Dining Picks
Where to Eat and Drink on Heated, Covered Patios
From restaurants to bars to food cart pods, these spots are sure to come in clutch during this pandemic winter.
The cozy patio at Gado Gado
Image: Courtesy Gado Gado
Are you craving a better dining experience than Grubhub on your couch, yet remain skeptical about trading comfort for frigid outdoor dining or the Omicron-ridden world of indoor dining? Us too. These are just some of the restaurants, food cart pods, and bars across Portland offering the solution to our COVID and coziness-related qualms: outdoor covered and heated seating. Enjoy everything from crispy cauliflower tacos to tiki drinks in pufferfish-shaped mugs while staying warm and avoiding indoor crowds. We’ve done the work so that your hangry, freezing selves don’t have to.
North
Heating method: Heaters
This is your spot for Nordic cuisine, specializing in brunch and lunch. Enjoy delicious Danish pancakes, baked grapefruit, and traditional Scandinavian sandwiches on a cozy outdoor patio. 3765 N Mississippi Ave
The Pipe Dream cocktail, as seen from one of Eem's private outdoor dining pods
Image: Katherine Chew Hamilton
Heating method: Private table fire pits
This lauded modern Thai BBQ eatery—our 2019 restaurant of the year, in fact—serves killer curries, ‘very spicy’ papaya salads, and tasty tiki drinks in pufferfish mugs. 3808 N Williams Ave #127
Heating method: Heaters
Enjoy contemporary Italian-American cuisine at this food-cart-turned-brick-and-mortor, including flatbread pizetta, sandwiches, and, the highlight, fresh handmade pasta rolled on site daily. 7955 N Lombard St
Heating method: Heaters
Japanese Assari-style ramen are served here in a cozy environment, with lots of vegan options available. Kayo’s touts everything from traditional ramen—TanTan being the favorite—to more inventive dishes like curry, pineapple-ginger, and an umami-loaded wasabi smoked salmon ramen. 3808 N Williams Ave #124
Northeast
The Gado Gado experience, outdoors
Image: Courtesy Gado Gado
Heating method: Heaters
Our Rising Star Restaurant of 2019, Gado Gado specializes in the Dutch-Indonesian dining experience “Rijsttafel,” or Rice Table. Enjoy curries, breads, dumplings, aromatic rice, sambals, and more served family style—and don't miss the cocktails while you're at it. 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd
Heating method: Heaters
This counter-service restaurant features casual Thai cuisine inspired by streetside shops in Southern Thailand. Take their famous fried chicken or delicious handmade roti to go, or find a seat at their outdoor, picnic style tables. Brisket curry recommended. 1605 NE Killingsworth St
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
Travel back to the '60s at this Northeast stalwart. Sip a cocktail named after the Beach Boys atop the heated rooftop patio or enjoy a fried chicken dinner surrounded by funky mid-century décor. 1101 NE Alberta St
Heating method: Heaters
This hip taqueria serves Tex Mex favorites, using local and sustainable ingredients. Check out their delicious margaritas and taste-bomb vegetarian options including crispy cauliflower and smoked tofu tacos. 3707 NE Fremont St
Northwest
Heating method: Heaters
A self-proclaimed “reverse steakhouse” where locally grown vegetables are the centerpiece of each dish. 1615 NW 21st Ave
Heating method: Heaters
New American restaurant known for its wood fire grilled chicken and vegetables; its owner, Gabriel Pascuzzi, featured on Top Chef Portland. 2145 NW Raleigh St
Heating method: Heaters
Our 2021 pick for Restaurant of the Year, República offers both an a la carte menu of homestyle Mexican food and a five course Mexican-forward tasting menu. Featuring dishes from various regions of Mexico, from tortas to guisados to quesadillas to handmade tortillas. 721 NW 9th Ave
Southeast
Heating method: Heaters
This gourmet Vietnamese bar and eatery touts everything from creative cocktails and bar food to ramen, chicken bowls, and banh mi. 1235 SE Division St
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
Fresh catch market prioritizing quality and sustainability above all else. Browse the week’s fresh haul of fish, shellfish, oysters and meat, or choose from dine-in menu options such as salmon poke, steelhead salad, clam chowder, fish tacos, and more. 3004 East Burnside Street
Heating method: Heaters
Similar menu to the Northeast location, with fried chicken, roti, curries, and cocktails. 605 SE Belmont St
Heating method: Fire pit
This charcoal fired neighborhood grill serves produce sourced from local farms and heritage meats. Check out the ‘Brunch Box,’ a Lazy Susan takeout favorite, with weekly rotating items ranging from a lavender scone, a salmon board, bialys, beef fat fried hash browns, and more. 7937 SE Stark St
The signature Mirakutei roll, eaten on their outdoor patio
Image: Katherine Chew Hamilton
Heating method: Heaters
Classy yet unassuming Japanese fusion restaurant featuring unique sushi rolls, Sapporo style ramen, and lots of sake. 536 E Burnside St
Heating method: Heaters
Chinese-Malaysian fusion including flaky roti, tropical cocktails, and funky vibes. 3131 SE Division St
Heating method: Heaters
Thai comfort food served in a hip environment. Paadee serves craft cocktails and Thai street food alike, including pork belly fried rice, khao soi, and pad kee mao. 6 SE 28th Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Funky vegan eatery and bar featuring cocktails served in mason jars, upscale ‘bar food’ starter plates, and favorites like Tofu Banh Mi and Fried Chicken Poor Boy. 3326 SE Belmont St
Southwest
Heating method: Heaters
Neighborhood Mediterranean smokehouse offering a variety of smoked meats, roasted vegetable dishes, and comfort food on their beautiful back patio. 7850 SW Capitol Hwy
Heating method: Heaters
Hailing from Tokyo, Afuri Izakaya opened its first location outside of Japan right here in Portland. Experience authentically crafted Japanese cuisine, such as Afuri’s signature yuzu citrus ramen, plus sushi, gyoza, beer, and sake. 923 SE 7th Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Wood-fired steakhouse prioritizing fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Swing by their twice-daily happy hour for artisanal handcrafted cocktails and Kobe beef sliders. 3211 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005
Bars
North
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
Bar and kitchen for boutique music venue, Mississippi Studios. 3939 N Mississippi Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Pool, pinball, and plenty of vegan food at this watering hole. 435 N Killingsworth St
Heating method: Heaters
Heavy metal hangout for those that like a stiff drink and even stiffer hair. 6800 NE Martin Luther King Blvd
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
Casual cocktails and DIY bruschetta with St. John’s trademark small town vibes. 8002 N Lombard St
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
An authentic German pub for guzzling Pilsner, Weissebier, and Dunkels alongside fresh Bavarian pretzels and authentic bratwurst mit sauerkraut. 4237 N Mississippi Ave
A mangonada slushy at Psychic Bar
Image: Katherine Chew Hamilton
Heating method: Fire pits
Date night den hiding in a Victorian house. 3560 N Mississippi Ave
Heating method: Individual table fire pits
Try dozens of microbrews in the red vinyl booths of this taproom that was once an iconic Chinese restaurant/karaoke bar. 2025 N Lombard St
Northeast
Heating method: Heaters
Punk rock community haunt serving up salty food and service. 2415 NE Alberta St
Heating method: Heaters
Hip women-owned natural wine bar with outstanding food of the Italian persuasion. 2930 NE Killingsworth St
Heating method: Heaters
Immaculately lit mid-century cocktail bar featuring drinks like the Pink Flamingo, the Stetson, and the Acapulco Gold. 533 N Killingsworth Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Candlelit patio of funky underground wine bar, Les Caves. 1719 NE Alberta St
Heating method: Fire pit
Art Deco lounge serving up modern versions of classic cocktails. 1101 NE Alberta St
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
A converted ‘20s bungalow for sipping microbrews around a fire. 4205 N Mississippi Ave
A frozen piña colada from Tropicale
Image: Katherine Chew Hamilton
Heating method: Heaters
Ultra-vibrant home of Portland’s favorite piña coladas. 2337 NE Glisan St
Heating method: Heaters
Dreamy date night stop offering classic, seasonal, and virgin cocktails plus robust vegan-friendly meals. 4835 N Albina Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Earth vibes and aromatic cocktails abound at this snug spot. 5501 NE 30th Ave
Northwest
Heating method: Heat lamps
Lush green patio with stylish drinks and farm fresh food. 1221 NW 21st Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Neon-soaked and unapologetically feminine Pearl District purlieu with cocktails, mocktails, and a Thai-inspired menu. 232 NW 12th Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Whiskey and Belgian beer galore on this domed glass patio. 517 NW 21st Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Offbeat oasis in the Alphabet District. 1020 NW 17th Ave
Heating method: Heaters
A no-frills house bar to sip a no-nonsense tumbler of bourbon. 2075 NW Glisan St
Southeast
Heating method: Heaters
Spirit-forward and stylish space to unwind. 3356 SE Belmont St
Heating method: Heaters
Purveyor of famous vegan corndogs and fine feline furnishings. 213 SE 12th Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Luxurious, wine-focused restaurant/bar for the sommelier within. 1758 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Heating method: Heaters and individual table fire pits
A chic spot to get cozy around dazzling tabletop fires. 600 E Burnside St
Heating method: Heaters
Beach party vibes in a glass, no matter the weather. 720 SE Sandy Blvd
Southwest
Momo
Heating method: Heaters
Divey downtown gem hidden in an upscale neighborhood. 725 SW 10th Ave
Scooter McQuade’s Restaurant and Bar
Heating method: Heaters
An old school drinking joint walking distance from Providence Park. 1321 SW Washington St
Heating method: Heaters
An underground bar with a sidewalk patio featuring punk and oldie themed DJ nights. 211 SW Ankeny
Food Cart Pods
North
Heating method: Fire pit
A new and intimately sized Williams food cart pod offering build-your-own gumbo, Korean corndogs, and a deceptively simple smash burger. 1825 N Williams Ave
Killingsworth Station Food Carts
Heating method: Fire pit
Sugary beignets, Polish pierogis, latkes, pupusas, and more all at this Overlook pod. 1331 N Killingsworth St
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
Home to many icons of the Portland food cart scene including meat maestro Matt’s BBQ, breakfast beacon Fried Egg I’m In Love, and taqueria Little Conejo. 4237 N Mississippi Ave
Northeast
Heating method: Heaters
A pod full of greenery and boasting fish ‘n’ chips, kebabs of all kinds, and heaping Hawaiian platters. 625 NE Killingsworth St
Southeast
Heating method: Heaters and fire pit
A well-balanced assortment of carts, from gravy- drenched poutine to crispy fried chicken to wood-fired pizza, at this food cart pod pioneer. 1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Heating method: Fire pit
Near endless options at this historic location from Philly cheese steaks to Guyanese bakes to sweet or savory waffles all around one giant, central fire pit. 1080 SE Madison Ave
Heating method: Heaters
Petite Sellwood pod featuring boba tea, vegetarian eats, and Korean fusion. 1122 SE Tacoma St
Pod 28
Heating method: Heaters
Crepes, falafel, beer and more at this cart just a few blocks from the Laurelhurst Theater. 113 SE 28th Ave
The covered bar area at Portland Mercado
Image: Katherine Chew Hamilton
Heating method: Heaters
Latin American cuisine galore, from Venezuelan arepas, authentic Cuban plates, Oaxacan mole, and Peruvian sandwiches. 7238 SE Foster Rd
Southwest
Heating method: Heaters
Beaverton's first and largest food cart pod; over 31 carts! 4250 SW Rose Biggi Ave
