Torontonians come alive the moment that thermometer hits 20 degrees. Decked out in denim cut-offs and shower sandals, friends and strangers alike swarm the streets in search of the simplest of pleasures: a chilled beverage on a patio. King West has jammed more patios onto its sidewalks and side streets than we know what to do with. Whether you’re in the mood for a spectacular view of the CN Tower, a romantic getaway from the city’s bustle or a dip in an infinity pool, Vv Magazine’s got your guide to Toronto’s Best Patios: King West and it’s neighbourhood.
The Spoke Club
600 King St. W
If you’re lucky enough to know someone who has a membership at this swanky private club on King West –or if you’ve got one yourself– their patio is the place to be during Happy Hour. You never know who you’ll brush shoulders with. Also in that members-only patio boat, include the celeb fave Soho House!
O&B Canteen
330 King St. W
The guys responsible for some of the city’s most renowned restaurants have opened up a patio in the heart of King West’s entertainment district. Casual, cool, and delicious.
Brassaii
461 King St. W
This King West hot spot is home to a romantic cobblestone patio and an incredible Mediterranean menu.
Patria
478 King St. W
Looking for a cozy patio with a little Spanish flair? Look no further than Patria. Nothing says romance like sharing food by candle light.
The Citizen
522 King St. W
The Citizen’s patio is the place to be if you’re looking to take a few afternoon drinks into the night. Plus, they’ve got some killer afterwork drink & food specials that can’t be beat.
Ovest
788 King St. W
Love Italian eats? Ovest has pizza, pasta and wine galore! Grab a seat on the street front patio and order some top notch Italian, as you enjoy a glass of the good stuff from an extensive wine list.
Rodney’s Oyster House
469 King St. W
As if candlelit patios aren’t enough of an aphrodisiac already, why not add oysters? Rodney’s Oyster House on King West offers the freshest shellfish in the neighbourhood along with all the hot sauce options you could hope for.
Belfast Love
548 King St. W
The new-ish patio on King St. West is Belfast Love. Head to their wrap-around 110-seat patio for laidback vibes, elevated pub food & vast selection of brews (they’ve got 40 on tap). Too hot to sit outside? Cool off in their games room where they’ve got shuffleboard and a pool table.
UG Loft
365 King St. W
The Underground Garage has three new levels of fun with a rooftop patio on top. Dance the night away and let loose with a spectacular view of the CN Tower or if you’re looking for more relaxed vibes, the patio opens at 4 pm for beers and food. Oh, and did we mention bottles of wine are just $20 from Sunday to Thursday?
Cibo
522 King St. W
Looking for a patio where you can wine and dine… and wine some more? Cibo is an Italian eatery and wine bar featuring both traditional classics and modern staples.
Buca + Bar Buca
604 King St. W, 75 Portland St.
Both Buca and it’s Portland Street sister, Bar Buca, give customers a secluded patio that provide an industrial backdrop to this foodie-pleasing trattoria.
Lee
601 King St. W
If you’re in the mood for socialising, hit up the urban-cool street side patio at Lee. The Asian and French influenced small plates by International celebrity chef Sursur Lee are perfect for sharing… just don’t blame us when you get in an argument over who gets the last bite.
Portland Variety
587 King St. W
With a full menu of tapas and their famed grilled octopus, Portland Variety is your one-stop shop for all things delicious.
El Caballito’s El Patio
220 King St. W
If you’re craving Mexican, El Caballito’s El Patio is the place to be. Round up your friends and scarf down their delicious tacos and churro ice cream sandwiches. If you’re looking for a killer deal, head there on Wednesdays when tacos are a buck a piece.
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
560 King St. W
The Keg’s casual, but comfy street side patio is the perfect spot to lounge post work. Snag Happy Hour drink deals all summer long – the New York sour is a good place to start!
Lavelle
627 King St. W
The newest rooftop oasis on the King Street strip has a spectacular view, oh and a pool too. Lounge out on the cushy booths that line the walls or have an intimate sitdown at one of the tables for two nestled around the pool. This is the perfect patio of you’re feeling swanky and above it all.
Luma
350 King St. W
Feeling fancy? Located on the corner of King and John St., on the second floor of TIFF Lightbox, Luma offers a fine dining experience and a patio with a view. While the price tag isn’t cheap, the Canadian artisanal cuisine looks almost too good to eat.
Just off of King St. W
Gusto 101
101 Portland St.
‘Gusto’ means ‘tasty’ in Italian, and this is the patio to hit up if you’re looking for ‘gusto’ entrees and wine for $1 per ounce. The only tough part is… Red or white?
Bar Wellington
520 Wellington St. W
Bar Wellington’s patio is a traditional pub and the perfect spot to hide from the hustle and bustle of King West.
The Thompson Hotel
550 Wellington St. W
Incredible view of the CN Tower? Check. Infinity pool to dip to enjoy stories above the rest of the city? Check. Incredible price tag? Check… Yeah, it’s time to go to the Thompson.
Le Select Bistro
432 Wellington St. W
‘Voulez-vous boire une verre du vin sur une terrasse?’ If the answer to that question is <i>oui!</i>, consider spending an afternoon on the quaint patio of one of the city’s most beloved French bistros, Le Sélect. C’est magnifique!
DEQ at Ritz-Carlton
181 Wellington St. W
Perhaps one of Toronto’s swankiest under-the-radar, backyard patios, Ritz-Carlton’s DEQ is where you go to watch them suits and skirts ball out. Oh, and if people watching is not your thing, their cocktail menu is a beaut.
The Addisons
456 Wellington St. W
If you’re looking for a patio with lot’s of album room, you’ve come to the right place. The Addisons has a 5,000 square foot backyard that’s a posh marriage of a lounge and club.
Oasis at Wayne Gretsky’s
99 Blue Jays Way
Aren’t we all in need of a tropical getaway sometimes? Oasis, the patio on top of Wayne Gretzky’s Sports Bar, is the closest thing Toronto has. Note: beware of Blue Jays fans on game nights.
Broncos
127 Strachan Ave.
The relaxed hangout post is tucked away between Trinity Bellwoods, close to King West, and offers comfort food and beers. Sit back, have a cold one and stare into the setting sun like cowboys so often do. Broncos also has a long list of Bourbons and Whiskeys for any self-proclaimed outlaws.
RELATED LINK: Toronto’s Best Patios: Yorkville Edition
What are some of your favourite patios on the King West strip? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
