written by Julie Lee | photo of Altabira City Tavern by John Valls
It’s finally here: the sun Portlanders crave throughout a slew of dreary months in the Pacific Northwest. Now that we can relax on a sun-drenched rooftop patio, here are some top recommendations to elevate your summer dining experience.
Altabira City Tavern
Just about a year old, Altabira City Tavern has elevated the rooftop revelry game. With a stunning east to west city view and a fresh spin on northwest cuisine, Altabira became an instant hot spot from day one. Owner and chef David Machado weaves his magic and local ingredients into the menu, and the atmosphere bodes well for viewing parties, date nights and corporate cocktails. Looking for one of the best spots in the city to see fireworks this 4th of July? Altabira is taking reservations now for a barbecue dinner, with front row seats to the downtown fireworks display.
1021 NE Grand Ave. | altabira.com
10 Barrel Brewing Co.
Rooftop bars are trending in Portland, with established restaurants adding them and new ones working them into design plans. In March, 10 Barrel Brewing nailed it, debuting a multi-level deck to rave reviews. Fare is foodie friendly—our current favorite combo is a Thai peanut butter burger with an ice cold Joe IPA.
1411 NW Flanders St. | 10barrel.com
Departure Restaurant & Lounge
Build it, and they will come. When Departure opened atop the Nines Hotel, people flocked to the expansive outdoor, living room-style patio. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque nightcap, a socialite congregation, or a casual rendezvous, this premier party patio is idyllic for well-heeled locals and visiting VIPs. Chef Gregory Gourdet is on the national map, thanks to Top Chef, and delights patrons with his trendsetting dishes.
525 SW Morrison St. | departureportland.com
Noble Rot
Tip a wide-brimmed sunhat to Noble Rot, a godfather of high-rise outdoor patio dining in Portland. With fourteen years underfoot, the 3,000-square-foot rooftop garden is impressive, growing vegetables served in the restaurant and taking farm-to-fork to new heights. Rooftop garden tours are given most Tuesdays, and happy hour features specialty drinks for $5.50 to pair with filling snacks.
1111 E. Burnside | noblerotpdx.com
On Deck Sports Bar and Grill
It’s in the name. If you are looking for a grittier option than all of the aforementioned, On Deck is a sports enthusiast’s haven, serving up your typical fried pub fare and cold brews, with plentiful TVs and an outside deck to grab some fresh air. A second location in downtown Portland is another viable option to catch the NBA Finals, but without the outdoor deck.
910 NW 14th Ave. | ondecksportsbar.com
Also ‘on deck’: Look for the highly-anticipated opening of the Century Bar in July. Three bars, bleachers, ginormous screens, and a rooftop deck, of course, to soak up sun and suds.
All are great with the exception of 10 Barrel. Can’t go because there is no wheelchair access.