While winter seems to be fighting to stay alive, it is only a matter of time before the warmth and sunshine wins out and you will be able to hit some of the best patios in Toronto for a drink with friends. Whether it is beer, cocktails, or great food you want, our list of the best patios in Toronto has something for everyone.
Hemingway’s
142 Cumberland St. (Yorkville)
The perfect place to go after a long day of shopping in Yorkville. But don’t worry, there is no dress code. The rooftop patio is even heated in the winter, but the best time to go is in the middle of summer, when people watching is at its best.
Ceili Cottage
1301 Queen St. E (Leslieville)
St. Patrick’s Day may be over for another year, but if you love the Irish pub feel, Ceili Cottage has the perfect patio for you. The patio is huge, with a simplified decor of white picket fences and lots of tables. Not to mention, it is a short streetcar ride away from the Beaches, where you could go for a nice after-dinner walk.
Java House
537 Queen St. W. (Fashion District)
If you love to people watch, Queen West is the place to be. Java House has a decent selection of beers on tap, including Toronto’s own Mill Street Organic. The food may not be gourmet, but if you just want a snack, the prices are right.
Cube Nightclub
314 Queen St. W. (Entertainment District)
This place is for one of those nights out where bottle service is on the menu. The rooftop patio is a great place on a summer night to lounge with friends in downtown, and be close to the rest of the fancy Toronto clubs. If you like draught beer, this place isn’t for you, though, as they don’t have beer on tap.
The Black Bull
298 Queen St. W (Entertainment District)
The first day Toronto experiences a sliver of warmth, this place is packed. Great for people watching, and a laid back pint, The Black Bull is almost a tourist attraction, smack dab in the middle of the shopping strip on Queen West. This is a day drunk kind of place. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line, despite their 100+ patio capacity.
Cafe Diplomatico
594 College St. (Little Italy)
If you are looking for some Italian food, and a refreshing pitcher of sangria, this is the place to go. The large patio holds around 80 people, but is a local favourite, so expect lines on a hot day.
Only Cafe
972 Danforth Avenue (Greek Town)
This backyard-esque patio is the perfect place for the beer lover. Smack dab in the middle of Greektown, Only Cafe offers 24+ different beers, and a decent menu for when you need to fuel up before the next pint. Definitely a laid back type of patio, not to mention it’s surrounded by lots of late night snack options (souvlaki!).
Cadillac Lounge
1296 Queen St. W (Parkdale)
This backyard patio has room enough for 200 people, and its retro decor appeals to everyone. Here, you can get a cheap pint, and even play a game or two of pool in the sun.
Pauper’s Pub
539 Bloor St. W. (The Annex)
Whether you are looking for a rooftop patio, or prefer to drink on ground level, Pauper’s Pub has you covered. A popular place for students looking for student prices, it is casual, but won’t make you feel like you are at the on-campus pub.
Wayne Gretzky’s Oasis
99 Blue Jay’s Way
Real Sportsbar may be great in the winter months, but Wayne Gretzky’s rooftop patio, Oasis, is where it’s at in the summer. Stop by after a baseball game for a cold pint, and enjoy the laid back vibe with your fellow sports fans in their Blue Jays T shirts.
