe. Indoor space feels loud and in need of a major face-lift. Patio atmosphere stands out as the best feature, attracting those looking to unwind after golf.

Lunch happens on a patio that offers a relaxed vibe. The spot suits post-golf meals and serves solid options for lunch or dinner.

The patio offers a gorgeous view of the golf course. The pub provides a beautiful scenery backdrop, making it a great spot for dinner with a golf course view.

People are saying

"The food here is always good and delicious."

"The patio offers a great view of the golf course."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and arrived hot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

2

The menu has changed recently and may not match what's online.

3

Expect higher prices compared to similar dining options in the area.

11
Brianno's Chart House Restaurant & Events Center image 1

Spacious outdoor patio overlooks water with live music enhancing the lively, often loud atmosphere. Separate bar area feels cozy but noisy, requiring raised voices for conversation. Setting suits events and celebrations, offering a beautiful backdrop for dining inside or out.

Outside seating offers a nice spot for lunch. The menu includes a crepe bar, omelet bar, and salad bar alongside beef and desserts. Some days feature limited options like ravioli.

Outdoor seating offers a beautiful view of the lake. Evening sunsets add to the lovely water scenery just outside the city.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is stunning, perfect for beautiful photos."

"You can sit outside for a lovely lake view."

"Kyle's service at this Lunch Spot was exceptional and made the experience wonderful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for events to ensure availability.

2

Automatic gratuity of 20% is added for parties of four or more.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

12
Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor patio overlooks horse racetrack with live music stage and VIP seating. Atmosphere feels vibrant and lively, with options to watch races, listen to music, and relax by fire pits. Bar offers creative cocktails and local beers on tap, creating a social and engaging environment.

Lunch offers a chance to enjoy Shrimp Spaghetti priced at $25 with slightly better service during less busy times. The atmosphere feels relaxed and suitable for a midday meal.

Outdoor space offers a great view of the horse track from the back patio. The bar and location provide a nice spot for a casual drink with amazing racetrack views.

People are saying

"The craft drinks here are pricey but made correctly."

"You get a great view of the horse track from the outdoor space."

"The food here is excellent and unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available at the bar tops.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Rock Star Karaoke is hosted on Thursdays with KJ Alex.

13
Dangerfield's image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers live piano and saxophone performances alongside a screened-in balcony with waterside views. The atmosphere stays relaxing and inviting, enhanced by a classic old school salad bar and a tiki bar with rum-based cocktails downstairs.

Lunch features a patio setting that adds a fun vibe. The spot reopened as Shakopee House and offers a great midday meal experience.

A balcony overlooks water filled with dozens of swans and ducks, creating a wonderful pond view. The setting offers a beautiful water scene that stands out.

People are saying

"The river view with swans and ducks is truly amazing."

"You have to try the popovers with cinnamon butter at these dinner spots."

"The service here is friendly and great."

Good to know

1

Dangerfield's offers a private event space for hosting special occasions.

2

Happy hour specials provide great deals on drinks and snacks.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups or special events.

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