Patio, Please: 4 FOMO-Inducing Outdoor Dining Experiences in Winona, Minnesota
The sun is high, the weather is hot, and a cool drink or two would look great in your hand. Patio season is in full swing in Winona! We’ve highlighted some of our can’t-miss outdoor dining spots to sip fun drinks with friends, savor unique dishes by the water, and get wild all summer long.
Boat House
Dinner with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Boat House is Winona’s only riverfront restaurant overlooking the Mighty Mississippi. Dig into a menu filled with river-inspired dishes, including walleye fish and chips, surf and turf, and coconut shrimp with a spicy chili sauce. With a craft cocktail in hand and a steaming plate of house-cut fries for the table, all that’s left to do is sit back and take in the sights. If your perfect patio includes river breezes and passing barges, the Boat House delivers.
Nosh Scratch Kitchen
The only way to have a fresher meal than what NOSH Scratch Kitchen dishes up is if you were to catch or grow the food yourself. This swanky downtown spot sources ingredients from farmers across southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin for an exotic Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes with the seasons. Tucked behind the main dining room at NOSH is one of downtown Winona’s best-kept secrets—a cozy courtyard patio that feels worlds away from the street. With twinkling lights, craft cocktails, and chef-driven dishes, it’s the kind of hidden spot you’ll want to settle into long after the last bite.
Summer House at Signatures
Equal parts garden party and bluff-country escape, Summer House at Signatures Restaurant & The Grill offers a dining experience unlike anywhere else in Winona. Surrounded by lush gardens, glowing fireplaces, and panoramic views of the bluffs and golf course, it’s the kind of place where dinner easily turns into a long summer evening. Pair the setting with hand-dipped Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds and a handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine, and you’ll see why it’s the kind of place where happy hour easily turns into a long summer evening.
The Old Tiger
History, river views, and great food come together on The Old Tiger patio at Winona Freight Collective. Housed in a restored 1880s freight house in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect place to enjoy scratch-made bites, a local brew from Two Fathoms, and a laid-back evening with live music and Mississippi River vibes. The Old Tiger’s curated menu offers a range of elevated dishes and fun comforts that come with unexpected twists. Hello, Earl Grey Crème Brûlée. The Old Tiger sets the scene for a night to make a little history of your own.
Whether you’re just passing by or embarking on a wild getaway, Winona is ready to serve up an unforgettable outdoor dining experience.