McMenamins North Bank

Situated on a serene stretch of the Willamette River, this McMenamins is a relaxing spot for lunch or dinner. With a huge outdoor patio, there shouldn’t be any trouble getting a table with a view of the water. By car, it’s more than three miles from campus, but only about two miles by bike or foot. So break out your sunglasses, make a day of it and stroll over to this restaurant by the river.

Vero Espresso House

Located on the corner of 14th Avenue and Pearl Street, this quaint café is an ideal lunch spot on a sunny afternoon. There isn’t a ton of seating inside, but the patio has plenty of room to sit and chat for as long as you want. The menu isn’t expansive, but there is a fair amount of options and the sandwiches are killer.

Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen

When Papa’s comes to mind, it’s usually not because of its lovely outdoor seating but because of its cornbread, pulled pork and fried chicken. Just thinking about it is enough to put you in a food coma. But on a breezy spring night, particularly one with live music, the back porch at Papa’s is fun to sit at with good company even if you don’t order one of everything on the menu.

Taylor’s Bar & Grille

Once the weekend is over, many of us have no desire to speak of Taylor’s, let alone go there during the daytime. However, there is something oddly appealing about drinking a beer on the Taylor’s patio at 2 p.m. on a sunny day and watching everyone rush to class. If you’re not 21, order a lemonade and some bar food — it’s really just as satisfying.