Departure, Nines Hotel, Portland, Oregon

2009 saw the opening of this handsome 15th-floor nest of cool, atop the mod Nines Hotel in downtown Portland’s landmark Meier & Frank Building. The maritime aesthetic includes a teak-planked deck, sailcloth panels and nautical maps; rare drinks like Ninsaki Otis stout, Ikkomon Sweet Potato Shochu and Oregon Pinot Gris channel Portland’s love of spirits. The modern Izakaya-style Japanese menu offers casual munchies like pork buns and kobe meatballs. But best of all are the views of Portland’s scruffy cityscape dominated by pristine Mount Hood in the background. Cocktails from $10; departureportland.com.