Sitting high atop former Washington High School, the Roof Deck at Revolution Hall is a sight to behold. The 113,000+ square foot building was renovated in 2013 to include two restaurants, a music/event venue, and one of Portland’s largest rooftop bars. Open weather permitting April thru October, the Roof Deck offers 360-degree views of the city, a full bar, and you can order food from either restaurant downstairs. All seating is first-come, first-serve, so make sure you get there before the crowd to see the sunset on our beautiful city.

Coined “The Belle of Belmont,” The Vern got a facelift during covid and now sports one of the Eastside’s best patios. Formerly Hanigan’s Tavern, this hip spot is known for its iconic neon “TAVERN” sign out front, on which the only letters that work are “VERN,” hence the name choice. Come for the unique cocktails and stay for the sandwiches and cajun tots. The Vern has a surprisingly extensive menu for a dive bar and they offer a special brunch spread Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm.

Located in central SE Portland, Rontoms offers one of Portland’s largest outdoor seating areas. With a private and serene garden space surrounded by bamboo and a covered area with picnic tables and an outdoor bar, this place has it all. Cocktails are their specialty with over 15 custom libations, but they also offer a solid taplist and a delicious food menu. Rontoms has happy hour EVERY DAY 3-6:30pm, so from dates to day drinking, Rontoms is a must-visit.

Margs, tacos, and incredible views of downtown Portland? Sounds TOPE. This rooftop taqueria at The Hoxton Hotel on NW 4th Avenue in downtown Portland is sure to impress. Their menu is a little spendy, but well worth it. We recommend the Spicy Margarita or Mezcal Negroni paired with Oregon Bay Shrimp Ceviche and, of course, tacos! Reservations are allowed and recommended, so if you see a sunny day come up, give them a ring!

How could we not include a spot with the name Backyard Social on this list? Let us tell you, they live up to the name. When you visit this spacious back patio, you’re likely to find live music, mason jar cocktails, and pure relaxation under the tree canopy. Backyard Social is a great place to visit when you’re trying to ball on a budget. Drinks are reasonably priced, and you can get a delicious spread of small plates without breaking the bank. They even rent out the space for events, so if you’re hosting a birthday party or rehearsal dinner, add Backyard Social to your list of potential venues. Sundays are specifically reserved for private parties now, so plan your visits accordingly.

This legendary Oregon beer (and spirits) brand wants you to bring your pup to the pub. Rogue’s Eastside Pub and Pilot Brewery slangs over 50 taps of brewskies including limited-release beers that you can’t find anywhere else. For you non-beer drinkers, Rogue still has you covered. Rogue distills its own spirits using ingredients from its famous beers. Delicious cocktails are awaiting your arrival. Lounge in the Adirondack chairs around the fire pit or play corn hole for who is paying the tab. And this spot has a solid food menu for patio dining. Start with the Rogue hummus and tots for the table while you’re waiting to decide on entrees. Soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches. Easy chillin eats. They’ve even got a few things for the kiddos.

Apex is the spot If you want to socialize in the sunshine 😎 …and let’s be honest, sometimes in the rain. With over 50 taps and hundreds of bottles and cans, they’ve got something for everyone here. Don’t take our word for it, check out the live tap list before you go. They don’t have a kitchen but let you bring in food from anywhere you’d like. With Los Gorditos right next door and many other phenomenal places in close proximity like Virtuous Pie and Double Dragon, there are a plethora of fantastic dining options to pair with your flight of beers. Don’t forget to grab some shareable snacks for the table!

Get your lederhosen ready because you’ll be feeling all the Oktoberfest vibes at Prost! on N. Mississippi. With 11 German biers on tap and festive bites to boot, this is the perfect stop on a sunny day. Did someone say boot? Oh yes, you can also get your beer in a 2 liter glass boot! Hungry? Order a Bavarian Pretzel and a Bratwurst Sandwich from Prost!’s kitchen or for more variety visit one of the food carts that surrounds the patio space. There are so many delicious carts to choose from including Matt’s BBQ, DesiPDX, Native Bowl, Koi Fusion, Burger Stevens, and more. While you are there, be sure to clink glasses with your crew and say “Prost!”, the German word for cheers!

Originally formed to allow socially distanced dining through PBOT’s “Healthy Business” permit program, Rainbow Road is likely to be a permanent feature of SE Ankeny street. This magnificent street patio is a collective of Ankeny Tap & Table and Gorge’s Beer, who share the pedestrian-only stretch of SE Ankeny street between SE 27th and 28th. The menus from Tap & Table and Gorge’s Beer are available to order on your phone by scanning the QR code at any table on the street. Keep your head on a swivel while you’re walking around. The “Rainbow Road” that’s been painted on the street marks the 11-foot bike lane required by PBOT.

We top off our list with one of Portland’s newest patios, located on SE 50th near SE Division. Hinterland’s huge heated and covered outdoor seating area is sure to attract crowds year-round. This is a great spot for groups - catch a Timbers game here this summer on their 85” TV. Their main structure is a tap house with 12 beers flowing and an extensive N/A bevvy menu. Having a sober sunny day? Grab a Happy Cup Cold Brew for a sunny afternoon pick-me-up. Hinterland took advantage of Portland’s amazing food cart scene and currently hosts 5 of the city’s most popular carts; Burger Stevens, Matt’s BBQ Tacos, Poppyseed, LA Taquiza Vegana, & Third Culture Kitchen.

Now get out there, catch some rays, sip some delicious bevvies and find the good eats. We hope to see you out there in the sunshine this summer! 😎

As always, feel free to reach out and please give us a follow on social media @sporkbytes.

The Spork Bytes Team