Photo via Xport Bar & Lounge

 

Summer is officially on its way, and restaurant and bars patios are swarming with sun-deprived Portlanders. For a city that so rarely sees sunlight, it’s surprising how many great outdoor spots we have to drink and eat. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites from years past for comprehensive list. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot to drink outside on our Facebook or Twitter.

 

One of Portland’s oldest and most venerated institutions, this key element of the emergent brewing scene back in the 80s is still putting out amazing bar food, beer and whiskey pairings, and cocktails. While the inside is beautiful with tufted leather and polished wood, the sprawling and protected back patio is where you want to be during the summer. (204 SE Oak St.; 503-232-8355)

 

Even in Portland temperatures get up in the summer. Roadside Attraction’s front garden, with its dappled light through trees, bushes, and artfully ragtag roofing makes a great sanctuary from the heat. Don’t forget cash, it’s all this bar accepts. (1000 SE 12th Ave.; 503-233-0743)

 

Xport Bar and Lounge
The rooftop bar Xport, in the newly opened Porter Hotel, offers two balconies with views of the city. Each is heated by a center firepit, and both are fully covered to protect from the Portland rains. (1355 SW 2nd Ave.; 503-306-4800)

 

The patio at this taphouse is packed day and night during the warmer months, but it’s large enough you can usually still find a seat at one of the many long benches. Like Roadside Attraction, this spot is cash only. (1216 SE Division St; 503-273-9227)

 

Nostrana/Enoteca
Lauded Italian spot Nostrana recently expanded by opening an adjacent wine bar next door, with playful bites and a robust list of vino. Both of them have summer outdoor seating on the front sidewalk, with bright red patio furniture covered by shades. (1401 SE Morrison St., Ste 101 & Ste 105; 503-234-2427 & 503-236-7006)

 

Another one of our favorite bars in town, Interurban has a great patio year round, but it’s especially nice in the summertime. Head out to the patio with one of the new cocktails inspired by the Savoy Cocktail Book. (4057 N Mississippi St.; 503-284-6669)

 

St. John’s and other deep North Portland neighborhoods often get overlooked, but there’s still some great spots in these far out locales. If you’re in St. John’s, head to the Fixin’ To for some soul food, a beer & whiskey combo, and patio lounging. (8218 N Lombard St.; 503-477-4995)

 

Portland’s favorite German bier bar is a party all summer long, as guests and their dogs hang out, watch games on the outdoor TV set, and shatter the liter sized mugs with over-enthusiastic toasts. (4237 N Mississippi Ave.; 503-954-2674)

 

Photo via Departure

 

Not only is it a patio, it’s a patio on the 15th floor of the Nines Hotel, formerly the Meier & Frank building, giving diners and drinkers one of the best views of the city. Drink prices are steep for what you’re getting, but consider it paying for the view. (525 SW Morrison St.; 503-802-5370)

 

A great lounge on SE Clinton, the Night Light Lounge has a beautiful wood out back, protected from the street by a wisteria draped lattice wall. Grab a glass of rosé during happy hour and relax outside. Non-smokers might be a bit put-off; smoking is fully allowed out on the patio, and it’s a smaller space. (2100 SE Clinton St.; 503-731-6500)

 

The Radio Room is a great spot for either a night out drinking or a full dinner. It also has plenty of outdoor seating, including an upper level where you can look out over Alberta Street and the crowds of bar-hoppers. (1101 NE Alberta St.; 503-287-2346)

 

This sprawling patio still manages to get filled every night as guests cluster around the fire pits or dance to the outdoor DJ’s music. There aren’t too many clubs in Portland with outside dancing. Still, despite its size, White Owl often sports a line down the block on weekend nights. (1305 SE 8th Ave.; 503-236-9672)

 

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 offers a stunning view of the Willamette 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 balcony patio overlooking E 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—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 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 games 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.)

 

Though closed during the rainy season, the fantastic Italian restaurant Renata opens its patio doors and seat guests during the summer. It makes for a lovely happy hour destination, sipping Italian cocktails and snacking on rustic pizzas.

 

Lawn games are an essential summer pastime, so head to The  Rambler for some bocce ball as well as Southern inspired pub grub and craft cocktails. If you’re not into bocce, or if you’re waiting your turn to play, hang out on the back area, partially shaded to protect your vulnerable skin from the harsh light of the sun. (4205 N Mississippi Ave.; 503-459-4049)

 

Solo Club
It has a nice patio, sure, but inside it’s equally bright and vivid, with tall windows and a gem toned, Mediterranean-inspired decor. The drinking snacks here have an emphasis on fresh, Middle Eastern inspired fare, while the drink menu is full of refreshing highballs and spritzers made for summer sipping. (2110 NW Raleigh St.; 971-254-9806)