When summer arrives, so does your craving for fun in the sun. Being located on the eastern shoreline gives Connecticut residents an advantage with outdoor water views. Even city slickers can find restaurants and bars to enjoy the warm season. Prime summertime bars are located with water views and sea breezes. Enjoy outdoor patios at these top saloons. 

The Pavilion Beach Bar
85 Swan Ave.
Old Lyme, CT 06371
(860) 434-8405
www.pavilionbeachbar.com

The perfect Connecticut beach party can be found at The Pavilion Beach Bar. Conveniently located along the shore, it provides easy access to and from your lawn chair. Enjoy live music from inside the bar or from out on the sand. Local bands, including Darik and the Funbags or Jamie’s Junk Show are crowd favorites. This is the perfect spot to get a tan, party with your friends or meet someone new. Parking is available behind the bar and private lots in the neighborhood. The Pavilion is located at Sound View Beach in Old Lyme.

Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar
100 South Water St.
New Haven, CT 06519
(203) 787-3466
www.sageamerican.com

Look to your right or left and you will find a serene horizon at Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar–regardless of where you’re sitting, the views are all gorgeous. Outdoor lovers flock to the waterfront views at Sage. Become one with the ocean as you dine and drink cocktails on the outdoor patio. Live music entertains guests during evening hours and on Sunday Funday, where reggae bands are a crowd pleaser during Sunday Brunch. You’ll think you’re on vacation in the Caribbean with live music and an energetic atmosphere. Free parking is available on site.

Related: Four Spots to Celebrate a Sunday Funday

Stonebridge Restaurant
50 Daniel Street
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 874-7947
www.stonebridgerestaurant.com

Stonebridge transforms from dinner casual in the evening to an outdoor party scene by night. Singles fill the outdoor patio and tented bar to enjoy a night at one of Connecticut’s most popular summertime bars. Live music provides night long entertainment. If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, escape the hype of the party at the back patio for a more relaxed experience, overlooking the Wepawaug River. Expect a cover charge for entering this summer bash.

Related: Top Singles Bars in Connecticut

Trumbull Kitchen
150 Trumbull Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(203) 493-7412
www.maxrestaurantgroup.com

Happy hour at Trumbull Kitchen is the perfect location for city slickers. Plan an after work excursion with your co-workers or meet your pals for some weekend fun. Part of the Max Restaurant Group, Trumbull Kitchen is known for its happy hour tapas and martinis. This bar and restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Hartford. Outdoor seating is available so you can enjoy the summer weather. To escape the heat, head indoors for a lounge atmosphere. Garage parking is available.

Barcelona 
4180 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 255-0800
www.barcelonawinebar.com

Barcelona’s outdoor patio seats up to 85 party goers. Order margaritas, mojitos or sangria by the pitcher or glass as you socialize in their relaxed atmosphere. Sundays during summer means you’ll find live music from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day, along with a delicious, family style pig roast. Barcelona is known for its tapas and paella dishes, and this hot spot is open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturdays and until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Indoor dining and private booths are also available.

Kimberly Ord is a freelance writer and lifetime resident of Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.