If you need a short, sweet (booze-fueled) escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Toronto has plenty of hidden patios that’ll give you just that. Vv Magazine’s Lisa Lagace rounds up the best hidden patios in Toronto.
Summer in Toronto means one thing – it’s patio season. But as much as I love sitting on a patio overlooking Queen Street and people watching, there’s something particularly special about the vibe of a secluded, hidden patio – where you feel completely removed from the hustle of the city.
Here are 15 of the best Toronto patios to escape to for a few hours:
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The Bovine
542 Queen St. West
This tiki-hut style rooftop patio the perfect place to go before or after seeing a very loud, angry band in the downstairs bar.
Harvest Kitchen
124 Harbord St.
Skip the tiny street level Harvest Kitchen patio and head upstairs to the tree covered rooftop patio for brunch in the sunshine. It’s also a great spot for both meat eaters and vegetarians to find a menu with enough options to make everyone happy.
La Libre
14 Dupont St.
If you’re looking to dine on authentic Mexican fare while basking in patio life, La Libre will provide. Hidden in the backyard of Playa Cabana Hacienda, it is only open during the summer, so get your margaritas while you can.
Fonda Lola
942 Queen St. West
This cozy backyard patio serves up casual bistro style Mexican dishes, with a beachfront cantina feel complete with vines lining the walls and a Japanese maple tree for good measure.
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La Cubana
392 Roncesvalles Ave
Head to this cozy spot for some of the best sandwiches, croquetas, and Instagram-worthy food in the city. The 30-seat patio is enclosed by a fence and a local favorite.
Nuit Social
1168 Queen St. West
After a stop at The Drake or The Gladstone, take your date to Nuit Social’s intimate backyard patio for maximum romance vibes.
Café Pamenar
307 Augusta Ave
If coffee is more your style, this Kensington Market spot opens up in the back to a plant filled patio escape – it’s kind of like hanging out in the backyard of that friend who is lucky enough to rent a place with backyard access.
George Restaurant
111C Queen St. East
For a more upscale private patio experience, George is known for its small plates and the classic romantic patio experience – there are even fountains in the yard.
Cadillac Lounge
1296 Queen St. West
Nestled just west of Queen St. West and Dufferin, this retro-cool spot is often forgotten. The massive Parkdale patio seats 200 with covered and uncovered tables, television views and a play-per-use pool table for added entertainment.
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Bar Reyna
158 Cumberland St.
With seating for up to 48, this year-round Yorkville patio is spacious, yet cozy. Exposed brick wall, white accents and hanging lights make Bar Reyna’s patio feel like a home away from home and is a welcome change from typical Yorkville outposts.
Betty’s
240 King St. East
With an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and a rare kitchen that stays open late, Betty’s shaded patio is beloved by those in the know in the warmer months.
El Caballito
220 King St. West
Hidden behind the King West cantina is a gorgeously decorated patio that will help you forget the drama of the work week – or maybe that’s just the tequila working its magic.
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Union
72 Ossington Ave
Freshly shucked oysters and wine make this Ossington patio a destination of choice, especially for big groups looking for large communal tables, or those looking to make new friends in the city.
The Three Speed
1163 Bloor St. West
This Bloordale village restaurant features a private patio with high fences, wood burning fireplace and plenty of greenery out back. This spot is perfect for intimate conversations at communal tables. They also make a make a killer Caeser.
Cold Tea
60 Kensington Ave
Tucked away in a Kensington Market mall, this patio is probably the most hidden of all. Head to Cold Tea on weekends for a backyard house-party vibe and on Sundays for their weekly BBQ jam, complete with food, drinks, and a DJ.
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RELATED: Toronto’s Best Patios: Our Favourite 50
Did we miss any of the best hidden patios in Toronto? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
