Patio season is here; enjoy al fresco dining + drinking at these spots

Although the months-long season of A/C usage has now arrived, I found myself pleasantly surprised to leave the confines of my cubicle this afternoon to step into the heat of 84 degrees on an early May day. Let the countdown begin: Summer is coming, and with it, all those glorious days spent eating and drinking outdoors.

With pleasant weather in the local forecast heading into next week, it's time to head outside. Here's a roundup of Spokane dining and drinking spots that have already dusted off the patio furniture for the season, paired with their respective Happy Hour specials:

Rock City Grill, 2911 E. 57th | Happy hour, from 2-6 pm, includes $6 martinis, $3.50 wines, $4 micros and well drinks, $3 Bud and Coors on draft, $5 small plates and $11 regular size pizzas.

The Boiler Room, 6501 N. Cedar | Happy hour, from 2-5 pm, includes $5 house wines, $1 off beers on tap, $3 canned beers and $2 off martinis.

Luna, 5620 S. Perry | Happy hour, from 3-6 pm (and one hour before closing), includes $1 off beers and $2 off house cocktails.

Zola, 22 W. Main | Happy hour, from 3-7 pm, includes $4 house wines, $2 Coors and Bud on draft, $3 for the craft beer of the day, and a variety of appetizers for $5-$8.

Lost Boys' Garage, 6325 N. Wall | Happy hour, from 3-6 pm, includes $3 wells and $1 off beer and wine. Thursday is also trivia night, starting at 7 pm, and featuring some other food and drink specials.

Bon Bon, 926 W. Garland | Happy hour, from 4-7 pm, includes $1 off all beer and wine, and select $5 cocktails.

Nectar Wine & Beer, 1331 W. Summit Pkwy. | Happy hour, from 2-5 pm, includes $2 off wine, $1 off draft beer and $2 off appetizers.