Going out and enjoying a drink or two with friends is all fine and well, but when the sun is blazing, the joy of a good beer can be ruined by standing in a crowded bar, sweating with everyone else that's struggling to get served a cold one. Thankfully the Rochester bar and lounge scene offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy these precious summer moments outside in the cool, evening air. Below is just a sampling of Rochester's bar-patio options, but these eight locations (four in the city, four by the lake) are being recognized specifically for their outdoor scene.

For those with an aversion to the smell of lake water, these gems are located right in the city:

Abilene Bar & Lounge (153 Liberty Pole Way. 232-3230, abilenebarandlounge.com. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 7 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday for special events) Abilene's outdoor area is a big draw in the warmer months due to the large number of live musical acts that hosted by the bar. There's plenty of seating available, and the patio is partially covered in case of rain. Outdoor speakers located on the far end of the patio allow patrons to hear the music from inside the bar. Added bonus: during Jazz Fest the patio nearly doubles in size and is transformed into an excellent outdoor music venue, complete with a tasty food menu.

Lux Lounge (666 South Ave. 232-9030, lux666.com. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.) Lux may seem small on the inside, but its outdoor sitting area practically doubles its space. With picnic tables set out to accommodate a large number of people and an encased fire pit surrounded by log benches to keep people warm on the clearer, chillier nights, Lux is a great South Wedge spot to spend a summer evening. On certain nights (check with the bar beforehand), patrons can be treated to a viewing of a cult-classic film projected onto a big screen. Make sure you get your picture taken sitting on the phallic-shaped wooden chair.

One Restaurant & Lounge (1 Ryan Alley. 546-1010, oneryan.com; oneclublife.com. Nightclub hours: Thursday-Saturday 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; restaurant hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.) One is centrally located near the intersection of East and Alexander, and after 10 p.m. certain nights it transforms into a nightclub complete with outdoor bar and large, outdoor lounging area. The second-story deck offers a great view overlooking the popular nightlife district. It has classy, pleasant Apple Store-esque white d�cor, and seating options whether alone (at the full, outdoor bar), with a friend at an elevated two-seat table, or in a small group in a comfortable booth. One recently opened a second kitchen on the patio, meaning that getting food outside will be faster and more convenient.

Vertex (169 N. Chestnut St. 232-5498. Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 10 p.m.-3 a.m.) Vertex is a unique experience, blending equal parts dance club and chill, hang-out lounge (it bills itself as "Rochester's underground nightclub"). Shoot some billiards, dance a little, or just enjoy the late-night air outside. Vertex's laid-back but hip vibe draws an eclectic mix of patrons, all of whom mingle well in the large, well-lit outdoor area in the back. The patio is covered in case of rain, and the bar is never too far away.

For those who enjoy the gentle waves and soothing sounds of the lake...

Marge's Lakeside Inn (4909 Culver Road. 323-1020, margeslakesideinn.com. Hours: opens at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday) Marge's has cemented itself as one of Rochester's best outdoor drinking and lounging destinations. While the bar itself has flair (quite a bit, given its narrow quarters), once you walk to the beachfront out back and hear the sound of the water lapping against the shore and feel the sand in between your toes (be sure to wear sandals), you'll feel transported to a warmer, tropical place. Picnic tables comfortably seat small groups, while folding chairs provide solitude for those who just want to enjoy a beer in peace. And if the sand isn't your thing, you can always sit on the deck and soak in a summer sunset over the lake.

Nola's Waterfront BBQ (4775 Lake Ave. 663-3375, nolasweb.com. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 4-11 p.m.; live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m.) Nola's outdoor area is enormous. Featuring a large stage to host bands and live acts throughout the summer, Nola's has two distinct seating arrangements. The first, on the ground floor, are for those who have come to watch and listen to the band play, while the second, on the upper deck, features comfortable couches and coffee tables a bit further away from the stage, for people who want to listen to the music but don't want to have to yell over it. A large, full outdoor bar makes getting drinks a breeze, and access into the restaurant itself for food is just a few steps away.

Pier 45 at the Port (1000 N. River St. 865-4500, pier45attheport.com. Hours: Opens at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays) Pier 45 has a cozy, intimate feel. Located on the second floor, the outdoor patio gives bar-hoppers a terrific view overlooking Lake Ontario, as well as the fresh-air scent coming off the water. The patio is equipped to handle different needs; some two-person tables provide for a more private setting, while in another corner several plush couches provide seating for a large group of friends. The outdoor area is also partially covered, in case bad weather strikes, and attentive wait staff will take care of your eating and drinking needs with a fine menu.

Schooner's Riverside Pub (70 Pattonwood Drive. 342-8363, shumwaymarine.com/schooners.shtml. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.) Schooner's is a hidden treasure tucked away in the back corner of the docks near Pattonwood Drive. This bar's outdoor scene puts you right on the waterfront. A small stage gives ample room for live music, while seating is plentiful in the open-air gazebos, particularly around the large outdoor bar. The pub also has canvas walls and gas heaters in case of poor weather. Getting food is quick and easy from the outdoor kitchen, and for those who may not want to be up close with the musical guest of the evening, there are tables placed downstairs right by the water that provide a more private atmosphere.

Did we miss your favorite bar/club patio? Share it with us by commenting on this article at rochestercitynewspaper.com.