Living in Northern California has its moments, mainly those non-foggy days where you just want to soak up every second of sunshine. Let’s take advantage and spend those gorgeous East Bay days the best way possible: Outdoors drinking and eating with friends on a beautiful patio. 

Luckily there are a ton of options for wining and dining on a patio in Oakland. Really, the only thing left to decide is where to go first.

Temescal Brewing - Temescal

Courtesy of Temescal Brewing

Temescal Brewing in Temescal is known as Oakland’s quintessentially hip hangout. Welcoming dogs and children, this cozy, outdoor space is a great place to spend a relaxing weekend afternoon with friends or family (note that they open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays). Colorful murals shine vibrantly in the background, appreciated by the brewery’s creative clientele. With craft beer, free popcorn, and a rotation of food trucks offering tacos, barbeque, and pupusas, what’s not to like?

Portal - San Antonio

Courtesy of Portal

Portal is a beer garden, restaurant, and top-rated local favorite for weekend brunches in San Antonio. The best news is that they have a patio with views of Lake Merritt. For brunch, you can enjoy bottomless mimosas as you look over the menu, which features hearty options like the GCCB, a gravy-covered chicken biscuit with fries and eggs. Or, try their “garbage bread,” a house-made stromboli stuffed with meat or vegetables and served with pesto and marinara. If you prefer not to wait for brunch (FYI, there’s always a line), come during the week for dinner and a cocktail or two on a nice evening instead. 

Plank - Jack London Square

Courtesy of Plank

Jack London Square is full of options for eating outdoors, but Plank might be the best (and biggest) one out there. The entertainment space, bowling alley, restaurant, and beer garden is a wonderful place to stop for a fun lunch or dinner, especially if you can snag a seat on the patio overlooking the water. On the patio menu, you’ll find burgers, wings, and shareable snacks like pretzels, hummus, and guacamole.

The Grand Tavern - Grand Lake

Courtesy of The Grand Tavern

The Grand Tavern is a gastropub and a Grand Lake neighborhood favorite complete with a comfortable patio to dine outdoors. Don’t miss the seven-days-a-week happy hour specials, especially $2-off starters like crispy pineapple or mac and cheese, available Monday through Friday. The weekend happy hour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may want to stick around for dinner once you’ve seen the menu’s tempting comfort food like fish and chips or shepherd's pie. Don’t worry if it’s chilly — they’ve got heat lamps to keep you comfortable while you dine. 

Cholita Linda - Temescal

Photo by Cholita Linda

If drinking a colorful agua fresca and munching on fish tacos in the sunshine is your idea of California paradise, you’ll love Cholita Linda in Temescal. Their patio is casual and comfortable and has plenty of heat lamps for chilly days. Order a Cuban sandwich, taco salad, or carnitas tacos and enjoy them al fresco. Don’t miss the fried plantains and sangria, either.