It’s no secret that downtown Portland has taken its lumps since 2019. But the receding tide of tough luck reveals surviving gems like Paymaster, Portland staples that are a bridge from its past to its future. Just across I-405 from the Pearl District, Paymaster is close enough to serve as a convenient after-work happy hour (here termed “angry hour”) for downtown office workers and neighborhood bar for Alphabet District denizens. The large covered patio is enveloped from floor to ceiling in wood and has its own dedicated bar and bartender, along with an outdoor pool table. The drinks are strong, the slushies are frosty, and the Jell-O shots are never boring.

It would be unfair to call Momo’s a dive bar, since “dive” may imply some degree of apathy on the part of the owners and clientele. Nothing could be further from the case for Momo’s, whose bartenders and regulars are fiercely loyal. What the leather-and-velvet Momo’s has instead is sprezzatura, a studied carelessness — a most Portland of traits, fusing sincerity and irony indistinguishably — that makes it one of downtown’s most essential bars. Clientele will range from Portland State University students to neighborhood retirees to pre-gaming concert-goers. Drinks are only ordered at the bar, and long lines are common on weekend nights. But the spacious, multi-leveled patio is worth the hassle, with angles affording direct afternoon sunlight even among the tall buildings of downtown.

Few Portland neighborhoods are as well-suited to bar-hopping as North Mississippi, and few Mississippi nights are complete without a stop at the Rambler. Fire pits and and a permanent patio roof keep the Rambler’s backyard bumping year-round, but summertime is its real time to shine. Duck inside the converted Craftsman house for filling bar food with Southern-fried flourishes, a modest beer and wine list, and a killer happy hour margarita. The Rambler is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until midnight on all other nights.

Tucked behind this 1880s-saloon-vibed bar and restaurant is a secluded courtyard of a back patio, away from the bustle of North Mississippi. On cold nights, fire pits warm couples on dates sipping whiskey cocktails, awaiting oysters on the half shell or corn dogs, depending on the vibe. On sunny afternoons, it’s hard to beat a mai tai on the patio.

There’s something so striking about the sprawling front patio outside this inner Southeast brewery, with its wooden banquettes and umbrella-shaded tables. The patio alone could attract a crowd of devotees, but Wayfinder also happens to be one of the city’s strongest breweries, consistently raking in awards and press for its focused IPAs and German-style beers. The house-made soft pretzel is the move, food-wise.

Just around the block from the east side’s brick-and-mortar Nong’s, and just steps from several other Eater 38 luminaries, Rontoms is an ideal place to start or end an evening out. The large patio consists of a covered section with possibly the highest patio roof in the city, along with large deck dotted with leafy trees and umbrellas providing shade. Rontoms bartenders are no slouches, and will mix creative originals or expertly crafted classics. Summer food menu highlights include a melon-and-tomato gazpacho and a watermelon and jicama salad. Sunday nights typically feature concerts on the patio, so plan accordingly.

One of the livelier spots in the crowded bar scene of the inner eastside, White Owl Social Club customizes its large patio — uncovered in the precious sunny months, covered by an enormous, partially translucent tent in the rainy season — making it a vital spot all year long. The drinks are both strong and (unless you say otherwise) well-balanced, and former cart Papi Sal’s serves Philly-meets-Puerto Rican fare like pizza empanadillas and pernil-broccoli rabe “jawns.” White Owl hosts DJs for both free sets and more prominent ones with cover charges — plan ahead for weekend nights by checking the bar’s Instagram account.

Alberta is home to several bar patios worth a visit — the Bye & Bye, Radio Room — but we like Alberta Street Pub’s balance of spaciousness and seclusion. There’s enough room for covered and uncovered seating, smokers and non-smokers, with a stage in the corner for live music. The bar churns out plenty of whiskey drinks, mule variations, and slushies, with serviceable bar snacks like Cajun fried pickles.

Bible Club’s Prohibition-era schtick may intoxicate some, irritate others, but those in the latter category can find relief in knowing the late-Portlandia bowties and waxed mustache vibe is largely limited to the interior — the patio plays it surprisingly straight, with smooth-edged modern picnic tables and a dedicated, albeit somewhat more limited, bar outside. And don’t let the Boardwalk Empire decor deceive, these bartenders are elite and make some of Portland’s best original and classic cocktails. The patio offers both covered and uncovered sections and features regular DJ sets and live music — check Bible Club’s Instagram for upcoming performers.

Fusing a passion for Portland (the rose) and Scotland (the thistle), the Rose & Thistle bears far less resemblance to the superficial imitation pubs that populate the states and more to the true spirit of a east Glasgow watering hole where regulars get together to watch football, trade gripes, and knock back a dram. The large, multi-leveled patio has spots for sun-seekers and shade-lovers, large groups and intimate dates. The British beer list is one of the city’s best, the mixed drinks are strong, and the menu may not be entirely entire Scottish but does boast the Portland’s rare Scotch egg. The Rose & Thistle is open until midnight, seven days a week.

It’s easy to pretend you’re somewhere balmier while sitting on the patio of Tropicale, drinking a piña colada served in a hollowed-out pineapple. The bar is small, relying heavily on the spacious patio outside; here, neighborhood locals bite into hearty tacos filled with cochinita pibil, nursing Oaxacan Old Fashioneds and hibiscus margaritas. You may even spot a few dogs on the patio, cooling off next to their owners.

Just off the green at the Glendoveer golf course, this brewery’s lineup of IPAs and pilsners makes it a fine contender for a summer afternoon, even without considering its massive patio. Situated on a deck surrounded by trees, Von Ebert’s patio almost has more of a restaurant feel, especially considering the restaurant’s numerous pizza, barbecue, and sandwich options. This is the spot for those seeking a more relaxed bar patio experience — one that’s dog friendly, as well.