Spring Bar Hopping: Outdoor Patios and Seasonal Drinks Guide

Spring is the perfect time to take your bar hopping outdoors. Here’s how to make the most of patio season and celebrate the changing weather.

Why Spring is Perfect for Bar Hopping

Ideal Weather

The Goldilocks season:

Mild temperatures (60-75°F)
Less humidity than summer
Pleasant evening breezes
Not too hot, not too cold
Perfect for walking between venues

Longer Daylight

Enjoy golden hour on patios
Start earlier with sunshine
Beautiful sunset views
Natural light for photos
Extended outdoor time

Finding the Best Patios

Types of Outdoor Spaces

What to look for:

Rooftop bars with city views
Street-level sidewalk patios
Garden bars with greenery
Waterfront decks
Hidden courtyards

Patio Features to Love

Comfort matters:

Heaters for cooler nights
Shade options for sunny days
Comfortable seating
Good music (not too loud)
Scenic views

Spring Cocktail Trends

Fresh and Floral

Seasonal favorites:

Elderflower Spritz
Lavender Gin Fizz
Rose petal cocktails
Lilac-infused drinks
Cherry blossom specials

Light and Refreshing

Perfect for warmer days:

Aperol Spritz
Cucumber Cooler
Mint Julep
Strawberry Basil Smash
Grapefruit Paloma

Herb-Forward Drinks

Fresh garden herbs:

Basil Gimlet
Rosemary Greyhound
Thyme Lemonade
Mint Mojito
Sage Margarita

Planning Your Spring Route

Start Early

Take advantage of daylight:

Begin around 4-5 PM
Catch happy hour
Enjoy sunset from rooftop
Less crowded early on
Better patio seating availability

Mix Indoor and Outdoor

Balance your night:

Start: Rooftop bar (sunset)
Move to: Street patio (dinner)
Continue: Indoor/outdoor combo
End: Cozy indoor spot

What to Wear

Spring Weather Layers

Dress smart:

Light layers you can remove
Bring a jacket for evening
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses for day drinking
Hat for sun protection

Style Tips

Sundresses with light cardigan
Short sleeves with blazer
Breathable fabrics
Avoid heavy fabrics
Spring colors encouraged!

Spring Events and Themes

Seasonal Celebrations

Take advantage of:

St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls
Cinco de Mayo festivities
Kentucky Derby viewing parties
Mother’s Day brunches
Memorial Day weekend events

Beer Garden Season

Embrace outdoor beer culture:

German-style beer gardens
Brewery patios opening
Craft beer festivals
Picnic table atmospheres
Pretzel and beer pairings

Allergy Considerations

Outdoor Drinking with Allergies

Be prepared:

Take allergy medication before going out
Choose less-pollen locations
Opt for enclosed patios when needed
Avoid super-green garden bars on high pollen days
Bring tissues and eye drops

Photography Opportunities

Golden Hour Magic

Best times for photos:

6-8 PM for stunning light
Rooftop bars for city sunsets
Garden bars for floral backdrops
Use natural light
Less need for flash

Instagram-Worthy Spots

Capture the season:

Colorful cocktails
Outdoor string lights
City skyline backgrounds
Garden settings
Group photos on patios

Spring Bar Hopping Challenges

Weather Unpredictability

Be prepared for:

Sudden rain showers
Temperature drops at night
Windy conditions
Pollen and allergies
Crowded patios on nice days

Solutions

Check weather before heading out
Have indoor backup options
Bring light rain jacket
Make reservations for patios
Start earlier to beat crowds

Food Pairing

Look for seasonal eats:

Fresh salads and greens
Grilled vegetables
Light seafood
Fruit-based dishes
Farm-to-table specials

Patio Snacking

Charcuterie boards
Bruschetta
Spring rolls
Caprese skewers
Oysters on rooftops

Types of Spring Venues

Rooftop Bars

Why they’re perfect in spring:

Not too hot yet
Best city views
Sunset viewing
Instagram-worthy
Energetic atmosphere

Beer Gardens

Traditional outdoor experience:

Communal tables
Casual atmosphere
Beer-focused menus
Often dog-friendly
Great for groups

Waterfront Venues

Near water bodies:

Marina bars
River walks
Beach bars (warm climates)
Lake patios
Boat-accessible venues

Spring Drinks by Week

Early Spring (March-April)

Still cool, warming cocktails:

Hot Toddies on chilly patios
Spiked coffee drinks
Whiskey-based cocktails
Red wine for cool evenings

Mid-Spring (April-May)

Transition drinks:

Lighter cocktails
Rosé wine all day
Session beers
Spritzers

Late Spring (May-June)

Almost summer:

Frozen drinks appear
Tiki cocktails
Light lagers
Chilled white wines

Making Reservations

Peak Season Planning

Patio season is popular:

Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Specify patio seating when reserving
Call to confirm outdoor availability
Have backup if weather cancels patios
Arrive on time for patio tables

Sustainable Spring Sipping

Eco-Friendly Choices

Support sustainability:

Bars with herb gardens
Farm-to-glass cocktails
Reusable straws
Local ingredients
Composting programs

Safety in Spring

Sun Protection

Day drinking requires:

Sunscreen application
Periodic shade breaks
Hydration with water
Reapplication every 2 hours
Protective clothing

Pollen and Allergies

Take medication before going out
Avoid high pollen days
Choose enclosed patios
Keep allergy meds handy

Using Hopfly for Spring

Seasonal Tracking

Document your spring adventures:

Check into patio bars
Earn “Spring Sipper” badges
Find outdoor venues nearby
Track seasonal cocktails
Share favorite patios

Special Spring Challenges

Complete seasonal goals:

Visit 10 different patios
Try 5 floral cocktails
Rooftop bar tour
Waterfront venue crawl
Garden bar exploration

Regional Spring Experiences

Southern States

Start earlier (already warm)
Focus on shade
Frozen drinks popular
Outdoor season begins March

Northern States

Peak: May-June
Appreciate every nice day
Heaters still needed
Indoor/outdoor hybrid best

West Coast

Year-round patios
Spring less distinct
Coastal breezes
Wine country visits

Creating Spring Traditions

Annual Spring Kick-Off

Start a tradition:

First patio day with friends
Same rooftop every spring
Seasonal cocktail tasting
Spring birthday celebrations
Favorite venue’s patio reopening

Weekend vs. Weekday

Spring Weekends

Expect:

Crowded patios
Reservation essential
Higher energy
Longer waits
Premium pricing

Spring Weekdays

Better experience:

Less crowded
Better service
Easier walk-ins
Happy hour deals
More intimate

Spring is one of the best seasons for bar hopping. Use Hopfly to discover the best patios, track your seasonal cocktails, and make the most of perfect weather. Here’s to sunshine, fresh air, and unforgettable spring nights!