We have finally come into the sweet spot of summer where we do not have to worry about random flurries and can fully enjoy warm weather – so naturally that means patio season! Our city has so many amazing pubs, restaurants and cafes that it wasn’t difficult to compile this summer list of the best patios in Toronto 2018!
Bar Hop Brewco’s rooftop seats 135 thirsty souls who are in the mood for unique brews like Shell Game – a beautiful blend of hibiscus with barrel-aged farmhouse ales, Brett – a summer ready brew spiced with Indian coriander, and three dozen other craft beers on top. Come for the views and brews, stay for the hearty comfort foods like schnitzel and charcuterie.
The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel
If you frequent patios in the summer for stunning views, look no further than The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel. Their 360 degree glass façade, pyramidal skylight and expansive rooftop give you an unparalleled view of the Toronto skyline and the Don River.
If you are one of those people who feels like they have seen and done everything in Toronto, prepare to be proven wrong at the Drake Sky Yard. They reinvent their look and their menu every patio season…and they really do mean every patio season! With heated lamps, Drake Sky Yard believes any weather is patio weather. This summer the Drake is hosting tropical vibes with a massive collection of vines and plants that snake their way across the patio. There is also a new southwestern-inspired installation by artist Louise Rymer.
Move over, The Rogers Centre, this season’s favourite retractable roof belongs to Gusto 101. This industrial-chic trattoria will have you covered come rain or shine, with three beautiful, magical words: wine on tap. What a great way to enjoy one of the best patios in Toronto 2018!
The Pilot has been making retractable roofs and Cumberland cool before either were cool in 1972. Its mostly macro beer line-up features some strong Ontario indie breweries such as Collective Arts and Side Launch. It may not have as competitive of a wine list, but their house pours are $7 a glass and really what more could you ask from life?
Fear not, this club hosts no actual bovine sex. Rather, head up to the rooftop to find a tropical tiki oasis. This hidden away gem is decorated with a thatched roof and has classic tropical cocktails alongside your traditional PBR.
On the southern stretches of the Annex just past the western edges of U of T’s campus is this quiet magical secret garden of a patio. A maple tree winds its trunks through the walls of the Harvest Kitchen and the rest is comfy benches, chairs and twinkling fairy lights. Not only do they have affordable drink specials, but they have a sustainably sourced menu. Whether you are a carnivore or a vegan, there is something for everyone in this romantic hideaway.
Looking for the best patios in Toronto 2018 can be daunting for some. Old favourites like Mascot Brewery are moving or renovating, while others are overcrowded. At the end of the day, the best patios in Toronto 2018 are the ones where you feel most comfortable with your friends. Some are worth the excursion to a new neighbourhood, whereas some in your own backyard should definitely not go overlooked.
Happy patio season, Toronto!
