Waterfront dining is tailor-made for outdoor drinking, and Lara’s Fine Dining has a stellar spot in Richmond’s Marina Bay. Originally a sea captain’s house, Lara’s has no shortage of nautical charm, not to mention its wide-ranging menu and excellent craft cocktails like the aptly named Water of Life.

With a greenery-filled patio and a recently expanded, generously-sized parklet, this farm-to-table bar and restaurant is one of Walnut Creek’s best destinations for an outdoor hang. Wood-fired pizzas share the menu with seasonal entrees, while the sophisticated cocktail list includes standouts like Not Your Momma’s Sweet Tea, a nuanced mix of lemon, black tea and Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary. Come for the cocktails, stay for the live music — it’s a gorgeous setting to appreciate the outdoors any time of day.

A classic Berkeley hotel with more than a century of history, the Claremont Hotel is a truly elegant place for a meal or cocktail — particularly the terrace of Limewood Bar & Restaurant, with stunning views straight across the Bay. Sip a Strawberry Canyon alongside oysters or a Berkeley smash burger and savor your respite from the city.

Chef Nelson German has won local and national accolades for his internationally-inspired, seafood-heavy fare. (Shrimp boils and braised oxtail? Don’t mind if we do.) AlaMar’s patio takes advantage of that Oakland sunshine, and makes for a perfect venue for snacking and sipping vibrant drinks like the Dear Summer.

Noodles, pork tacos, and cocktails; what’s not to love? This fusion restaurant recently expanded its outdoor seating in North Beach, so there’s plenty of room to gather for ramen and a refreshing Wants and Needs cocktail. Best yet? Their outdoor space is heated, which you’ll appreciate as the summer fog creeps in.

Bringing Southern charm and cuisine to North Beach, Tupelo is a neighborhood staple for its great drinks and live music, which it’s safely maintained throughout much of the last year. Settle in for a set with a Spring Fling cocktail and a fried chicken sandwich and you’ve got a perfect afternoon.

This bistro mainstay’s lovely terrace north of Union Square is an equally good choice for a morning coffee and pain au chocolat, or drinks and nibbles on a sunny afternoon. Order an April in Paris or Bouquet de Roses, pair it with some frites, and bask in the Parisian vibes.

This Nob Hill favorite, with over a decade in business, has long been a destination for great drinks and live music, and has adapted to the times with a comfortable street front patio. It’s a lively place for a few friends to gather over Green Juice cocktails and listen to live music on Friday nights.

First things first: It’s not a sports club, it’s a sports bar. And this Pac Heights spot has made the most of its outdoor space with a huge tented patio, allowing them to host live comedy, trivia, game screenings, and more. Find a picnic table and join the action while enjoying a refreshing Peach Fuzz alongside well-made bar snacks.

While Madrone’s cozy, eclectic decor and local art exhibitions have historically accounted for much of its appeal — not to mention its legendary dance parties — the bar’s community-minded spirit has translated to a charming, colorful patio that’s worth a visit in its own right. Whether you’re savoring a sunny day or stopping by for live music on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, order up a Herbie Hancock, a fruity favorite made with Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil, and settle in.

The Mission knows Hawker Fare for its vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine, heavily inspired by the flavors of Laos and the Isaan region of northeast Thailand. Its colorful outdoor space echoes the interior’s bold style; it’s one of the most appealing destinations on Valencia Street, and its  outdoor dining has made an always-popular corner of the city even more so. With the spicy fare you’ll undoubtedly be ordering, their Watermelon Slushee is the perfect accompaniment.

Classically Castro, Midnight Sun is an iconic gay bar celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with a dedicated following and a warm embrace of newcomers. Its current cocktails are all summer-ready: Frozen Lemonade spiked up with any of three Grey Goose Essences, Strawberry & Lemongrass, White Peach & Rosemary, and Watermelon & Basil; or the Castropolitan, starring Strawberry & Lemongrass along with hibiscus and lemon.

It’s hard to deny the charm of a true Irish pub, and the Napper Tandy’s sense of warmth and hospitality extends even to its cheery outdoor parklet. Even outside the pub, you can catch a European football match or tuck into some  Irish comfort food like corned beef and cabbage or bangers and mash — alongside drinks like the beautifully colored Watermelon Sugar, starring Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil.

While the opening of this new Noe Valley spot was delayed due to the pandemic, it’s now launched in full force. Named for co-owner Mike McCaffery’s childhood dog, there’s a friendly pup theme throughout the space, and its generous outdoor patio is dog-friendly, too. Bring your four-legged companion to enjoy snacks like spinach dip hot bread and a beautiful iceberg wedge alongside carefully crafted drinks like the Botanical Seltzers, each starring a different Grey Goose Essences — Watermelon & Basil, White Peach & Rosemary, or Strawberry & Lemongrass.

If any San Francisco spot had the energy and creativity to thrive during this era of social distancing, it would be The Midway, as its enormous space in the Dogpatch allows for tons of safe seating. DJs and artists frequently perform outdoors; grab a table and enjoy small bites with enticing, summer-friendly cocktails like the Frojito.

Fuego sports bar in Sunnyvale has plenty of comfortable patio seating and is the place to watch the game with some friends. It offers more than just wings — its Latin-leaning menu features everything from ceviche and roasted poblano hummus to Tajín shrimp. Order the Strange Rush cocktail made with Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass, lime juice, raspberry puree and champagne, or stop by for seven dollar Goose Thursdays.