The top patios in Toronto: West end edition
Is there anything better than sitting outside with friends, sipping a chilled bevy and soaking in the summer sun? Patio season is a sacred time in the west end of Toronto and there is a plethora of places to choose from. The following is a list of the top west-end patios that you’re bound to adore. [Image credit: iStock.com/AnjelaGr]
Future Bistro
483 Bloor St W, Toronto ON M5S 1Y2Future Bistro (known to many as “Future’s Bakery” or just plain “Futures”) is not just a perfect patio spot, it’s also a Toronto institution. Located snug in the Annex, Futures features a swinging side patio with a great view of Bloor Street West. In addition to their sweet outdoor space, they are also famous for their all-you-can-eat perogies, large selection of draft beers and huge display case of decadent cakes that you can buy by the slice.
Bellwoods Brewery
124 Ossington Ave, Toronto ON M6J 2Z5Situated on the hip Ossington Strip, Bellwoods Brewery is nearly always packed with Torontonians who love craft beer. One side of the building is a brewpub with a large (and popular) front patio and the other side is a bottle shop, which sells Bellwoods’ own creations (the hoppy Boogie Monster IPA and the complex Grandma’s Boy wild ale blend, for instance). In search of a sweet hostess gift? Bellwoods Brewery has their labels made by Doublenaut, an illustration and design company based in Toronto, so each one is super gift-worthy, both aesthetically and on the palette
Sweaty Betty's
13 Ossington Ave, Toronto ON M6J 2Y8If you’re looking for a watering hole that lacks pretension, head on over to Sweaty Betty’s on Ossington. With a charmingly derelict interior and mid-sized back patio, Betty’s is a place you can really let loose in the summer. They offer great drink specials (weeknights between 5 and 7 pm, highballs and pints are a dollar off) and DJs spin anything from thrash to funk.
Ronnie's Local 069
69 Nassau St, Toronto ON M5T 1M6Perhaps the quintessential Toronto dive bar, Ronnie’s Local 069 (known to most as simply “Ronnie’s”) is the place to go in Kensington Market if you want to cool your dogs. Their simple front patio, situated on Nassau Street, overlooks the hustle and bustle of the market and is always packed. Some of their patio tables are large and communal, meaning you will often leave the spot with a few new friends under your belt.
The Lucky Shrike Bar
850 Dundas St W, Toronto ON M6J 1V5Lucky Shrike (formerly the The Press Club) is one of Dundas West’s best-kept secrets. The real action here is on their back patio, which is huge and full of foliage. Lucky Shrike often features hot Toronto DJs and also serves a number of beers on tap, such as Okanagan Spring 1516, St. Ambroise (Oatmeal Stout and Pale Ale),and Beau's (Lug Tread and Kissmeyer).
Sky Yard
1150 Queen St W, Toronto ON M6J 1J3Newly designed and re-launched in June of 2016, The Drake Sky Yard sits atop the Drake Hotel, overlooking Queen Street West. The vibe is funky and chill, with a full menu of drinks and creative cocktails. As good for Saturday morning brunch as it is for weeknight drinks with friends, this open-air area is heated in the chillier months and also has covered seatin in the case of sudden inclement weather. Our pick? Try the refreshing Cucumber Smash, it is sure to be a hit amidst this year’s summer heat.
La Libre
14 Dupont St, Toronto ON M5R 1V3La Libre is a 90-seat backyard patio inspired by Mexico's Yucatán region. It is located directly behind Hacienda, the funky taqueria at Dupont and Avenue Road – although it boasts its own unique menu. Romantic patio lights hang from rafters and a retractable awning offers rainy day coverage. La Libre serves delicious traditional Mexican fare such as bocaditos, tacos and postres, and much of their food is cooked on their outdoor charcoal grill.
Fat Pasha Inc
414 Dupont St, Toronto ON M5R 1V9Located on the Northeast corner of Dupont and Howland, Fat Pasha is a funky, family-friendly restaurant that serves what they refer to as “good Jew food.” Popular menu items include the Montreal steak-spiced flat iron (served with barbarian butter), the latke platter and the Babka bread pudding for dessert – although Instagrammers tend to swoon for the colourful and now-infamous cauliflower dish. Their back patio has the feel of a warm, secluded courtyard, and is stocked with gorgeous wooden benches and tables, making it the ideal place for an outdoor summer gathering.
Green Room
414 College St, Toronto ON M5T 1T3One of the Annex’s most beloved, old-school spots, The Green Room is a staple for starving artists and students in particular. The two-storey bar has a tucked-away garden patio where you can sip on a cold one and munch on some cheap eats (try their tasty pad Thai). They even have a Classic Album Night where they feature albums ranging from Bob Dylan’s Blonde On Blonde to Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti.
Burdock
1184 Bloor St W, Toronto ON M6H 1N2The compact side patio at this Bloordale spot is perpetually packed during summertime happy hours – and not without good reason. Burdock is a restaurant, microbrewery and music venue that specializes in Canadian-inspired cuisine, live music several nights a week, and craft ales. The menu changes regularly but will include fresh and satisfying options like the Greens & Foraged Things (apple sunflower dressing, radish, cucumber and strawberry), hibiscus- glazed Berkshire pork” or a slice of the rhubarb cheesecake for dessert.
