If there is one thing that unites Torontonians, it is patio season. From High Park to the Beaches, Lakeshore to Queen West, there is no shortage of venues to satisfy your daytime alcoholism as we have frequently documented.
These are some of the latest editions to the seemingly infinite list of urban oases.
WEST
Bandit Brewery – 2125 Dundas St. W.
Transforming an old auto shop at Dundas and Roncesvalles, the vibe was inspired by German beer gardens, picnic tables and plenty of green. With shareable plates and a wide selection of their original brews, it oughta attract the Bellwoods crowd.
Cactus Club Cafe | 77 Adelaide St. W.
The Deck patio opened in the fall with its retractable roof and will likely welcome a new audience to its flashy balance of corporate crowd glitz with pop art originals from Warhol, Basquiat and Mr. Brainwash. The Chef’s classic Feenie Burger, not a nostalgic nineties reference, is worth it.
Mascot Brewery | 31 Mercer St.
Mascot Brewery is self-proclaimed as sudsy salvation, located ontop of the Odd Thomas on Mercer Street. It houses one of the most instagrammable locales with its picnic tables, yellow umbrellas, white picket fences and the craft selections do not mess around. It’s a Louisiana family picnic done West Toronto style.
Kasa Moto | 115 Yorkville Ave.
Kasa Moto is a Japanese restaurant with an incredibly lavish rooftop patio with its own dedicated bar and cabanas. For the nightlife scene or the morning after brunch, their bincho-grilled wagyu steak and eggs are recommended. Make sure that your reservations are on lock.
Bar Raval | 505 College St.
Earning its name from Barcelona’s El Raval neighbourhood, Bar Isabel chef Grant van Gameron strives to ensure nothing short of the real deal. This is the place that you’re looking for if you want to drown yourself in fine vino, cocktails and small plates of ambitious eats.
EAST
Brick Works | 550 Bayview Ave.
On the edge of an ecological marvel, rising from the former brick making factory in the Don Valley is the aptly named Don Valley Brick Works. You might have visited our street team during their fresh market or ice-skating shenanigans, but we’d also suggest this patio for an intimate rendezvous to escape the urban congestion – on a budget.
Cluny Bistro | 35 Tank House Ln.
French as crepes, duck legs and steak frites with cobblestone floors for good balance. If you’re looking for a change of taste in your Distillery District routine – bon appetit, mes amis!
Hogtown Smoke | 1959 Queen St. E.
Hogtown Smoke’s Beaches location is the offspring of their beloved food truck institution. Their soundtrack will throwback to your dad’s garage, combined with flavour-dripping southern barbeque.
Against The Grain | 25 Dockside Dr.
Right beside Sugar Beach, Against The Grain provides plenty craft and seasonal brews with pulled pork and stone baked pizzas. There’s also fire pits and lounge seating to enhance the already stellar vista of Lake Ontario and Toronto Island.
(Photo from Mascot Brewery’s Facebook)