Toronto’s Best Patios
If you want to feel happy in Toronto, find a patio. With four to six months of winter weather, it’s no wonder that the whole city’s mood seems to lift when you can sit outside for a meal or a round of drinks (or two…or three…)
Thankfully, Toronto patios open at the first sign of spring. And when it gets colder, there are heaters and firepits and even plastic igloos to keep the good vibes going.
Toronto’s best patios can be found in every neighbourhood, with menus for all diets and budgets. The city still doesn’t have many pedestrianized streets, so they are often hidden—in backyards or on scenic rooftops. In summer, look for temporary patios on the sidewalks, part of a small business initiative called CaféTO.
Here are some great Toronto patios for brunch, dinner, late nights, and all times in between.
Best views
Amsterdam Brewhouse
Amsterdam is Toronto’s original craft beer brand, with a flagship brewpub in a prime spot along Toronto’s waterfront. Four large patios look out over the harbour, just steps away from major downtown attractions like the CN Tower, Harbourfront cultural centre, and sports arenas. Grab a table or relax in a Muskoka chair to enjoy draft, cask offerings, seasonal brews and bottles from the Amsterdam cellar. Long line-ups on weekends.
Website: amsterdambeer.comLink opens in a new tab
Address: 245 Queens Quay W.
Lavalle
Many of Toronto’s best patios are located on rooftops, but Lavelle’s really makes a splash. During the day enjoy California vibes by booking a cabana to lounge by one of three plunge pools. At night, this spot in the heart of King Street West has more of a nightclub vibe. But the best time to visit Lavelle is early evening for cocktails and stunning panoramic views of the Toronto sunsets. Smart dress code in effect.
Website: https://chezlavelle.comLink opens in a new tab
Address: 627 King Street West
Broadview Hotel
One of the best patios on Toronto’s East Side, the historic Broadview Hotel offers stunning views of the Don River from its rooftop terrace. A great place to meet up with friends for a casual drink and shareable eats.
Website: www.thebroadviewhotel.ca/
Address: 106 Broadview Avenue
The Writers’ Room
Toronto has many great hotel bars but this spot on the top of the Park Hyatt in Yorkville has the sweeping view of the city any others would dream of. It’s been around for 50 years and is named for the many literary legends who have passed through. Come here for special occasions, classic cocktails, and the very best spirits. The bar has sweeping floor to ceiling windows, so you don’t need to sit outside—but you’ll want to. Admission reserved to guests over 19.
Website: https://www.exploretock.com/writersroom
Address: 4 Avenue Road
Best Happy Hours
Pennies
“Sliders and cheap drinks are what we do best.” Locals and visitors to nearby Trinity-Bellwoods Park pack this cheerful corner hotspot during weekday happy hours for the discount menu offering $2 Pabst, free popcorn, and good vibes.
Website: https://pennies.bar/
Address: 127 Strachan Avenue
Lapinou Bistro
This French restaurant offers a proper “5 à 7” happy hour with deals on cocktails and appetizers. The romantic patio is tucked down lane between buildings and offers a quieter atmosphere than other spots on the busy King Street West strip. Follow the twinkling lights.
Website: https://www.lapinoubistro.com
Address: 642 King Street West
Most Unique
Stackt Market
Stackt Market is an urban playground for shopping, eating and drinking with great views of the CN Tower and Toronto’s downtown. Repurposed shipping containers housing independent local boutiques and art galleries are surrounded by food trucks and even some backyard party games. Blue Moon Brewery operates the largest patio here, but the wide-open green space also has bistro tables and lounge areas with Instagram-friendly décor. A great place for a date.
Website: https://stacktmarket.com
Address: 28 Bathurst Street.
Best People Watching
Paris Paris
The strip of Ossington Avenue between Dundas and Queen streets is concentrated with hip eateries and fashionable crowds who spill out over the sidewalks. Paris Paris is one of the best places to park on a patio and observe the action with a bottle of fine wine. It’s open from noon until late so a great patio day or night.
Website: https://www.parisparis.ca
Address: 146 Ossington Avenue
O’Gradys
The historic hub of Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community, Church Street near Wellesley is still a place to see and be seen. There’s no shortage of fun patios, but they can fill up fast. O’Gradys is especially big, and open especially late, plus they take reservations for the patio, so you can almost always find a spot here to enjoy casual fare like burgers and wings (or try Canadian poutine) and watch the scene go by.
Website: http://www.ogradyschurch.com
Address: 518 Church Street.
Bar Mordecai
This Wes Anderson-inspired bar in the middle of Little Portugal appears regularly on the Best Bars in Canada lists for its inventive cocktail offerings. The artfully designed pink interior makes you feel like you’re walking into a fantasy hotel lobby. In the summer months, their lively patio is equally charming.
Website: https://www.barmordecai.com
Address: 1272 Dundas Street West
Best for a group
El Catrin
This colourful Mexican restaurant in the Distillery District boasts Canada’s largest tequila and mezcal selection. The spacious open-air patio is always bustling, and a great place for birthday dinners, or other special occasions with groups. Reservations recommended.
Website: https://www.elcatrin.ca/
Address: 18 Tank House Lane
The Porch
It’s always a party on this rooftop patio located above a country saloon in the centre of the Entertainment District. Popular with students and known for group-size drink specials and nice views, it’s a lively and affordable spot to get your night started. (You may want to check out the mechanical bull in the bar downstairs too.)
Website: https://www.theporchto.com
Address: 250 Adelaide Street
Best for Live Music
Drom Taberna
Bohemian vibes and an Eastern European menu are on offer at this funky Queen Street West spot, with a leafy, laid-back garden patio. You can catch quality live music most nights – small jazz ensembles, Latin rhythms, or singer-songwriters set the mood.
Website: www.dromtaberna.com
Address: 458 Queen Street West
Best Dive Bar
Ronnie’s Local
This treasured Kensington Market spot got mainstream attention when Jason Mamoa stopped in for beers while filming the series See in Toronto. But there’s definitely no velvet rope or guest list here. A quintessential local dive, its summer patio scene is about gathering at picnic tables with friends or soon-to-be-friends and spending hours in conversation over beers or bar shots. No website. No food. No attitude.
Address: 69 Nassau Street
Best Year-Round
Hemingway’s
In the middle of upscale Yorkville is this down-to-earth pub with a covered rooftop patio over multiple levels that’s guaranteed to be open late 365 days a year. A hangout for locals, visiting celebrities, and New Zealanders, they offer 24 draught beers on tap, sports on the TV and sometimes live music or trivia nights.
Website: https://hemingways.to/
Address: 142 Cumberland Street
Baro
BBQ and Latin beats bring the heat year-round on this cozy 4th floor rooftop patio, which is covered and heated.
Website: https://barotoronto.com
Address: 485 King Street West
Bar Raval
A Michelin-approved Spanish restaurant in the heart of Little Italy (it scored a Bib Gourmand for high quality food at good value), Bar Raval has a happening patio scene that continues year-round, thanks to a covered heated patio. Cocktail bartenders are world class, and the dark wood décor sets a European mood. No reservations here it’s walk-in only, but the line is a great place to people watch and the menu is worth the wait.
Website: https://www.thisisbarraval.com
Address: 505 College Street
These are just the highlights of the best patios in Toronto to get you started on your visit. Every neighbourhood has its local favourite, so keep your eyes open to discovering you own personal favourite.
