Toronto’s best patios offer up killer vibes for summertime siestas. While they can run the gamut from down n’ dirty to haute sophistication, given that we’ve few months of the hot stuff (read: the sun’s rays) we treat every patio as though it’s our most favouritist of favourite spots. Except today, when we’re focusing on the top Toronto patios with tons of seating and ample ambiance…
Amsterdam BrewHouse
With a triple-whammy of a patio (it surrounds three sides of the massive venue) and a seating capacity of about 350, Amsterdam BrewHouse’s outdoor terrace is as impressive as it is grandiose. Pop a squat and watch the waves on the lake while sipping on Amsterdam’s award-winning suds.
One at Hazelton Hotel
Chef Mark McEwan’s crown jewel of fine dining excellence has 150 spots to plant your tuckus as you imbibe on champers while people-watching in the heart of sophisticated Yorkville.
El Catrin
The patio at El Catrin is like few others in the city. It’s big, bold, and beautiful, and seats 200 summertime revelers. We go here to get our taco on amidst some of Toronto’s best tequila-based cocktails. It’s never long before we start to shout, “Mexi-can-I-get-another?!”
Pure Spirits Oyster House
With a patio capacity of 208, El Catrin’s older sister is a staple in Toronto’s famed Distillery District. Amidst the brick and beams of the historic area, slurp on fresh bivalves while enjoying a pint and soaking in some carcinogenic UV rays.
The Pilot
The Flight Deck at The Pilot has a capacity of about 185 – not too shabby for a Yorkville mainstay if we do say so ourselves. The Pilot is our down n’ dirty go-to for (fairly) cheap bevvies and pretty much no wait time. Sadly, few actual flight crew members frequent this N.O.B. (North of Bloor) deck.
Against the Grain Urban Tavern – Corus Quay
With over 200 seats and a sprawling view of the waterfront, Against the Grain Urban Tavern is like rural respite from the bustling city core – only, y’know, sort of within the city core. Word to the wise: Double-fist on your drinks as the service can, at times, be a li’l hit or miss.
Origin North
Gastronomical glory and two patios? Sign us up! Around 140 guests can dine al fresco at the northern outpost of Claudio Aprile’s much-loved Origin. We adore the cozy outdoor banquettes, and never mind getting all gourmand with our cocktails while basking in the beauty of the warmer months.
Ganzi Osteria
Any night of a summer’s week is cause for celebration when we have but three months of non-sub-zero temperatures. And any one of those nights is well-spent on Ganzi Osteria’s gloriously charming 200-seater of a terrace. Rife with surrounding greenery, you’ll be hard-pressed to believe you’re but a 10-minute walk from Yonge and Bloor.
Oasis at Wayne Gretzky’s
With a newly renovated space and seating for around 200, the Oasis rooftop patio at Wayne Gretzky’s is the perfect post-work, ties-off, hair-down hang-out. No frills pub grub pairs perfectly with buckets of Corona while you snatch up some R&R surrounded by the sun’s silken touch.
Cabana Pool Bar
If you’re a fan of girth, then Cabana Pool Bar is where you’ll want to jive this summer. This Toronto patio-meets-beach club is always bumping with sexy singles ready to mingle. With just over 800 seats (and a maximum capacity of around 2,500), you’re almost always guaranteed access to this Miami-inspired oasis. (So long as you don’t have any hideous physical attributes, that is.)
What are your favourite large-scale patios in Toronto? Comment below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe!