Back arrow image Back to Discover Toronto

10 Of Toronto’s Best Patios To Visit For Summer 2021

10 Of Toronto’s Best Patios To Visit For Summer 2021

Soak up the final days of summer on one of Toronto’s top patios on your next visit to the city! We’ve rounded up our 10 favourite Toronto spots to catch up with friends, enjoy a night out with family or to simply sit back and enjoy while checking out all the city has to offer. On your next Toronto trip, feel like a local on one of these must-visit patios -- including covered and heated options to keep you comfortable as the temperatures start to cool down. As per 2021 provincial regulations, masks are required when walking around all common areas at restaurant and bar patios, but may be removed when seated at your table. Be sure to check ahead of your visit for the most up-to-date COVID-19 safety protocols in place regarding indoor and outdoor dining as well as business reservation and walk-in policies.

The Rec Room

Reserve some space in the sun on the outdoor patio at The Rec Room, located in downtown Toronto’s historic Roundhouse Park – the perfect spot for train enthusiasts less than 15-minutes by foot from UP Express Union Station. Originally built in 1931, this former locomotive roundhouse is home to the Toronto Railway Museum, Steam Whistle Brewing, and The Rec Room entertainment complex. Grab a pint and some savoury snacks while you kick back on the open-air patio facing the park which houses a collection of train cars, the former Canadian Pacific Railway Don Station, and the Roundhouse Park Miniature Railway. While the patio at The Rec Room is now open for 2021, be sure to check in advance for the most up-to-date information on what additional activities and facilities are operating in the downtown park.

Drake Sky Yard

It’s the place to see and be seen! The ever-popular Drake Sky Yard at the downtown chic boutique Drake Hotel welcomes walk-ins only for drinks and dining on their bright, partially-covered rooftop patio oasis. Named one of the world’s best rooftop bars by Condé Nast, this Queen Street West patio is a must-visit to sample the selection of finely-crafted cocktails and local brews on tap. Walk-ins are also accepted for the Drake’s street-side patio on a first-come, first-served basis for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. Visitors can get to the vibrant Queen Street West by connecting to the TTC public transit system or by hopping on a rental bike outside UP Express Union Station.
Photo credit: Louisa Nicolaou

Paradise Grapevine

We want to keep this Bloor Street West hidden gem all to ourselves, but some things are too good not to be shared. Feel like you’re on the Greek Islands on the secret back patio of Paradise Grapevine wine bar, only a short distance from UP Express Bloor Station. The ultimate date night destination, enjoy a drink from the extensive selection of wines with tapas-style small plates under white string lights and luscious green vines hanging on the dreamy, partially-covered outdoor patio. Go early and get on the waitlist for the patio (open daily for walk-ins only) or grab a bottle to go for your hotel room from the wine shop. A 10-minute bike ride from UP Express Bloor Station, Bike Share Toronto has convenient bike kiosks located near Paradise Grapevine, making it an ideal way to explore restaurant hotspots along nearby Ossington Avenue.

El Catrin

Add a little Latin flavour to your visit to Toronto’s historic Distillery District at El Catrin’s colourful outdoor patio, a short distance from UP Express Union Station. Traditional and modern Mexican cuisine is on the menu here along with the largest tequila and mezcal collection in the country. Accommodating diners on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis, the expansive central patio is open year-round thanks to some well-placed heaters and a rustic central fire pit.
Photo credit: Ryan Emberley Photography

RendezViews

It’s not just a clever name! RendezViews is Toronto’s largest outdoor open-air patio, right in the heart of downtown with clear views of the CN Tower and within a 15-minute walk of UP Express Union Station. New for summer 2021, this former parking lot at John Street and Richmond Street has been transformed into an immersive art exhibit with 80 picnic tables spread out over a colourful painted surface. Presented by local establishments The Fifth and The Ballroom in conjunction with Collective Arts Brewing, this patio features an assortment of beers, cocktails, chicken wings, and sandwiches for you to enjoy. A popular spot for locals and visitors, grab weather-dependent reservations up to 48 hours in advance online or try to snag one of the limited walk-in tables.

Liberty Commons

Local craft beer and tasty pub bites are on the menu at Liberty Commons’ large, well-spaced outdoor patio in Liberty Village, just minutes from GO Exhibition Station or by TTC public transit via UP Express Bloor Station or UP Express Union Station. Accepting reservations with limited walk-in seating under umbrellas, this Canadian brewpub from Oliver & Bonacini and Big Rock Brewery focuses on farm-to- table comfort food cooking along with seasonal and experimental brews, brewed right on site in one of the massive kettles that can be seen from the patio. The British-inspired pub grub is so good, we won’t blame you if you grab one of their bake-at-home savoury pies, sausage rolls or a Cornish pasty to go from the on-site tuck shop.
Photo credit: Pauline Yu

Three Speed

Pull up a chair at this cozy Bloordale beer bar’s leafy covered back patio and live like a Toronto local. With a working outdoor fireplace for those chilly nights, it’s easy to see why Three Speed is a hit with laid-back neighbourhood residents. Just a short distance on foot or by rental bike from UP Express Bloor Station, Three Speed serves up a rotating selection of some of Ontario’s best craft beers on draught alongside seasonally-inspired cocktails. A limited menu of snacks and sandwiches as well as a busy weekend patio brunch are on offer at this spot which only accepts walk-ins for tables.

Central Bar & Grill

Seafood and Caribbean flavours are on the menu at Central Bar & Grill, just a few blocks from UP Express Weston Station. This popular neighbourhood restaurant’s patio has expanded as part of the CafeTO program allowing for more space to dine under umbrellas. Accepting reservations and walk-ins, the friendly spot features several popular weekly theme nights with a DJ, including special menu items on Seafood Thursdays.

The Gaslight

The Gaslight’s newly-expanded patio offers a quiet reprieve in the heart of Toronto’s Junction Triangle, a four-minute walk from UP Express Bloor Station. The perfect pit stop while exploring the neighbourhood, this casual and cozy spot prides itself on its drink menu featuring a selection of classic cocktails, wine, beer, and cider options along with a small menu of bar snacks, perfect for sharing. Open seven days a week until 11pm, reservations aren’t needed on this partially-covered back patio with walk-in seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Pilot

A Toronto institution since 1944, The Pilot’s spacious Flight Deck rooftop patio makes a great destination – rain or shine! With a retractable awning and heaters for cooler nights, this is the place to chill out with friends or unwind with a glass of frosé (yes, that’s right, frozen rosé wine) after a day of shopping in Yorkville. Offering a menu of comfort food and pub classics along with a selection of local craft beers, wine, and cocktails, walk-ins are welcome with a portion of the partitioned patio tables set aside for reservations. Get here by transferring to the TTC subway system from UP Express Bloor Station or UP Express Union Station.

FOOD & DRINK