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Business & Tech

Bites Nearby: Alfresco Dining at Lakes Tavern and Grill

With warmer weather finally here, Oakdale Patch checks out the area's premier patios.

As warmer weather arrives, we Minnesotans flock to establishments with outdoor dining to stake out our spot on the patio. Throughout the summer, Oakdale Patch will be checking out some of these local area patio hot spots.

Now open for seven months, , located near Woodbury Lakes, is taking pride in having one of the largest patios in Woodbury.

“As far as the restaurants go, I believe we have the largest patio seating available in Woodbury,” said owner, Mike Miller. With plenty of seating, you should be just fine in locating a spot, as long as you arrive at a reasonable hour during weekends.

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Their L-shaped patio faces south and west, so thereʼs plenty of warmth and sunshine well into the late evening, which makes for a lingering spot to sip on Lakes' speciality cocktails and nibble on their upscale, yet casual, American contemporary cuisine.

Take for instance, the cranberry chipotle turkey burger ($10). Served on a fresh- baked, herb Foccacia bread bun, this healthier buffalo wing alternative is a juicy and zesty, half-pound turkey burger thatʼs brushed in cranberry chipotle sauce, and then topped off with crunchy, diced celery, Craisins and a creamy blue cheese dressing. Itʼs served with a side of seasoned waffle fries. Youʼll want to chill it all down with a Blue Moon beer ($5/16 oz.).

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Perfect for sharing, the shrimp tacos ($17) consists of three, flour tortillas stuffed with margarita coleslaw, tender-grilled marinated shrimp, freshly prepared pineapple-mango salsa, avocado cream and served with a side of rice pilaf. The Mango Madness specialty drink ($7), mixed with Parrot Bay Mango, cranberry and fresh orange juice is a perfect pairing!

Salad lovers will want to try the strawberry chicken salad ($11). Red-ripe, juicy strawberry slivers, blueberries, seasonal apples, sliced red onions, herb-grilled chicken breast slices, romaine and spring salad mix, are all tossed together in a balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with goat cheese crumbles and toasted, candied-walnuts. Try it with a glass of homemade sangria ($7) mixed with red wine, gin, orange juice, fresh raspberries and topped with fresh fruit wedges.

“When dining with us, make sure to join the Lakes Loyalty Program,” said marketing manager, Tara Montgomery. “Upon joining the program, diners receive a $10 gift card. For every $1 spent at Lakes Tavern and Grill, you receive a point and when you reach 100 points, you are rewarded with a $10 gift card.”

Happy hour runs 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.- midnight, seven days a week! All appetizers are $5 or less and drinks are double up for a buck. Buy one draft beer, house wine or well drink at regular price and get the second one for just $1.
For more information on community fundraisers, live entertainment and other specials, check their website at: www.lakestavernandgrill.com or call Tara Montgomery at 651-287-2000.

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