Summertime in the City

Posted by lushlife

Posted: May 23, 2008 - 9:26 am

It’s nearly that time of year — yes, the few short months when Capri pants, open-toed shoes and windbreakers are appropriate attire. With the ever-increasing minutes of sunlight, it’s time to turn to the nightlife spots that offer the best bets for outdoors enjoyment. Plus, this year, the bonus to patios is that you or your friends can smoke and still hang out in the same place while kicking back a few.

There are many venues for party peeps to flock to when the sun comes out — here are a few of my favorites. Agree or disagree, just don’t forget your sunglasses.

• Bernie's Bungalow Lounge (626 D St.): Every year I say I’m going to stay away from Bernie’s when the summer hordes converge on the SoNo location, and every year I end up shelling out a cover charge on a Friday night to get into the garden of green, airy fun (even though it’s more a modern art, concrete-covered garden now). The scene may be reminiscent of a wannabe bar in “The Hills,” the service sporadic and the dress code varied, but Bernie’s is one of those places that just clicks in the summertime. And, as a friend recently reminded me, it’s a place where a girl can wear stilettos and feel accepted.

• The Snow Goose Restaurant (717 W. Third Ave.): Anchorage doesn’t really have a beer garden, but the sunny, spacious upstairs patio at the Snow Goose is a close approximation. When you want a cold beer after work on a sunny day, the Snow Goose is an obvious choice. But beware: For some reason the cuisine hasn’t caught up to the place’s popularity. Sleeping Lady brews are often good, but I’ve found the food consistently subpar. Head to nearby Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill or the Glacier Brewhouse for the edibles.

• Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse (601 W. Sixth Ave.): Going to Humpy’s if you don’t already have someone waiting with a table can be frustrating when the crowd is packed and everyone is trying to flag down the guy behind the bar. The chaos increases in the summer, which would lead to serious fisticuffs if it weren’t for the outdoor area in the back. It’s easily accessible, food- and drink-friendly and vastly more comfortable than wedging between the two guys at the bar working their tapered jeans.

• Las Mex Restaurant (8330 King St.): It’s a little out of the way for many of us, but few summer sensations match the smell of grilled food, tortilla chips and fresh limes in your beer. I mean, there ain’t no party like an outdoor party when the outdoor party includes margaritas and guacamole! True, there are several Mexican restaurants in town with patios, but La Mex is a great all-around choice with its fair prices, good food and drink yumminess and a great chance of scoring a seat outside.

Wherever you decide to go, remember that if you can sit outdoors, do so. In Alaska, partygoers have to take advantage of nice weather — and the chance to gawk at the influx of bewildered, Alaskan Amber-toting tourists.

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