7 Patios You Can’t Miss This Summer
The picturesque cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the breeze off of the lake is no longer biting, and summer weather is teasing us. After the unpredictable spring we had, there’s just one thing I want to do: happy hour on a patio. There’s something about dining outside in Coeur d’Alene that just feels right: the hustle and bustle of Sherman Ave., the warm, sunny days, and of course the beautiful blue lake make nearly every restaurant, cafe, and outdoor seating option desirable.
I had a really tough job- testing out different patios, trying different drinks, and snacking my way through Coeur d’Alene to compile the ultimate list of patios to check out this summer. Find my top 7 picks below & let me know if you enjoy them as much as I did!
This waterfront lounge is the perfect place to watch a famous Lake Coeur d’Alene sunset. Cozy up around one of the blazing fire pits with a cold drink in hand and enjoy the summery night air. Signature martini flavors such as Cucumber Lemongrass, Espresso, and Huckleberry Sizzler pair nicely with delicious appetizers like their Mahi Tacos, Prime Rib Sliders, and Calamari.
Taylor’s Pick: Deep 6. This cocktail (meant for sharing) is the perfect way to cool off this summer. Enjoy a generous amount of light rum, dark rum and brandy, pineapple juice, orange juice, sprite, and grenadine served with long straws. Fun!
Boardwalk Bar A super casual setting where I can always rely on the best lake views and drinks that taste like an island getaway! Located right at the entrance of The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Boardwalk, this casual bar is the closest to the lake you can get without being in the water. Don’t forget to bring your shades to keep your vacation vibe going.
Taylor’s Pick: After grabbing a friend, I walk the World’s Longest Floating Boardwalk with a Beach Bum Cooler in hand. This tropical drink is made with Bailey’s, banana liqueur, rum & pina colada puree blended with banana and cream!
I love to work off my cocktails before I drink them on the Margarita Bike! During the warmer months, patrons can pedal-power their own house margaritas on the patio of Taphouse Unchained. If tequila isn’t your jam, the new Bottle Shoppe features bottled and canned craft brews, cider and seltzers. Your server can crack one open for your dinner or mix and match your own six-pack to go!
Taylor’s Pick: Bike-a-Rita paired with a Margherita pizza. Two simple classics always done right and taste like summer!
The Cedars Floating Restaurant
The Cedars is an experience like none other! Float on Lake Coeur d’Alene while sipping flavorful cocktails and noshing on incredible eats. The outdoor, open-air patio offers up pristine lake views- you might even catch a glimpse of a fish or two jump! Huckleberry Moscow Mules, Pomegranate Lemon Drops, and Guava Margaritas will cool you off on even the hottest of Northern Idaho summer days. Snack on the Tempura Asparagus, Crab Cakes, or Truffle Mushroom Flatbread while watching the boats cruise by- now that’s the life!
Taylor’s Pick: If you’re a margarita fan like me, you’re in luck! The Cedars has a handful of refreshing flavors; my personal favorite is the Grapefruit Margarita. Cuervo 188 tequila, X-rated, grapefruit juice, and sweet and sour make this drink my go-to. Looking for an entree to pair with your marg? Check out the Grilled Blackened Shrimp Skewers, served with lemon garlic rice, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh cilantro!
First of all, if you’ve never made your way out to the lakeside Infinity Pool at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, what are you waiting for?! Lounge poolside with expansive lake views, enjoy food and drinks in the sun, or even rent one of the cabanas for a little more privacy! The Blu Infinity Pool is open to The Coeur d’Alene Resort overnight guests only- so book your next staycation or lakeside escape, the pool is set to open for the season May 22 (weather permitting).
Taylor’s Pick: For a quintessential Northern Idaho drink, I go with the Huckleberry Lemonade: huckleberry vodka, lemonade, soda, and huckleberry puree. It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect drink to sip while catching some sun. Hungry? An order of Tortilla chips and pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole is my favorite- snacking poolside sounds like a great summer afternoon!
As Coeur d’Alene’s original Italian restaurant Tito’s Italian Grill & Wine Shop has your favorite comfort food along with the perfect view of downtown Sherman Avenue. I also make sure to pick up a bottle of wine from their Wine Shop to take home and enjoy later.
Taylor’s Pick: Seriously Sangria paired with a Caprese Salad makes for the perfect summer snack before heading out on the lake for a day on the boat.
Calling all golfers, golf fans, and people who enjoy a nice lake view (aka everyone), The Floating Green Restaurant is THE place to dine for unparalleled lake views, views of the iconic Floating Green, and delicious cuisine. Know someone golfing The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course? Grab a cold beverage at The Floating Green Restaurant’s patio and watch them tee off on the 14th hole! Enjoy appetizers like their Smoked Brisket Cheese Fries, Korean Style Barbecue Chicken Wings, and Ahi Tuna Tacos and wash it down with a glass of wine, ice-cold beer, or a refreshing cocktail.
Taylor’s Pick: The Shrimp Louie salad is what lunch dreams are made of: fresh cooked jumbo prawns, fresh asparagus, cherry tomato, hard-boiled egg, avocado, and olives with lemon wedges and house-made Louie dressing on a bed of fresh romaine. Pair that with a glass of Coeur d’Alene Cellars Chardonnay for the perfect patio experience (no golfing required!).