Relaxation and celebration on Rudy's Rooftop patio

By Merrina O'Malley | Photos by Paul Dols

Rudy’s Rooftop provides the perfect space for celebrating and enjoying the Minnesota summer with friends, neighbors, and family.

Since opening in 2003, Rudy’s Redeye Grill has been a big part of the White Bear Lake community. After developing their rooftop, it did not come as a surprise that it was just as successful as the original restaurant.

Rudy’s patio can be distinguished by its rooftop location that can be accessed via an elevator or a spiral staircase on the exterior of the building. It separates itself from the main location by providing a different ambiance and menu to restaurantgoers.

Before the addition, owner Bill Foussard and his partner JoAnn Schaber encountered numerous obstacles, with one of the biggest being their kitchen. “At one time we thought we would bring all of your food from the main kitchen,” he said. “But then we thought there’s no way.” Rudy’s Rooftop and Grill is unique in that it has two separate cooking areas. According to Foussard, it would have been impossible to support both the patio and the main restaurant with only one kitchen.

During a dinner service, it is normal to see back of house employees rushing between grills and cutting boards in either kitchen. “During the night, both kitchens are rockin’.” Foussard said.

Despite its small size, the upper cooking area turns out an impressive amount of summer fare. Ranging from simple handhelds to steak, the rooftop offers food for all types of occasions. Their most famous is their savory Rudy’s Pan-Fried Walleye, a filet lightly covered in cracker crumbs, fried, and served sprinkled with slivered almonds and herb butter.

Rudy’s Rooftop is the perfect place for celebratory drinks or just a family meal. Whatever the event, the friendly restaurant staff will have you covered.

Upon entering the cozy rooftop patio, you will be greeted with smiles, hellos, and a neighborly atmosphere. “It’s warm, it’s comfortable, and it’s quaint with all of the greenery and flowers.” said Foussard.

Visitors will be greeted with a charming stone fireplace, bright umbrellas, and a horseshoe bar. Restaurant goers can be seen drinking one of the rooftop’s many twists on the classic martini, the most popular being the “Rudytini.”

Patios are the perfect place to take advantage of the beautiful lake community weather that White Bear Lake has to offer, and Rudy’s does just that. Their unbeatable hospitality and wide array of comfort grill food creates the perfect atmosphere for strangers to feel like neighbors and neighbors to feel like family.