Patio dining at Meriwether's. Photo: Meriwether's Facebook
There’s nothing that Portlanders cherish more than a sunny day. So, when the blue skies come out this time of year, it’s all hands on deck. Portland’s patios are filled with enthusiastic diners, chilling out with platefuls of the Pacific Northwest’s bounty. And the drinks – so many choices! Endless selections of locally made craft microbrews, lovely wines, house made lemonades and sodas… Get ready for that magical time of year that we treasure so much in the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few of our favorite eateries that feature amazing outdoor seating to help you get the warm season off to a fantastic start:
Meriwether’s Restaurant & Skyline Farm
Feasting on Meriwether’s cuisine in the garden is a Portland dining experience like no other. This is the real deal when it comes to farm-to-table dining – much of the food is directly from this restaurant’s own farm on Skyline Boulevard or sourced from another. And did we tell you about the flowers surrounding the patio? Like the menu, they’re seasonal. Savor the Spring Brunch menu, such as Traditional or Vegetarian Benedict made with farm-fresh eggs served with Herb Potatoes, Pearl Bakery toast and house preserves. Add a Pomegranate Lemonade and presto – spring refreshment!
2601 NW Vaughn St
Photo: Petisco Facebook
Petisco is a little slice of Europe in Northeast Portland. Situated on the ground floor of a craftsman house in the Lloyd District, this adorable bistro boasts one of the most charming patios in Portland. Check the web site for special events, such as Paella Night and the five-course Italian Night. Coming in for “regular” breakfast, lunch, dinner or weekend brunch? It won’t be regular, that’s a promise! Try the Petisco Platter of cured meats, assorted cheeses, roasted peppers, olives, nuts, crackers and bread, the Pear Salad with arugula, Rouge Creamery blue cheese, sherry vinaigrette and walnuts or the Hickory Smoked Ham Sandwich with French brie, mayonnaise and honey mustard. Don’t forget to ask about the house made desserts, such as Peanut Butter Pie on an Oreo Cookie crust and Atlantic Beach Pie (lemon pie on a saltine cracker crust).
1411 NE Broadway
Photo: North Light Facebook
North Light presents a sophisticated twist on comfort food and drink for Weekend Brunch, Happy Hour and Dinner. The New American menu includes plenty of delicious choices for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. North Light’s outdoor dining is on the delightfully Bohemian North Mississippi Avenue, so you will be right in the middle of all the fun. The indoor dining is beautifully lit with large windows, as well. For Brunch, check out their Beignets with Chili Orange Molasses Glaze, Stuffed French Toast or House Made Biscuits and Gravy (vegetarian or sausage). And don’t forget a Brunch Cocktail, such as the Peach Bellini or the house mix Habanero Bloody Mary! Later in the day Poutine, Catfish Sliders and vegan Eggplant Caviar are great Bar Bites, and the gluten-free Steak and Tater Tot Hot Dish or the vegetarian Shepherd's Pie would be wonderful choices from the Dinner menu.
3746 N Mississippi Avenue
Photo: Kell's Facebook
What beats sipping an ice cold beer (or a warm Guinness, if you prefer) on Kell’s dback patio? Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, it’s a cool sanctuary on warmer days. Kell’s indulgent Happy Hour eats are some of the yummiest pub food offerings in Portland. Try the Kell’s Whiskey Wings, Irish Nachos (made with house made potato chips) or the Sausage Roll in puff pastry. There’s a fantastic Hummus Plate for the vegetarian diners in your party. There are also some lovely cocktails such as the Irish Spring (Jameson, muddled lemon, lemonade and soda) or the Irish Manhattan (Powers Irish Whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, served on the rocks with a twist). Kell’s is also a great place to watch sports (especially soccer and rugby) or enjoy live music.
112 SW 2nd Avenue
Photo: Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro Facebook
Is there anything more relaxing on one of these fine days than watching boats pass by as you sip an excellent wine? At Thirst there are over 40 wines to try by the taste, glass, flight or bottle, as well as craft microbrews and cocktails made with creations from local distilleries. Add a bistro menu featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients (including produce from Thirst’s own garden in the warmer months), and you have everything you need to enjoy these balmy spring days. Thirst proudly partners with at least two dozen local farms and food purveyors including Grand Central Bakery, Tazo Tea, Olympia Provisions and Moonstruck Chocolates. Spring menu items to try include French Onion Soup, Ahi Tuna seared rare and served with mixed greens, asparagus, orange, radish, jasmine tea vinaigrette and wasabi aioli, or the Bistro Steak served with caramelized onion smashed potatoes. If you are looking for a fabulous spring-themed date spot, Thirst would be an amazing pick. Cheers!
315 SW Montgomery
