1406 SE 12th Ave., 384-2285, thehighdivepdx.com. 4 pm-2:30 am daily.

For the Cartopia customers merely seeking a place to stuff themselves, the High Dive can sometimes feel like a sprawling roofed deck that happens to have a bar attached. Sure, plenty of folks crowd the low-lit, art-strewn interiors for the craft pints or stylishly chummy atmosphere, but the outside patio serves Ladd's-area regulars well as a meeting place for all seasons. In winter, caretakers plastic up a loose shelter and rev space heaters full blast; in summer, the patio crevices are laid bare for the indirect sun-worshipers' continuous picnic; in spring and fall, a flat-screen is unveiled for Ducks and Blazers games (and hidden away once hometown games have ended). Though High Dive might work best as a jumping-off point for further adventures, lose focus for a moment to the DJs or quiz night or Walking Dead group-watch, and the surrounding temptations ease a long, slow surrender.

Happy hour: 4-7 pm daily. $3 wells, $3.50 wine, $4 craft beers. 

Entertainment: Bar trivia, DJs, Walking Dead and Ducks and Blazers games even on the patio.

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