Any Torontonian will agree that one of the best things about summer in the city is the fact that it’s patio season. Nearly every hole-in-the-wall, nook and cranny, and corner bar has a patio. All of which you can sit on and enjoy an ice cold beer.
With so many options, how does one choose? Well lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of hidden gems around the city.
THE THREE SPEED
Location:1163 Bloor St. W
Three Speed is one of the sweetest little nooks around! Head over to Bloor West and plop down on the patio for delicious cocktails and snacks.
THE ONLY CAFE
Location:972 Danforth Ave
The Only Cafe is a favourite among Toronto’s East End craft beer lovers. It can be a tight fit inside, but there’s a cozy patio in the back that’s perfect for a hot summer night filled with conversation.
COLD TEA BAR
Location: 60 Kensington Ave.
One of Toronto’s ultimate hidden gems, Cold Tea is hidden in the centre of the Kensington Mall and has a pretty spacious yet homey patio.
HARVEST KITCHEN
Location: 124 Harbord St.
Head to harvest kitchen for carefully sourced vegetarian eats and non-veggie too! This spot has one of the most charming patios around.
DONE RIGHT INN
Location: 861 Queen St W.
This little spot has a secluded back patio shaded by trees. Perfect for relaxing with a refreshing drink!
CADILLAC LOUNGE
Location: 1296 Queen St. W
Check out Cadillac Lounge’s massive patio for a relaxed or wild evening, before its upcoming name change and overhaul.
Chula Taberna Mexicana
Location: 1058 Gerrard East
Gerrard Street East is white-hot, and Chula is a must-visit spot for great Mexican food and drink. There are two patio spaces, tucked away behind one of the city’s most up-and-coming streets.
FONDA LOLA
Location: 942 Queen St. W
Treat yourself to some delicious margaritas and Mexican cuisine at Fonda Lola! You won’t be sorry, especially since their patio is beyond sweet.
TEQUILA BOOKWORM
Location: 512 Queen St W
You can’t go wrong with Tequila Bookworm! This cozy spot has a great hidden patio, sip a beer and take a load off.
FIKA CAFE
Location: 28 Kensington Ave.
Fika Cafe is in the heart of Kensington Market – most people know of it’s front patio and charming exterior, but not everyone takes notice of it’s sweet backyard! Complete with chairs, a picnic table, and best of all a hammock!
BOXCAR SOCIAL
Location: 235 Queens Quay W
Nothing better than a patio with a view! Boxcar Social never fails to impress.
DUNDAS AND CARLAW
Location: 1173 Dundas St. E
Take a seat on Dundas & Carlaw’s patio and enjoy coffee, wine or anything else you like! They’ve got it all.
JIMMY’S COFFEE
Location: 166 McCaul St.
This location in Kensington isn’t just any old regular Jimmy’s Coffee, it’s got a gem of a patio right in the back!
THE WALTON
Location: 607 College St.
This cafe/cocktail bar is right across from the Royal Cinema in Little Italy with an adorable patio! A guaranteed good time.
THE PORCH
Location: 250 Adelaide St. W
This one may not be a secret to everyone, but it sure does have a great view! If you haven’t been to the porch yet, you’ve got to check it out at least once.
LIVE ORGANIC FOOD BAR
Location: 264 Dupont St.
In the mood for something healthy and delicious, with an awesome patio? Live organic Food Bar is the spot for you!
OM RESTAURANT
Location: 1439 Queen St. W
Try OM Foodbar for some tasty Indian and Tibetan eats, all of which you can enjoy on their patio!
Image courtesy Fonda Lola via Instagram