Escaping the crowds is all the rage lately... well, mostly because of the... well, you know.
Summertime in Portland is magical, a sunny day in Portland is unlike that of anywhere else. If you're looking to put these 2 ideas together with a thirst quenching adult beverage, here's a few not-so-secret secret spots to imbibe.
1. Culmination Brewery/Aimsir Distillery
These 2 NE spots are not one, but they share a 'patio'. Culmination has been around for a while now and serves up, arguably, some of the best beers made in Portland. Phaedrus IPA is their signature brew. Aimsir is a brand new distillery in town, that, if you ask nicely, will serve up a free tasting flight... with generous pours. Their unique gin is their standout imho. Located in a hidden area on NE 21st just off Sandy, their patio is less like a patio and more like a hostile takeover of the sidewalk. There's plenty of seating, it's rarely jam-packed, and there's a section that's covered and heated for those chilly spring evenings.
Culmination/Aimsir
2117 NE Oregon St.
2. Sextant Bar & Galley
Ok, now that the 13 year old inside you has had a good laugh, this spot is amazing on a beautiful day. It sits along the Columbia River just off Marine Drive. Expect lots of bikers (vroom vroom, not pedal pedal), boat people (it takes a special someone to live on a boat full-time), and, on weekends, groups of people enjoying their solid breakfast offerings.
Sextant Bar & Galley
4035 NE Marine Drive
3. Level Beer
This is quite possibly my favorite patio in Portland. The brewery took over an old farm in the industrial area east of the airport. It's massive and the beer is amazing. There's essentially 4 patios, 2 bars, tasty food carts, a fenced in dog park, and a few arcade games. It's great if you have a people family or a dog family. I'm a fan of their Pilsner, but they also have a solid selection of IPAs. Don't forget to ask about beers that are on tap and exclusive to the brewery (each of the bars at the brewery will have different exclusives).
Level Beer
5211 NE 148th Ave.
4. Baerlic's Super Secret Beer Club
Baerlic has a couple locations in Portland. The one I'm about to tell you about is the only one you need to know. It's on SE 11th Ave @ Sherman (patio entrance is on Grant). They converted a 6000sqft parking lot into a fenced in patio, plenty of room for social distancing! Grab a slice from Ranch Pizza and a cream ale (helps with those Calabrian chilis on the pizza), then head out back and find your spot.
Baerlic Brewery & Taproom
2235 SE 11th Ave.
5. Lindbergh's Beach
Ok, so this one isn't a patio... or a bar. It's a 'secret' beach on Swan Island (view of downtown pictured above). I know what you're thinking, isn't that just an industrial wasteland?! Nope. This place is a sunny day BYOB heaven. Sandy beach, secluded, and barely inhabited. There is one caveat though... parking sucks. Don't park at McDonald's, they tow. Lindbergh's Beach is part of McCarthy Park, so park in the lot and walk down - close to a mile of relatively uninhabited beach. Oh, and it's the Willamette, so swim at your own risk lol.
Lindbergh's Beach
N. Channel Ave.