Pier 23 occupies the perfect sweet spot on the Embarcadero to avoid both the Ferry Building tourists and the Fisherman's Wharf tourists. This mostly locals bar has a warm, cozy interior, which you'll only spend time in to grab your drinks, because you'll want to spend the rest of it out on the patio overlooking the Bay.

You'll go to Nopalito for the food, but you'll stay for their amazing garden patio out back. With industrial heaters to keep you warm and greenery everywhere, you'll swear you've left the city behind somewhere. Best of all, you can rent it out for your next party. Or just some alone time.

The best time the hit the patio at Anina in Hayes is as soon as it's open on the weekends. Stake out your territory on this large, popular patio and make the most of the sunlight while you've got it. Make sure to bring your friends along to enjoy one of the several punch bowls they offer. Oh, and probably bring a sweatshirt, too.

Walk through the dutch door to the tiny front room of this quintessential Mission bar and quickly grab yourself a drink and a boardgame. Those tasks accomplished, head through the cramped hallway and out into the best hidden patio, with plenty of room at several communal picnic tables flanked by murals protecting you from the wind.

Head into the Outer Richmond's great neighborhood restaurant on any night and ask to sit out on their back patio. Renovated and opened six months after they opened, it's covered and heated. Relax with a glass of wine and, if it's Tuesday, make sure to ask for a burger.