Top 5 patios in Toronto
Published June 10, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Patios in Toronto are practically a religion, the shrines we visit every summer to worship the rare sunshine and warm weather we’re blessed with for only a few months.
These are great spots to soak up the sun, but of course they’re even better with a cool drink in your hand and some tasty bites to share from their delicious menus. From meeting up for happy hour after work to partying until the wee hours of the morning, these magical patios only have a brief day in the sun during the year, but they sure make it worth your while to visit.
Take note, some of these places are so popular that outdoor spots fill up quick, so get there early or make a reservation. Fortunately, there are so many excellent patios in Toronto that if you can’t get into one, another great one is likely right around the corner.
Here are some of the top patios where you can enjoy the summer in Toronto.
5 – Stock T.C
A combination Italian restaurant and grocery store, this place is even more impressive once you find their hidden gem of a rooftop patio perched high above Yonge and Eglinton.
The view of midtown skyscrapers makes you feel like you’re in the middle of it all, and there’s comfy seating and lush greenery. Shade is provided by wide umbrellas and a giant canopy made of netting that lets just the right amount of sun and shade through for a perfectly dappled lunch or dinner date.
A highlight is the incredible Italian cuisine served here, complemented by a menu of drinks that will keep you refreshed throughout a sunny sipping session.
4 – The Three Speed
If you’re into a more divey atmosphere, look no further than this charming patio near Bloor and Dufferin. Venture through the dark bar to find an oasis of a patio in the back, where overgrown vines and a covering overhead provide a pretty canopy.
The patio is equipped with a rustic fireplace, and there are large tables that are perfect for groups or a communal vibe. Order a pint of craft beer from a chalkboard menu.
If you get peckish, this place also operates as a full-on restaurant with all kinds of great comfort food.
3 – Bandit Brewery
A huge overhang with trees underneath it distinguishes this outstanding patio in the Roncesvalles area, connected to a brewery that serves their own beer.
The overhang here means there’s no better place to stay in the shade when it’s sunny and stay dry when it’s rainy, and there’s lots of room with many large tables for big groups. This patio also serves a menu of food that goes great with their beer, such as beer battered cheese curds and a selection of sandwiches.
2 – Pennies
This might be one of the hottest patios in town that’s one of the hardest to get into right away, fitting for the buzzy neighbourhood between King West and Queen West it calls home.
You can easily spot this place from the giant yellow building that houses the bar. You’ll also hear the music and the chatter of the large crowd from far away.
So what makes this patio so popular? Pennies is known for their specials on sliders and drinks with rock bottom prices, offering beers for $2 and having a weekly AYCE burger night. If you’re looking for a slushy margarita or just a cheap shot with some popcorn or a hot dog, this is the place for you. Be warned, though, if you come with a larger group you may have to wait a bit.
1 – Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel
This artsy patio tucked away on the roof of an historic hotel is one of the hottest tickets in town for seeing and being seen. It’s the ideal location for anything from a quick cocktail meetup to a full-on sit-down group dinner.
Colour and art are everywhere on this patio and the music is always pumping, and they serve the food and drink that the hotel and its downstairs restaurant are known for.
String lights, umbrellas, lots of varied seating and fun decorations bring everything together at this outdoor space that overlooks busy Queen but still feels secluded. Lots of lively parties and events are held here.
