Like music artist Lafa Taylor says of his hometown, "Eugene - we go crazy when we get some sun."  

During the summer months, sipping a local craft beer on a sunny patio with the smiling people of the community is a really special experience. Find the right beer and patio combo with this guide to the top beer gardens in Eugene. 

McMenamins North Bank

The riverfront dining space at McMenamins North Bank restaurant, brewpub and tiki bar is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant river city. You can ride your bicycle right up to the patio from the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System. On a cool summer night, McMenamins offers roaring fire pits and cozy throws to wrap up in while you enjoy your meal and a tasty pint. 

McMenamins North Bank by Liz Devine

Falling Sky Brewpub

Tucked away on Oak Alley is the original of the three Falling Sky locations. Here, guests can see the large copper-plated brewing equipment. Falling Sky makes over 400 different kinds of beer and offers a delicious seasonal pub menu. The small outdoor space is well-loved during summer months. Visiting during the wet season? That's ok - they offer a discount on beer anytime it rains. 

Elk Horn Brewery

Elk Horn offers beer and southern style comfort food near the University of Oregon campus. The patio here has a mural wall, fire pit and plenty of green space. Order the Southern Staple Plate to share and a flight from their current taplist.

Elk Horn Brewing patio by Melanie Griffin

Viking Braggot Company

Drink like a Viking in the Westside Warehouse District of Eugene. Braggot is a traditional brew of hops and honey first used by Vikings. Viking Braggot Company is bringing inspired new techniques to this beverage of the ancients. Sip on a refreshing pint on the patio and play a game of bean-bag toss. 

Viking Braggot by Daniel McTavish

Oakshire Brewing Public House

Oakshire Brewing is located in the heart of the Whiteaker neighborhood - a unique community full of art and counter-culture history. Join the locals for a pint on the open patio. The outdoor space is dog and kid-friendly so the whole family can enjoy a stroll down to this welcoming pub. Food trucks commonly roll-up beside the outdoor picnic tables. Oakshire gives 1% of the profits from sales of their flagship Watershed IPA to protecting the pure McKenzie River which makes the beers in Eugene so special.

Oakshire Brewing patio by Melanie Griffin

Hop Valley Brewing Company

Soak up the sun in the sprawling outdoor space complete with hop vines and bike parking galore in Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood. The Mango & Stash IPA is a great summer weather sipper that pairs well with the Hop Valley house nachos. 

Hop Valley Brewing Eugene by Eugene, Cascades & Coast

Ninkasi Brewing

Ninkasi is one of Eugene's first and largest breweries. Also located in the Whiteaker, the brewery's name comes from the Sumerian goddess of beer. Take a tour of the large facilities where beer is made and then taste those beers in the tasting room. Enjoy a frosty pint of Total Domination IPA for the signature experience. Make your own adult float with Vanilla Oatis oatmeal stout and a scoop of ice cream from the visiting food truck I Scream for Waffles to enjoy by the fire pit on the patio. 

Ninkasi Brewing by Joni Kabana

Alesong Brewing

Alesong is the only Eugene brewery in wine country. The views here are matched only by the incredible and carefully crafted oak barrel-aged beers. The patio is kid and pet-friendly. Let the experts on staff help you find the perfect beer for your tastes. Alesong is the ideal place for converting wine-lovers to beer-believers with their farmhouse ales matured on wine grapes. 

Alesong Brewing by Andy Vobora

Wildcraft Cider Works

Wildcraft makes ciders differently. Expect to be wowed by the unique flavor such as wild rose or beet cider offered in a beautiful space. The crafters here care as deeply about the ciders they make as the lands from which the fruits are harvested. You can relax on the outdoor deck located below the basalt rock climbing columns of Skinner Butte with a glass of cider and some Thai food from the restaurant inside. 

Wildcraft Cider Works by Joni Kabana

Want to win prizes while quenching your thirst? Download the Eugene Tasting Trails app and earn points for the breweries you visit!