Finding the Best Portland Rooftop Restaurant

We simply love to soak up the sunshine, and these Portland rooftop restaurants all offer killer decks, expertly curated drink menus, and refined eats. The more you embrace these last summer days, the more prepared you’ll feel to don your wool sweaters, Birkenstocks and socks and GORE-TEX jackets for the next five months.

For the sports fan: Century

An upscale sports-bar featuring mahogany bleacher seating, gigantic television screens, and a 50-seat rooftop deck, Century is unlike any bar or restaurant you’ve ever been to. We love its tequila-centric drink options, elevated comfort-food menu, and passionate dedication to airing all Timbers matches. Century: 930 SE Sandy Blvd; 503-446-6418

For the global wanderer: North 45 Pub

This travel-themed pub—named for its location on the 45th parallel—is lined with colorful charts and nautical maps. While the decorations are quirky and fun, it’s the rooftop patio that really steals the show. An arched, transparent roof makes it enjoyable all year-long, protecting guests from Portland’s often-volatile elements, while allowing them to enjoy the glorious sunshine when it decides to make an appearance. They are known for their extensive whiskey and Belgian beer offerings, as well as their mussels. North 45 Pub: 517 NW 21st Ave; 503-248-6317

For the extra-special occasion: Noble Rot

We love this ultra-elegant spot for its fourth-floor city views, small plates, and rooftop garden and patio. If you don’t fall in love with Portland within the first 24 hours of your visit, this place will really seal the deal. It’s the perfect balance of upscale, casual and romantic. We recommend a wine flight and the daily pasta special. Noble Rot: 1111 E Burnside St; 503-233-1999

For the beers: 10 Barrel Brewing

In terms of patios, 10 Barrel’s rooftop lookout is top of the line. The wood-paneled, 1,568 square foot, full service deck seats 80, and has a great menu of bar favorites like steak and gorgonzola nachos (they’re delicious) and crispy fried brussels sprouts. You came for the beer though, and 10 Barrel delivers in spades. Brewer Whitney Burnside creates enough unique brews to fill the rooftop’s 20 taps. Go at night when the string lights are glowing, and you can look out over The Pearl just as it’s starting to come alive. 10 Barrel Brewing: 1411 NW Flanders St; 503-224-1700

For the Eastside views: Altabira City Tavern

Altabira’s giant, glass-enclosed patio gives guests stunning views of Portland’s flourishing, trendy Eastside, while keeping them cozy and warm. Featuring 16 taps of local, craft beers, a well-curated selection of Pacific Northwest wines, and carefully balanced dishes, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate a work win, special birthday, or a simple, late-summer Portland evening. Altabira City Tavern: 1021 NE Grand Ave #600; 503-963-3600

For the L.A. vibes: Departure

Chic lounge chairs, intimate tables, and Asian fusion cuisine: no, you’re not in Los Angeles, but Departure definitely has that feeling. Chef Gregory Gourdet has created a standout menu that celebrates both the Pacific Northwest and the Far East—we love the pork belly with black pepper, peanut, chili and honey and the miso scallops with yuzu and asparagus. Departure: 525 SW Morrison St; 503-802-5370

Photos: Century photo by @nicholaspeterwilson via @centurybarpdx; Altabira photo by @johnvalls_f2.0 via @altabirapdx; Departure  photo by @departurepdx