The 10 Best Portland Patios To Soak Up The Summer Sun

For a city that receives 44 inches of rain per year, Portland sure has some cool restaurant and bar patios.

Portland is a city known for rain, but if you ask any local, they’ll tell you that summer makes all that precipitation worth it. The scenery stays green and lush, and the air is fresh. Plus, the average temperature is around 80°F (26°C)—it’s something of a perfect summer.
Though locals know a true Oregon summer really only lasts around two months (beginning of July through mid-September), restaurant and bar patios abound with outdoor areas to soak in the rays. And they are at capacity when the sun is shining. From Skyline Tavern’s forest-wrapped deck with Willamette Valley views to Rontoms’ sprawling outdoor seating, these are the best patios in Portland to soak up the summer sun.

Tamale Boy

Restaurant, Mexican

Tamale Boy’s food is reason enough to visit the restaurant’s Northeast location (who doesn’t love fresh ceviche, tableside guacamole, and a margarita in the summer?), but the patio is what makes this such a special summertime spot. The Mexican restaurant’s outdoor options far outnumber its indoor seating and offer colorful umbrellaed tables and bar-seat dining. There’s also a fire pit.

Skyline Tavern

Bar, Restaurant, American

Skyline Tavern has been a Portland staple for over 80 years. The saloon-esque watering hole sits high atop Tualatin Mountain, looking down on Forest Park. The forested patio/beer garden boasts some of the best views in town, with the Willamette Valley sprawling underneath. Handmade benches invite guests to relax under mighty Douglas firs, and on-site lawn games urge them to stay and play awhile.

Pied Cow Coffeehouse

Bar, Cafe, American

The Pied Cow Coffeehouse is a Belmont gem. Housed in an old (possibly haunted) Victorian, the coffee shop/restaurant/bar/hookah lounge is covered in eclectic décor. In the winter, it’s a great place to sip mulled wine in a comfy old armchair, but in the summer, the patio is the place to be. Encased by foliage, it feels more like you’re hanging out in your friend’s backyard than on a busy city street, which is rare these days.

Rontoms

Bar, American

While Rontoms’ vibe changes with the days of the week—one night it’s a chill place to have happy hour with friends, while the next it’s packed with people wanting to party—there’s no denying that patio any day. The sprawling outdoor seating area features both covered tables and open spaces. There are ping pong tables and an outdoor bar. Plus, in the summer, the bar’s free concert series—Sunday Sessions—moves outdoors, so you can listen to local live music while enjoying a warm Portland summer night.

Revival at Bible Club

Bar, American

Revival is Bible Clubs casual outdoor bar

Revival is a casual outdoor bar behind Bible Club—a meticulously thought-out speakeasy in Sellwood. While the indoor bar/restaurant features hand-crafted, American-made pre-1930s décor and a Prohibition-era feel, the patio is more Americana. Everything is made of wood, from the tables to the bar, and the pup-friendly locale also hosts live bands. Though the menus differ, Revival whips up a mean slushy cocktail that’s perfect for a summer evening—it’s unavailable inside.

Wayfinder Beer

Bar, Pub, American

Wayfinder Beer’s slogan is “Maybe partying will help,” and there’s really no better summer party than a patio party. Luckily, the Southeast warehouse brewpub boasts a 2,000-square-foot (185-square-meter), multi-tiered deck, complete with a fire pit, that’s great for summer hangs. The same people behind Sizzle Pie, Double Mountain Brewery, and Podnah’s Pit opened up the massive space in 2016 and have been giving the city a pleasant buzz and full belly ever since.

Vendetta

Bar, American

Vendetta’s big painted letters on the side of the building say it all: “Food, Booze, Patio, Shuffleboard.” This is really all you need to know—especially “patio.” The inside of Vendetta is a converted garage with pinball and a popular shuffleboard table, but when the sun is shining, expect to see everyone outside in the big, Zen area with tall, leafy trees, long, wooden benches and cobblestones.

The Rambler

Bar, Restaurant, American

The Rambler’s primary focuses are comfort and hospitality, and the Mississippi bar/restaurant exceeds in both. The converted 1920s bungalow features a shaded backyard patio that shields patrons from direct sun and pesky rain, and the side yard hosts one of the few bocce ball courts in town. For those more into people-watching, there are a few tables in the front yard—all are dog-friendly.

White Owl Social Club

Bar, Restaurant, American

White Owl Social Club gets packed on summer nights, and for good reason. The Southeast bar/restaurant boasts a sprawling back patio furnished with long, umbrellaed picnic tables, an outdoor bar, a fire pit, and an HD projector for movie nights and sporting events. The drinks are mixed well, and the food menu caters to omnivores and herbivores alike. For those with four-legged friends, White Owl is super dog-friendly and is equipped with a doggy access door.

Paymaster Lounge

Bar, American

Paymaster Lounge’s patio is a great summer spot, but it’s wonderful year-round. With covered seating, misters, fans and heaters, this popular place is a must-visit no matter what month it is. The Northwest bar takes its name from Paymaster Check Writers & Signers Swingline Business Machine Company, taken from the building’s former life, but with pinball machines, a photo booth, and all kinds of eccentric décor, the name (and old sign above the door) is all that remains to join the building’s two worlds.

About the author

Katrina Nattress

Katrina Nattress is a professional writer in the music, entertainment, culture and travel landscapes. She lives in Portland, OR, and enjoys exploring all the nooks and crannies of her city and state. She's also a bona fide cat lady.