Eat and drink under the sun at these outdoor patios

Photo courtesy of Sens.

When the sun is out, the fun moves outside. And even when the Bay Area is blanketed in fog, there are plenty of heat lamps and stringed lights luring local crowds at night. Catch some air as you take in a favored meal with drinks at the following BARTable hot spots that boast patio seating. Whether you’re watching people or gorgeous landscape views, the sky is the limit at these popular restaurants that provide a feast for the mouth and eyes.

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San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Sens.

Sens | Embarcadero Station

Steps from Embarcadero Station, this Mediterranean restaurant and bar adds impressive visuals to its already-impressive menu. Expansive views of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building are what keep locals and international tourists returning to Sens. So, whether you’re sharing small plates or diving into a feast, you can sip on a world-class selection of fine wines as you take in fine rooftop views from its standout terrace. Take BART to Embarcadero Station and go 0.1 miles to 4 Embarcadero Center.

Photo courtesy of Lost Resort.

Lost Resort | 16th St Mission or 24th St Mission

From the indoor aquarium overlooking the bar to the colorful nautical vibes of its open-air back patio, Lost Resort leaves no shell unturned when it comes to creating inviting environs. Casual, friendly, and always fun, this newer addition to the Mission continues to draw locals looking to lose themselves in thoughtfully curated fare (think chipotle-laden oysters or the signature Lost Burger and Lost Nachos) and craft cocktails (sip the now-famous Antidote with mezcal and turmeric). Post up at a communal picnic table or try to nab the outdoor’s covered corner cabana for your crew as you sail off into a stellar SF experience. Take BART to 16th St Mission or 24th St Mission and go 1.0 mile to 2736 20th Street.

Photo courtesy of Foreign Cinema.

Foreign Cinema | 24th St Mission

Never to be overlooked, Foreign Cinema is a San Francisco staple for its outdoor seating and movie screenings. Twinkling lights hang overhead where a large projection of foreign and independent films greets you on this celebrated patio in the Mission. Meanwhile, a fusion of California-Mediterranean cuisine from the kitchen (plus a renowned brunch!) seduces the rest of your senses. Take BART to 24th St Mission and go 0.3 miles to 2534 Mission Street.

Photo courtesy of Cyn Eats. 

El Techo | 24th St Mission

El Techo is another now-classic favorite in the Mission, known for its rooftop revelry next door to the previously mentioned Foreign Cinema. Latin American street foods (try some mango with chili powder, plantains or empanadas) are all the hotter with a cocktail in hand and the SF skyline in view. Take BART to 24th St Mission and go .3 miles to 2516 Mission Street.

East Bay

Photo courtesy of Oeste.

Oeste | 12th St/Oakland

A favorite outdoor patio in Old Oakland, Oeste bar and cafe dons benches, high-top table seating, heat lamps and hanging plants. Snack on vibrant Latin-Southern fare as you simmer in an East Bay sunset on the welcoming rooftop bar. Serving up what it calls “food for the soul,” Oeste signature plates include jambalaya, fried catfish and the Oeste Burger (with natural beef sourced from Oakland’s Cream Co. Meats). Take BART to 12th St/Oakland and go 0.3 miles to 722 Clay Street.

Photo courtesy of Mad Oak Barn n' Yard.

Mad Oak Bar ‘n’ Yard | Lake Merritt 

At Mad Oak Bar ‘n’ Yard, you have a choice of picnic tables on the expansive outdoor patio or views from the upstairs rooftop deck (with free comedy on Wednesday nights!). Here, flatscreen TVs are on tap for the sports enthusiasts fiending for the latest game, while leafy greens and globe lights keep the visuals cozy for those wanting to unplug. Dive into the signature hibiscus margarita to wash down the tasty bar fare. Take BART to Lake Merritt and go 0.2 miles to 135 12th Street.

Photo courtesy of North Light.

North Light | MacArthur Station

North Light is already a favorite for its dining options (the Umami Tots are a must) and an array of house cocktails (you likely won’t regret the Last Mistake with mezcal) set against its ultra-cozy scene. This cafe, bar, bookstore and record store hosts a beloved heated patio out back, making for a sweet tucked-away spot where lucky locals retreat. Gather with friends for shared plates, or enjoy a solo outing on Telegraph Avenue perusing the written words of well-respected celebs like Patti Smith or Rebecca Solnit. Take BART to MacArthur Station and go 0.6 miles to 4915 Telegraph Avenue.

Photo courtesy of Jupiter.

Jupiter | Downtown Berkeley

Jupiter is Berkeley’s longtime go-to for wood-fired pizzas set against a cozy wood-tavern vibe. Amidst a greenery-laden patio bustling with a central firepit, you’ll find microbrews for the beer lover, vegan cheese for the animal lover and a pergola draped with lights. Live music most nights of the week only adds to the warm, communal atmosphere when you indulge in your out-of-this-world pie slice. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and go 500 feet to 2181 Shattuck Avenue.

Photo courtesy of Paula C. on Yelp.

Los Moles Beer Garden | El Cerrito del Norte

It's no surprise that an establishment serving traditional Mexican food and locally brewed beer would be a hit. Boasting over 100 different brews with delicious signature dishes, Lose Moles Beer Garden is beloved at all three of it's Bay Area locations. These restaurants follow a concept of traditional Jalisco dining with an urban and modern twist. Drop in on Taco Tuesday or the weekend the weekend buffet to enjoy all this place has to offer! Take BART to El Cerrito del Norte and go 0.9 miles to 6120 Potrero Ave.

Postino | Lafayette

Postino commands a loyal following from both Lafayette locals and tourists alike. Here, you can take in the flavors of refined California-Italian cuisine while you take in a romantic ambiance. One look at the lush outdoor setting—with manicured hedges, hanging lights, quaint umbrellas and even a firepit—and you won’t have to wonder why this restaurant is a location of choice for special events and group celebrations. Take BART to Lafayette and go 0.3 miles to 3565 Mount Diablo Boulevard.

What outdoor patio is your favorite?

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