Today's the first day of summer, and serendipitously, it also marks opening day for Hi-Top Tavern, a gorgeous new bar on Northeast Fremont in the former Bottles building. The rambling space, much larger than it first appears, was once the site of a Jim and Patty's Coffee People outpost (which now can be found a few doors down). It's now home to the fourth bar from the Three on a Match bar group, the team behind the Old Gold, Paydirt, and Tough Luck bars. (Full disclosure: One of the owners, Ezra Caraeff, is a former Mercury employee.)

The space is their prettiest and most ambitious yet, with a stunning wood-carving of Mount Hood by the entry and antique beer cans lining the top of the bar. The bar itself runs along most of the main room, with a smaller intimate space toward the back, and beyond that, a separate room that currently holds a big-screen TV and will be available for private rental.

But when you head outside, Hi-Top reveals its greatest strength. The patio that runs alongside the building is expansive and pleasant, but keep going back and you'll find a covered deck, complete with a second, outdoor bar. Hi-Top is already in the running for Best Patio in Portland, and will be one of the finest places to have an al fresco drink this summer. The back area is covered and heated, too, so it'll be usable all year round.

Hi-Top Tavern's cocktail menu is short and sweet, emphasizing the basics as well as shrubs and "spritz hits." There's also a selection of "backs," from small beers to picklebacks to verdita, a spicy pineapple juice. Additionally, the bar features a trio of "dressed" options for your canned beers, including grapefruit salt and chili-lime salt. The food menu includes an array of salads and other simple options, including chacarero beef and asparagus sandwiches and multiple grilled cheeses.

Hi-Top Tavern opens for business today at 3 pm, its standard opening hour for weekdays; on weekends, Hi-Top opens at noon. Fans of outdoor drinking—or just good bars—have found their new home for the summer.

Hi-Top Tavern, 5015 NE Fremont