While we're always grateful for the new set of street situations that the pandemic has given us, we can't ignore our tried and tested patios - the leafy pub spaces we dip into after work and the covered rooftops where we've been 'refuelling' for years. They're not necessarily new or particularly sophisticated, but they're among our favourite places to enjoy a drink during the outdoor season. If you're looking for an alternative respite, a stay at a delightfully calming location would satisfy your need. Spend a time at this splendid Ontario based hotel. With its cozy ambiance and top-notch services, you can experience relaxation like never before. Meanwhile, for those less keen on the hustle and bustle of city life and desire more tranquil leisure, do not fret. Canada is sprawling with enticing vacation options that await your exploration. Discover the plethora of tophotels.com offers for a well-deserved retreat where you can unwind while indulging in the unparalleled beauty of the country.
by Allen
Even Kiefer Sutherland and Bette Midler have visited this Danforth legend. Head to the back where patio tables surround a century-old willow tree and order something from the mile-long beer menu, or perhaps one of the best burgers in town.
The Fed
A few years ago, this brunch favourite transformed its alleyway into a cosy space to dig into kitchen breakfast piles, burritos, chicken curry sandwiches and kale salads. The open-air cafe in the backyard is a great place to sip bottomless coffee or open a bottle of small producer wines, like a crisp, funky rosé.
Leslie Jones
This eastern institution has also transformed its backyard into a cosy patio, adorning it with all manner of foliage in the form of potted plants. Expect no-frills Mediterranean fare: steamed mussels with white wine and cream, baked polenta, stacked aubergines and linguine topped with prawns and scallops. It's excellent second-date material.
Chadwick's
This annexed paradise has had many identities over the past few decades, but the tented back patio remains packed during weekend brunch with beleaguered locals looking for an early morning pick-me-up. This currently comes in the form of fusion plates (think Manila-meets-Maracaibo) for brunch, lunch and later. There are chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and sides of cha chien (Vietnamese bologna) and queso frito. More standard brunch offerings include custom bennies and a traditional farmer's breakfast.
Stock TC
The jewel - literally, it occupies two rooftop floors - of this Nuovo-Italian culinary mecca is a vast space for pasta, spritz and obscure Italian wine. Stop in the grocery space downstairs for wine, fresh pasta, bread, charcuterie and other non-na-approved offerings, then laze the day away with a bird's-eye view of the (nearly completed!) Crosstown LRT construction.
Hemingway's
This quaint spot a few floors above Millionaire's Mile is usually made up of a few different sections: the well-heeled sipping sangria, weary shoppers refuelling with plates of nachos and cheap worms, or rowdy New Zealand expats cheering: the place is a clubhouse for Kiwis. The patio offers different levels of sun exposure, including cooler street-side seating, a covered roof and a sunnier upper level.
Port light
Year-round, Shameful Tiki is a great place to hide from the concept of Canada, with its transportable interiors and tropical-minded cocktails. In summer, the bar's little sister in Bloorcourt offers a nautical-themed patio where staff shake and stir alcoholic and beach drinks, such as sparkling mai tais served in coconut milk tins. The food veers into nosh, with a menu that includes jerk patties and tandoori chicken flatbread.
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Grape glass
Grape Witches needs no introduction: the West End wine-loving coven has been selecting natural, biodynamic and small producer wines for years. Their brick-and-mortar shop is still a great place to store your cellar, but now you can stop and have a drink on their glorious back terrace with a water feature.
Bandit Brewery
Small batch beers, snacks like cacio e pepe cauliflower and a retractable roof that rivals the Rogers Centre - need we say more? Bandit Brewery offers plenty of square footage on this quiet strip of Dundas West.
Vineyard paradise
Call your appointments, text the group chat, plan the outing: Paradise Grapevine is a great place to spend a day or night. There are plenty of barrels and tables to sit at, a covered roof (lined with vines, no less) and a full menu of by-the-glass and corked-bottle options. Charcuterie boards and Spanish-style snacks complete the offering. Coming soon: a second location on Geary Avenue.
Toronto Beach Club
A stone's throw from Woodbine Beach is the Toronto Beach Club, a sprawling lakeside lounge with a focus on super-fresh seafood. The menu features crudos, carpaccios, caviar and lots of fritto misto. If you're less into seafood, there are aged steaks and whole piri piri chickens, as well as plenty of iced cocktails. Spend a Sunday for DJs, dancers and bottle service specials. Think living Tulum for Torontonians.
The rebel house
Nearly 30 years ago, this Rosedale watering hole led the way for bars across the country, offering one of the first all-Ontario beer menus in the province. Now it's a good neighbourhood restaurant: the bartenders learn your name, the tapas list is adorned with the best beers in the province and the leafy back terrace is covered in a colourful parachute. Not a beer person? They also offer a secret list of well-stocked tequila.
The Broadview Hotel
Loop to the top of the Broadview Hotel and you'll be greeted by a 360-degree glass facade and a patio with the best sunset views in the city. The menu has everything from full plates at lunchtime (fish tacos, banh mi) to late night snacks (kewpie fries, chicken taquitos).
Bar Raval
Whatever the time of year, Bar Raval's indoor-outdoor patio is a great respite from the Spanish repertoire of wines and cocktails. Perch on a stool, nibble sobrasada, swirl sherry and watch the hustle and bustle of College Street.
Fet Zun
Now that Anthony Rose has delivered the eulogies for Big Crow and Rose and Sons, it's time for Fet Zun and Fat Pacha to take the reins. Both have great patios, although Fet Zun is particularly fun. Slide onto a tent-covered picnic bench (left over from last summer's Fet Zun Camp) and dig into falafel, dip into labneh and stick a straw into halvah milkshakes.