Here in the Bay Area, we hold our patios very near and dear, so we've put together some of our favorites spots where you can soak up the sun while getting a buzz. Be outdoorsy, drink outside!
SAN FRANCISCO
El Rio (3158 Mission St)
This neighborhood LGBTQ bar features dance parties, live music, outdoor BBQ, shuffleboard, and cheap beer - making it one of our favorite patios in SF.
Neighborhood bar featuring a back patio, delicious food, and board games. Despite its small size, there's usually always a place to sit.
House smoked BBQ paired with house-infused liquors and waterfront views have made The Pub a San Francisco staple since opening its doors in 2009. Late-night dining till 1:30 a.m. make this a great place to end up for nightcaps and snacks.
Bender's (806 S Van Ness Ave)
Live music, loads of drink specials, and a locals-only vibe make Benders one of the Mission's better-kept secrets. The outdoor patio isn't the biggest in town, but it makes up for it with its strong drinks, vegan offerings, and colorful atmosphere.
With over 40 beers on tap, killer burgers, and arguably the City's best Bloody Mary, there's no shortage of good times to be had at this well esteemed bad-ass establishment. Be sure to check your BS at the door, relax, and enjoy. And just remember - no pictures, please.
This traditional German-style beer garden features rotating German beers on taps (served in boots!), as well as locally-sourced foods. This place fills up quickly on a nice day, so expect a bit of a wait.
Also check out:
Southern Pacific Brewery (620 Treat Ave)
Rogue Public Ale House (673 Union St)
Pilsner Inn (225 Church St)
Curio (777 Valencia St)
Lucky 13 (2140 Market St)
The Connecticut Yankee (100 Connecticut St)
Thee Parkside (1600 17th St)
The Tipsy Pig (2231 Chestnut St)
EAST BAY
Lost & Found (2040 Telegraph Ave / Oakland)
Delicious craft beer, ping pong, cornhole, and plenty of seating inside and out make this a perfect sunny afternoon spot.
Belgian-style pub with specialty beer and limited food items that has solidified itself as one of Oakland's favorites.
"Oakland sun on your back and eats and drinks in your belly" is the motto at this local favorite.
This dog and kid-friendly beer garden features delicious South American food courtesy of Pedro’s Brazil Cafe, in addition to guest food trucks.
Bring in some food from next door's Annex Burger or Souley Vegan and enjoy our choice of 50 rotating taps on their large wooden patio.
North Light (4915 Telegraph Ave / Oakland)
Need something to scratch that hipster itch living in all of us? Combine the books, the bar, and the best records you can find at North Light. With an all-weather back patio and free wifi to inspire those creative juices, the award-winning staff is here to pour up one of the best cocktails in the East Bay.
Also check out:
Brotzeit Lokal (1000 Embarcadero / Oakland)
Drake's Dealership (2325 Broadway / Oakland)
Drake's Barrel House (1933 Davis St Building 177 / San Leandro)
SOUTH BAY + PENINSULA
The menu at SP2 Communal Bar boasts fantastic food and decadent drinks. Located in downtown San Jose, this place has a very sleek patio with comfortable seating, heated lamps, and outdoor bar.
The outdoor garden at Stein's is quite popular and rightfully so. Try a flight of beer during happy hour and stay and mingle for hours.
This beer garden boasts live music and a heated patio at night, making it one you’ll be sure to go back to.
With so many food and drink options, you're gonna need a bit of fresh air. Good thing San Pedro's got a massive patio area nestled between the two halls! Have a seat and take a break before heading into the next building for more food and drinks.
A modern bar with old western touches. The patio is dog-friendly, has a live music stage and even has an outdoor screen for watching movies. They’ve got a great happy hour (3-6 p.m. every day with $5 wells), which is enough to make us fall off The Old Wagon!
Also check out
The Rose & Crown (547 Emerson St / Palo Alto)
Bierhaus (383 Castro St / Mtn. View)
Gourmet Haus Staudt (2615 Broadway / Redwood City)
NORTH BAY
If you’re looking for gorgeous views of the water, a place to leisurely drink while pondering life in the waves, or just kick back with friends look no further than Barrel House Tavern. The drinks are incredible, but the view is what's really fantastic!
The patio at Sam’s Anchor cafe has a spectacular view of San Francisco and is quite lovely for people watching on the wharf in Tiburon.
This long-running, casual spot for house-brewed beers & burgers features patio seats & water views. Enjoy a burger and garlic fries or fish and chips, while overlooking the river.
Bar Bocce (1250 Bridgeway / Sausalito)
Situated right on the bay, Bar Bocce offers plenty of outdoor space and an area to play you guessed it -- Bocce ball!
Also check out:
Tiburon Tavern (1651 Tiburon Blvd / Tiburon)
Sand Dollar Restaurant and Bar (3458 Shoreline Hwy / Stinson Beach)
Willi's Wine Bar (4404 Old Redwood Hwy / Santa Rosa)
Still thirsty? Check out our guide to the
Did we miss your favorite patio? Let us know at info.dothebay.com
** Last updated on 2/17/2020 **
