Patio-a-go-go
Posted by Degan on June 28th, 2011
Now that it’s finally summer (I am writing this on a sunny day, knowing full well that I will be scheduling it for later in a week forecasted full of rain – save it for the weekend), you’ll be wanting to know where the good patios are. I know this because a couple of people have already called and asked for recos. So here you go – a couple of my favorites. I bet you haven’t been to them all!
Downtown
Sleek and sophisticated, the patio at MARKET by Jean-Georges is the Shangri-la Hotel is an urban oasis of cool where you can sip delicious concoctions by barman Jay Jones and munch on black truffle pizza or seasonal spot prawn ceviche until the sun goes down.
1115 Alberni Street
Open Weekdays 11:30am-10:30pm; Sat 11:30am-10pm
On the waterfront in Coal Harbour is the city’s largest patio at Mill Marine Bistro. You’ve got a choice of water to gaze at here – Burrard Inlet or the waterpark, and walking the seawall to get there (or to stumble home on) is entirely pleasant.
1199 West Cordova Street
Open Daily 11am-12am
A little bit farther on, Lift Bar & Grill has a great sun-drenched roof to sit back and stare at the ocean for a couple of hours. The restaurant is built out on the water in the marina with plexiglass walls so there’s no obstructing the view.
333 Menchions Mews
Open Weekdays 11:30am-11pm; Weekends 11am-11pm
Mahony & Sons is a brand new (even I haven’t been yet!) Irish pub on Burrard Landing by the cruise ship terminal. They’ve got live music, a great beer list (decent amount of whisky as well) so it seems like the place to be this summer, at least when the boats aren’t in town.
1055 Canada Place, Unit #36
Open Daily 11am-12am
Finally, me and the Kingston Taphouse courtyard go way back. They’ve got plenty of cocktails, draft beer and snacks to get you through an afternoon and if you need to move inside after the sun goes down, the inside space is huge.
755 Richards Street
Commercial Drive
An old Commercial Drive favorite is Havana where pitchers of mojitos are the order of business. Lately, however, I’ve been frequenting Falconetti’s East Side Grill. Last year they took over the apartment space above them and created an adorable covered rooftop space that’s nice and quiet – unless there’s a show on.
1212 Commercial Drive
1812 Commercial Drive
Chinatown
The Keefer Bar is another must for open-air cocktail lovers. Bar manager Dani Tatarin will mix you up something delicious with exotic ingredients sourced from Chinatown markets. If you want to have a bit of an adventure (or want some cell phone accessories), the Chinatown night market happens right out front every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer.
33 Keefer St
Open Tue-Thu,Sun 5pm-12am; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
Main Street
The Narrow Lounge is hard to find on a good day (look for the red light) and is perfectly dark and moody. But for the days when the sun is shining, head through to the Tiki bar in the back and order something with an umbrella in it.
1898 Main Street
Gastown
Chill Winston may have the best patio in the city but I just can’t bring myself to go there anymore, no matter how good the seats are during Jazz Fest. Instead, try Judas Goat in Blood Alley. Their bright yellow stools brighten invite you from far away to pass some time working their way through the Spanish small plates menu. The sherry selection is excellent and can be the perfect thing on a hot day.
Blood Alley
Open Tue-Sat 5pm-12am
Steveston
If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, the Blue Canoe patio in Steveston (pictured top) is gorgeous. Make sure you order the salmon in a jar.
140 – 3866 Bayview Street, Steveston
Open Mon-Thu,Sun 11:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm
What’s your favorite?
