Best Outdoor Latin Bars

Summer may be around the corner, but warm weather and al
fresco dining already have us in relaxation mode. Whether you’re enjoying a
cocktail on the rooftop of a skyscraper or sipping margaritas alongside the Miami
River, outdoor bars with exceptional views just can’t be beat. Grab a drink and
check out our list of the best Latin inspired outdoor bars across the country.

The Rum House, New Orleans, LA

The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria is an island transplant in
the middle of New Orleans (with a Baton Rouge location that just opened its doors in March
201) with tropical music, island décor, and a unique rum bar. If you need an escape in the middle of the day, head to The Rum House
for “Island Time,” weekdays from 3:00-6:30pm and kick back with $2 beers, $4
margaritas, or $5 mojitos. The 2,700 square foot, open-air patio even has classic
rope swings instead of bar stools. How cool is that?

Roxanne’s Cocktail Lounge and Latin Grill, Long Beach, CA

Latin-inspired food meets pre-Prohibition cocktails in this
classy yet casual lounge with outdoor patio seating that echoes the 1920s.
Roxanne’s offers affordable drinks, happy hour every day, and is a favorite
among the locals. Priced at just $10, each cocktail is made with fresh squeezed juices,
house-made syrups, and only top-shelf spirits. The coolest part? There is a secret bar in the back. Just knock on the telephone booth door and you’re in!

Salvation Taco at Pod 39, NYC 

Head to the rooftop of this 17-story Murray Hill hotel for a
gorgeous view of the East River. The Lounge at Pod 39 Hotel invites everyone
from the wealthy Manhattan party goer to the budget-conscious traveler to gaze
through Spanish inspired red brick arches on a warm summer night. Nibble on
bites from Salvation Taco, owned by New York’s James Beard coined Best New Chef, April Bloomfield, as you sip on the Salvation Margarita, filled to the brim with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Combier, agave nectar, lime
juice, and guajillo chile salt. Bonus? This is the place for exceptional views of the Empire State Building.

Next, Malibu, Miami, and more… [pagebreak]

Terrace, NYC 

The largest hotel terrace in New York City belongs to Yotel New York. With two outdoor bar areas spanning 7,000 square feet, chef Richard
Sandoval’s menu of Latin-Asian infused plates, and a bevy of cocktails and
shakers, you just can’t go wrong. During the day, escape the hustle and bustle
of Times Square by coming up for a light lunch. Come back at night for
handcrafted cocktails, shared plates and great music. So whether you’re sipping a mimosa under the
sun or sharing a bottle of wine under the stars, Terrace is a must visit
outdoor bar in Manhattan. 

Café Habana Malibu, Malibu, CA

A classy Cuban restaurant and bar meets the west coast.
Rich, dark brown leather bar stools, hanging palms, and black and white pictures
decorate the relaxing interior at Café Habana, owned by Sean Meenan and Rande
Gerber. Outside on the tropical patio, an open air wood awning and matching
furniture beckon guests to eat outdoors. And cocktails are reasonably priced at $7 – $9, so there’s no need to stop at just one. Hey, George Clooney had
his engagement party here. Need we say more?

Contigo Austin, Austin, TX

Modeled after Contigo Ranch, Contigo Austin celebrates everything we love about Texas; the food, the beer, the music, and those warm summer nights. The best time to go to Contigo is on Wednesdays for “Pig Day,” when the kitchen receives a whole half pig and transforms it into pigs in a blanket, charcuterie, porchetta, and fresh sausage. Such deliciousness pairs well with an ample list of beer and cocktails, including the 5 O’clock Hero ($8), a sweet pick me up of gin, green chartreuse, lemon, blueberry. Or, go back to the Wild West with the Old Fashioned ($9) made with rye whiskey, citrus oil, and bitters. Take a seat outside at one of Contigo’s picnic tables situated under strands of twinkling lights. You’ll definitely feel like you’re back at the ranch, enjoying some down home food, and well deserved relaxation.

Next, Chicago, San Diego, and more… [pagebreak]

Big Star Chicago, Chicago, IL

It’s all about the alcohol at Big Star Chicago where bottled beers start at just $1 (and run up to $12) or you can check out what’s on tap. In the mood for a cocktail? Choose from a
tequila or whiskey based libations ($8 – $9) blended with classic citrus flavors
and juices. You’ll have your pick from over forty types of Bourbon distilled
from 10 different distilleries around Kentucky. Head outside during the day and
take shelter from the sun under a big yellow umbrella. At night, it is picnic
tables and party lights as the outdoor space becomes one big, honky-tonkin’ backyard party.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, Miami

The Wynwood area of Miami is known for its art galleries,
shops, and museums. And at the beautiful Wynwood K&B, the drinks are the art. The bar’s handcrafted cocktails have a little something for every taste bud, from
the refreshing Guayabera ($13) with Rum Zacapa 23, guava juice,
lemon juice and Sprite to spicier favorites like Peppery Pepino ($13) with Zignum reposado mezcal, King Ginger liquor, red pepper,
cayenne pepper, fresh lime and cucumber. Trust us; once you get past the incredible art surroundings, you’re bound to find a cocktail favorite.

Carnitas’ Snack Shack, San Diego 

A craft beer and pork centered foodie paradise awaits as you
walk through the doors of Carnitas’ Snack Shack. The creation of Chef Hanis
Cavin, Sara Stroud, and their mini pig and inspiration, Carnitas Speck, the
Snack Shack has been garnering a ton of buzz with its hearty Latin menu and new outdoor patio space dubbed “The Pig Pen.” The menu
changes daily, as chefs strive to source only the freshest, local food from
farmers, ranchers, and bakers and you can chill out with an ice cold beer
from several local breweries as you gear up for dessert. We hear the caramel
bacon brownie is out of this world. The Snack Shack is also a dog friendly
eatery, so you’ll feel like a member of the family when you stop in with Fido
for a bite. While the North Park Carnita’s is the original, tons of buzz and a
demand for a second shack led to the addition of an upcoming outpost in the Del Mar/Carmel Valley area,
where doors will open in the Fall 2014.