In our Vitamin D deprived region of the Pacific Northwest, it is rare that we get to sit back and enjoy some rays while sipping on a spirited delight. Fortunately for us, various bars, lounges and restaurants have capitalized on the general population’s desire to throw on some shorts, sunglasses and get out of the house the minute the thermostat hits anything over 65 degrees and the clouds have gone on vacation. With bars across Oregon and Washington praising the summer weather and opening up their highly anticipated patios, it is time to get your day drinks on.
North 45: Amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland’s Northwest area, space is highly coveted and hard to come by, which leaves most of the bars without patios. North 45, a hidden gem along NW 21st Avenue, initially appears to be a small, dimly lit bar. After a short walk through the physical building, a door leads to the large back patio where you can nurse your beverage (whiskey lovers be prepared, there are over 150 varieties to choose from) while sitting at one of the many picnic tables located in this alfresco paradise. || 517 NW 21st Ave., Portland || north45pub.com
Rontoms: Be it you are looking to spend an active afternoon with a game of outdoor ping pong or would rather sit back and relax on a trendy patio with a locally crafted beer in hand, Rontoms is the bar for you. Located in the Lower Burnside neighborhood of Portland, their extensive patios—half of which is covered and open year round—offers a variety of experiences. With free live music ever Sunday, this local watering hole (conveniently down the street from Sizzle Pie) is a fan favorite among Portlanders. || 600 E Burnside, Portland || rontoms.net
McMenamins Edgefiemcld: A detailing of the best outdoor drinking destinations would not be complete without mentioning the monumental McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Ore. Encompassing an impressive 74-acre parcel of land that embraces multiples bars, restaurants, gardens, a hotel, spa and even a golf course, Edgefield attracts a versatile population of drinkers and diners. On a hot summer day, stop by to hear free live music on the lawn. Feeling antsy? No problem, take your unfinished drink with you while you peruse what the rest of the grounds have to offer. || 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale, OR || mcmenamins.com
The Firseside Lounge at Willows Lodge: A popular vacation destination, Willows Lodge is renowned for being a serene getaway in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. Not only does this resort offer the pinnacle of relaxation with its opportunities to indulge in rejuvenating spa experiences, cozy fireplaces and delicious wines and bites but it also has the lovely Fireside Lounge with a great outdoor patio. Since wine is best sipped alfresco when there is the promise of an impeccable view of nature, The Fireside Lounge is a must-visit. || 14580 NE 145th St., Woodinville, WA || willowslodge.com
Bottlehouse: This retail shop and wine bar in Seattle honors their motto of “dwell, drink and be well!” by providing their guests with tastings and pours of meticulously selected wines from around the Pacific Northwest and pairings of small plates featuring artisan cheeses and cured meats. Although this location stays busy throughout the year, when the sun breaks through the clouds the outdoor patio of Bottlehouse is especially desirable. With lush foliage surrounding the picnic table and umbrella filled patio, this garden-esque oasis offers a sultry backdrop to any wine-filled afternoon. | |1416 34th Ave., Seattle || bottlehouseseattle.com
520 Bar and Grill: Inner city pubs are typically known for their list of beers on tap, convenient location and delicious bar food. Unfortunately, due to their close quarters along busy streets, they rarely are destinations for drinking in the sun. 520 Bar and Grill in Bellevue, Wash., deviates from this norm in that it offers a great back patio with a vibrant, green perimeter of vegetation. Perfect for meeting up with friends after work and enjoying a cold one in the sun. || 10146 Main St., Bellevue, WA || 520barandgrill.com
Ray’s Boathouse: An institution in its own right, Ray’s Boathouse is a Seattle summer mainstay for oceanfront patio pounding. This restaurant grew from a coffee house in 1945 to a fish and chips joint in the ’60s, burnt to the ground in 1987 and has since revamped and remastered seafood in Seattle. The deck is quintessential dockside dining with early and late happy hours to bring home the sun. || 6049 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle || rays.com
