Updated 2024
There are no two ways about it — come summer, patio fever in Toronto is a very real thing. Competition is rife for the best spots in the sun, while insider insight into the city’s next best patio is top-secret information.
If there’s one thing Torontonians love above all else in the summertime, it’s a great night out on a warm patio. But who could blame us? After enduring our long, dreary winters and endlessly damp springs, we deserve to let loose a little and enjoy a drink or three in a luxe locale.
And, with a city as large and diverse as ours, there’s always a new place for you to check out. To help you discover some of the hottest places to sit and be served under the sun this summer, we’re giving away some of our best-kept patio secrets here. Just promise you won’t go telling everyone about them!
1. MARBL
One of the newest, most stylish installations on this ever-popular strip of clubs and restaurants, MARBL at 455 King Street West is definitely home to one of the most in-demand patios this summer. With covered seating and full shade, you and your friends can sit back and chat for hours while sampling the upscale appetizers such as steak tartare, roasted baby beet salad, or even Beluga caviar.
Officially launching just a few years ago, MARBL’ is just starting to gain the accolades it deserves. We’re pretty confident that this little hotspot isn’t already popping up all over your social media feed, it soon will be!
Before our all-too-short summer season comes to an end, be sure to head over and enjoy a luxurious fine dining experience on their charming alleyway side patio. Whether you stop by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this classy place is sure to surpass all expectations in terms of food, drink, and atmosphere. If you want to stake out your spot, you can make your reservations at MARBL here.
Does the King West neighbourhood sound like your jam? Learn more about what it’s like to live there in our King West Neighbourhood Guide here.
2. The Beverley Hotel
If your evening or afternoon plans include a patio crawl, you’ll be glad to know you won’t have to travel far to get to the next stop on our Toronto patio tour. Located just a few streets north, The Beverley Hotel on 335 Queen Street West is where you’ll find one of the trendiest rooftop patios anywhere in the city.
As soon as you take in the majestic view from the 4th-floor rooftop terrace bar, you’ll instantly understand why The Beverley Hotel is one of Toronto’s hottest summer destinations. The elegant and exciting atmosphere makes it a top choice for countless glamorous parties and events.
However, you don’t need to be celebrating anything in particular to grab a drink or bite to eat there this summer. With the rooftop’s Charlotta Bar serving authentic Mexican tacos and a selection of sumptuous-looking cocktails, every night there truly feels like a fiesta.
Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, you’ve got a four-day window to make this weekend one to remember by booking in at The Beverley Rooftop. Make your reservation here.
Looking for something else fun to see, do, or experience this summer? The posts below will give you some ideas that will make you wish the season could last forever:
- Cycling in the Summer: Toronto’s Hottest Bike Trails
- Let the Music Play: A Guide to Toronto’s Incredible Venues
- Hot Places To Cool Down In Toronto This Summer
3. Paupers Pub
Don’t let the unpretentious name of Paupers Pub at 539 Bloor Street West in The Annex fool you. It’s not flashy from the outside, but this cult-favourite classic pub secretly has one of the best vantage points in the area — the Paupers rooftop patio!
Down on street level, Paupers’ quaint, wrought iron fenced-in patio looks lovely enough, and will still serve up your favourite pints, mixed drinks, and pub grub as upstairs. However, the views of The Annex from the rooftop patio upstairs are truly outstanding — this is really the Paupers patio you want to find yourself sitting on this summer.
For classic pub fare including wings, burgers, fish tacos, and crispy fries made all that much more enjoyable with a beautiful view of The Annex, either make a reservation or simply walk into Paupers soon.
There’s never a dull moment in The Annex, which is why so many people want to live there. We completely understand, so we put together our The Annex Neighbourhood Guide here.
4. Farmhouse Tavern
One of The Junction’s most beloved institutions, Farmhouse Tavern is no west end secret. Located at 1627 Dupont Street right at the corner of Dupont and Edwin Avenue, this eye-catching, street-facing restaurant almost never needs to advertise. It’s not unusual to see a lineup of hungry guests outside.
While Farmhouse Tavern is popular year-round, seats on their outdoor patio are an extremely hot commodity come summer. Set streetside along Edwin Avenue, Farmhouse Tavern’s rustic patio is as authentic and real as their menu. With a covered awning, it’s a great place to relax even on cloudy afternoons.
With a small, yet carefully curated menu, everything Farmhouse Tavern puts on a plate is all about quality. Using only the freshest, in-season local ingredients, Farmhouse Tavern’s ‘less is more’ approach pays huge dividends. Decadent menu items such as smoked brisket, vegan mushroom pie, or chicken piccata essentially means there’s no wrong choice for hungry patrons.
Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, dinner, or just a drink, book in ahead of time at Farmhouse Tavern by making your reservations here.
5. Bellwoods Brewery
Ossington Avenue features one of the trendiest restaurant strips anywhere in the city, and Bellwoods Brewery perfectly caters to the flourishing foodie scene in Little Portugal.
This chic inner-city brewery consistently churns out some of Toronto’s best beers, so it’s only natural that they’d want to host their loyal fanbase on-site in order to quench their hoppy cravings properly. And you can bet your bottom dollar Bellwoods does just that in style!
To find it, take a stroll down Ossington and keep an eye out for their adorable white picket fenced patio, complete with charming string lights above and lots and lots of delicious beers, of course.
Unfortunately due to limited seating and such high demand, Bellwoods doesn’t take any reservations — so your best bet for the summer is to get there early and lock down seats before things really start hopping. On your way out, you might want to visit the neighbouring bottle shop to ensure you’re well stocked for a rainy day.
Just itching to buy your next house in Toronto? Learn about what it takes to buy here, whether you’re searching for the right condo or family home:
- 10 Mistakes Buyers Make and How To Avoid Them
- Purchasing Your First Condo: 5 Things To Know
- What You Need To Know About Buying A House In A Changing Market
6. The Three Speed
Speaking of beer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a patio staff in the Bloordale neighbourhood who are more passionate about local Ontario craft beers than the friendly folks who work at The Three Speed.
Situated at 1163 Bloor Street West between Lansdowne and Dufferin, The Three Speed is a craft beer lover’s paradise with a constantly rotating selection of local draught beers on tap and very laid-back patio space in their backyard. Just like Farmhouse Tavern, this patio is quaint and cozy rather than glamorous, with all the attention placed on the quality of their product.
However, you don’t have to be a craft beer connoisseur to join in on all the fun at The Three Speed this summer. Instead, all you need to do is stop by between 5 p.m. and midnight on weekdays or 11 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
Great eats are also available, whether you’re just looking for a little nibble with your beer or something more substantial to hold you all night. This happening hot spot is also a great place to try some new wines or cocktails! Just make sure you head straight through to the backyard and grab yourself a table on their patio quickly — The Three Speed doesn’t take any reservations.
7. Baro Rooftop
Bookending our list with another fabulous spot in glitzy King West, our final recommendation on where you should be spending your summer evenings is Baro. Located at 485 King Street West, Baro is smack-dab in the middle of the thick of King West’s nightlife action.
However, because of Baro’s stunning food, quality cocktails, and (most of all) their pristine rooftop patio, Baro has never really had a problem attracting quite a crowd. In fact, Baro’s inspiringly cool rooftop patio is so in-demand, they solely operate it on a first-come, first-serve basis. Otherwise, reservations would be booked summers in advance, making it impossible to experience this eccentric tropical-themed rooftop bar.
Baro’s patio also has the rare distinction of being open all year thanks to it’s full enclosure and heating system. That means you can still enjoy the view in comfort even as summer turns into a chilly fall.
With planters hanging from the ceiling, wicker lampshades and light fixtures, intricately styled tile accents, and a spectacular outlook of King Street West, this rooftop patio will have you feeling like you’re in a jungle above the city, especially with a handcrafted Mojito in hand.
Now that you know where it is and what you’re missing out on, don’t wait any longer to start your next patio adventure at Baro this summer.
Do you want to know more about the incredible lifestyle Toronto residents enjoy? Our local experts are happy to fill you in. Reach out to Erica@EricaReddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to connect with us today.
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