After several weeks of sun (with the obligatory weekend rain) but less than ideal temperatures, the proper roof deck weather is finally upon us. Spring is a torturous time of year. After five or six months of cold, snow and sunsets at 4pm, Portlanders want little more than to escape the darkness and dankness of their favorite watering holes and to move their imbibing to the fresh air. Plenty of off-shore breezes and cold fronts have ensured that the city’s roof decks have been slow to fill. The exception of course is Boru’s, which maintains a healthy deckful of smokers year-round. Now that temps have pushed past 60, it is time to lay claim to the good deck space and throw back some of those perennial summer brews that have already sprung up on the rows of taps. Here is a quick and admittedly incomplete rundown:
Brian Boru’s (57 Center St.): This deck starts to fill in at 3pm and tends to remain that way until close. They have a few picnic tables, but I have never seen anyone actually eat out there. Probably difficult through the haze of cigarette smoke. Still, if you stand upwind, this is a nice perch. Some water views and a bit of late-day sun. Plus, you get to look down upon Rivalries patrons milling about that pen-like patio that they have carved out of the parking lot.
Dogfish Bar & Grill (128 Free St.): 2 decks are better than one. To find your way to the rear deck, just head straight out the back door, meander through the garbage collection area outside and climb the stairs. A few tables are back there and the views are mostly of parking lots, but with glimpses of the harbor. The sun tends to be out of reach by 6pm or so. The front overlooks Free Street and the sun is in play a bit longer on this side. The Matthew’s roof deck is easy sand wedge away. Not sure what the deal is with that place, but I would like to find out.
Dogfish Café (953 Congress St.): Down on the sketchy-side of Congress. The other sketchy side. Same great quesadillas as its sister establishment up the road. Out back there is a small, but effective little deck. There is a high fence but plenty of gaps through which one can enjoy views of both the Greyhound station parking lot and busy St. John Street. Hard to beat pre or post Sea Dogs game.
Mim’s Brasserie (205 Commercial St.): New chef, same crap food. Still, they have a swank deck that is ideal for brunch or that morning cocktail. The sun sets on Mim’s by early afternoon, so drinks are best enjoyed before 3. They have a very nice little bar, a few tables and a labyrinth of umbrellas for the wait staff to navigate through while handing out mimosas and over-priced salads.
Dry Dock Restaurant and Tavern (84 Commercial St.): A tourist haven, but a treasure in the off-season. One of the only true waterfront dining/drinking spots in town. For a city with “port” right in the name, there is a dearth of true waterfront dining options. Two decks, one up, one down. Sunny up top, shady down below.
Shay’s (18 Monument Sq.): While neither a roof, nor a deck, Shay’s does provide those in Monument Square with space to enjoy beers in the open air option. Each day comes with its own food and drink special. I can attest to the fact that, while made with well booze and often served in a mason jar, their martinis are far more affordable then David’s next door. This stretch of Monument Square gets sun for about an hour a day, so get there between about 4pm and 5pm.
A decent start, but there are many more to come to round out the roof deck/patio list. The season has just begun. Suggestions welcomed and encouraged.
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