Portland's Best Summertime Patios for Outdoor Drinking
Last year we gave you a list of some of Portland’s best summer patios. Besides Veritable Quandary, which sadly closed last fall after 45 years of service, all the ones on our earlier list are still relevant. Instead of repeating ourselves, here are ten new patios to lounge out on during the sunny months. Let us know where you’ll be drinking up the sun (and drinking) on our Facebook or Twitter.
Altabira City Tavern
Altabira is more than just the bar for Hotel Eastland — it’s also a great restaurant and taphouse. Its hundred person patio has an excellent view of the river, the industrial East Side, and the entire West Side. Grab one of the many pints of beers available here and enjoy the view. (1021 NE Grand Ave. #600; 503-963-3600)
Secluded from the hubbub of downtown, the patio at Nel Centro gives an oasis feel to the urban environment. Verdant trees and umbrellas provide shaded areas, and fire-pits keep the patio warm all evening. (1408 SW 6th St.; 503-484-1099)
The bar portion of Mississippi Studios features burgers, beers, cocktails, and a large patio that’s always packed. Whether you’re waiting for your favorite indie band to start playing or you’re just enjoying a burger and brew, the Bar Bar patio is always a hit. Also, you can bring your dog, or just hang out with some of the dogs that will surely be there. (3939 N. Mississippi St.; 503-288-3895)
Offering one of the best views on the east side, the Noble Rot wine bar has a cozy patio overlooking Burnside. Grab a flight of wine and some charcuterie and watch the sunset for a perfect, affordable date night. (1111 East Burnside St.; 503-233-1999)
Backyard Social really lives up to its own name (which was changed recently from Hop and Vine). Picnic tables and lanterns adorn the yard, creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Order a margarita or a glass of rosé and join the party. (1914 N Killingsworth St.; 503-719-4316)
Stop by Aalto Lounge’s chic back patio during happy hour in the summer and you will find it swarming with hipsters. That’s because Aalto Lounge offers $3 cocktails during happy hour, as well as $10 bottles of wine. But that patio is great all day long, even after happy hour, when you can more easily find a seat. (3356 SE Belmont St.; 503-235-6041)
Skyline Tavern
Skyline Tavern is an honest to god old school saloon resting atop Tualatin Mountain at the most northwestern portion of Portland. The wide, dirt floored back patio is lined with ancient trees and looks out over a bucolic landscape. Lawn gamess and live music round out the space for a true Oregon experience. (8031 NW Skyline Blvd.; 503-286-4788)
What’s better than a rooftop bar overlooking the Pearl District? How about one with 20 beers on tap so you never have to go inside? 10 Barrel Brewing may be a recent AB InBev acquisition, but the beers, and the view, are as great as always. (1411 NW Flanders St.; 503-224-1700)
There are only a few patios in downtown Portland, so it makes sense that MoMo’s is as busy as it is. Even during the winter it’s popular, with the covered areas and heat lamps, but it’s best in summer, when you can drink a cheap beer out on the raised patio portion. (725 SW 10th Ave.; 503-478-9600)
Century Bar, the stylish sports bar and event space, doesn’t just have one patio. It actually has three, if you count the smaller back balcony. Otherwise, it has two large patios, one on the ground floor, and one on the roof. Both are a great place to enjoy one of Century Bar’s speciality tequila drinks while enjoying the sun. (930 SE Sandy Blvd.)
Radio Room
Like Century Bar, the Radio Room on Alberta has multiple floors of balconies, and they’re both open 365 days of the year. The lower deck is covered and heated for winter months, while the top one is half open air, half covered, with a great view of bustling Alberta. (1101 NE Alberta St.; 503-287-2346)
Photo via John Valls
