10 Terrific Places To Drink Outdoors

Throw open the curtains and wipe off winter's dust — spring finally seems here to stay. And if you're a bon vivant, the arrival of warmer weather and the promise of steady sunshine means sipping a cold beverage on a terrace or patio that likely hasn't seen much action since autumn.

Even in places that are perpetually warm — Florida, Texas, and California, we're looking at you — now's the time of year when a table outside is at its most agreeable. One of the greatest things about sharing a bottle of wine or a carafe of sangria outside on a good weather day? If you ask us at least, it counts as 'doing' something with your day.

Picture yourself on the patio of Brooklyn's Habana Outpost, listening to the whir of one of the bike-powered blenders whipping up your frozen mojito. Sample one of the best-poured pints of Guinness this side of the pond in the ivy-clad, Tudor courtyard of Molly Darcys Irish Pub in St. Louis. Even in perpetually overcast Portland, the Ray-Ban-sporting season has arrived at outdoor watering holes like Rontoms, where the picnic tables are packed with IPA-swilling scenesters.

For something less hipster but equally fun, head to Tampa Bay's waterfront to check out the new Columbia Café, where Champagne sangria comes loaded with local citrus. And on the West Coast, few outdoor watering holes offer as riveting a view with your glass of California pinot as the deck at Nepenthe, perched high over the cliffs of Big Sur.   

Forget about it being five o'clock somewhere. Spring has sprung, and summer is on the horizon — that alone is worthy of a toast.

Click for the 10 Terrific Places to Drink Outdoors Slideshow.