Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we need to be cooped up inside all of the time. Though it can be nice to spend time by the fireplace, cozied up on the couch, once in awhile it’s fun to check out an all-season patio. Toronto has awesome options for year round indoor-outdoor dining and some of our favourite restaurants are included in this list.
We have rounded up 9 Toronto patios that stay open year round.
Baro
If you love South American inspired food, this is the patio for you to check out this winter. With a stunning tropical interior and a patio located on the roof, you can stay warm in Baro’s fully enclosed and heated space while munching on tacos, ceviche, and its famous Mac Empanada!
The Fifth & Terrace Restaurant
For over twenty years, The Fifth & Terrace has been known for its romantic rooftop outdoor patio. Guests enter through a century old private elevator where they can either be seated in the dining room or check out the city’s CN Tower and beautiful skyline outdoors.
Barrio
Not to be confused with Baro, Queen Street hot spot Barrio will keep you warm all winter long. Featuring Mexican food and a great neighbourhood feel, bring your friends to share some guac no matter the season.
Cactus Club Cafe
Located in the West Mall in Etobicoke, this Cactus Club Cafe location has a rooftop deck with one of the largest retractable roofs of any restaurant in North America. Huge bonus is the half price wine offered all day every Tuesday and Wednesday!
Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar
Arguably one of the most popular patios in Toronto, Hemingway’s is open 365 days a year and so is its huge heated patio. With draught beers on top, weekly social events, and live music on Fridays, there is always a reason to stop by for awesome shareable fun food.
Falcon SkyBar
To be honest, SkyBar at Hotel X is not actually outside, but it may as well be. With unobstructed 360° views of Toronto’s skyline and floor to ceiling windows, you can enjoy delicious apps and feature cocktails year round at one of Toronto’s coolest hotels.
Gusto 101
Also not your traditional patio in the winter, Gusto 101 closes its retractable roof in the colder months but still maintains the “outside vibe”. You can see the snow on the glass roof but the interior remains rustic with wood and greenery unchanged from summer.
El Catrin
This Distillery District’s authentic and modern Mexician restaurant El Catrin claims to have the number one patio in the city. Featuring the art of three Mexican artists on the interior, the restaurant is absolutely stunning and features a tequila bar with over 120 different labels. A huge highlight is the heated patio that is open year round and requires no reservations.
Bar Raval
Bar Raval’s casual Spanish tapas menu is ever-changing and absolutely delicious. The standing room-only Spanish themed bar has a small capacity but a large menu of small plates and a variety of creative cocktails.
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There are few things in life that go better together with summer than patios, especially in Toronto where
Toronto’s best patios are a staple of the summer season. While immediate proximity to your home or office is a bonus, the cream of the crop are destination-worthy and most definitely worth the trip. Explore a neighbourhood you might not venture to and you might just discover a hidden gem. The trifecta of food, friends, and fancy drinks all but guarantee a good time.
Bar Reyna
The queen of Yorkville has now been crowned with Bar Reyna reimagining the space that was once Caren’s Wine and Cheese Bar. The back patio is a jaw-dropper; a chic space with banquette style seating, and charming wooden feature walls which all but beckon you to lose track of time (and how many copper pineapples you’ve tipped). The retractable roof keeps this patio party going year-round, and who can resist a menu devoted to French fries?
Image via Bar Reyna
Trattoria Nervosa
Celebrating their 20th anniversary this month, Trattoria Nervosa has been a cornerstone in Yorkville’s restaurant scene. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in people watching, including famously hosting Blue Ivy and her parents when they were in town in 2013. Owned by the Gusto 54 Group, the kitchen pours out upscale Italian eats and pairs them perfectly with their old world wine list or pitchers of sangria.
Image via @NervosaTO
Chabrol
With more seats outside than in, Summer may be your best time to visit Chabrol, the hidden jewel of Yorkville. Only open since last fall, the sister restaurant to Cava specializes in French food, with Doug Penfold executing classic cuisine in a kitchen that is no bigger than most walk in closets. Slightly shaded and set back from the busy avenue, this patio is a perfect perch for those who wish to see without being seen.
Image via @advera
Bar Buca
The concrete jungle may surround Bar Buca, but with wafts of freshly planted rosemary and even more drool-worthy aromas permeating from the kitchen, Bar Buca’s patio is truly a downtown oasis. Part grab and go, part sit and swoon, this eatery has gourmet finds like the stunning Caprese Salad ($11), Insalata d’Arancia ($10) or the porky Porchetta ($14) all paired flawlessly with their deluxe cocktail program. Smart money stops by between 4pm and 7pm for their aperitivo ‘happy hour’, with a picture-perfect platter of gourmet bites that will whet any appetite.
Image via Bar Buca
El Catrin
Distillery District darling El Catrin is a favourite for downtown patio-goers, and for good reason. The massive space is punchy and fun – with hits of colour from the playful décor and swathed in mood lighting that makes Distillery such a destination for countless date nights. Tipples here are mainly tequila based, which pair nicely with their share-style menu that goes beyond mere tacos.
Image via @shinyapplecider
Miku
If the humidex is high head south to the lake, with Miku’s brand new patio, giving diners a brief reprieve from the heat with gentle breezes swooping in from the nearby lake. Miku’s patio is a breath of fresh air, with not only a dining area but also a laidback lounge perfect for sake sipping. Aburi style sushi lends itself well to the lakeside location.
Image via @wildxsight
Auberge du Pommier
The cottage in the city that is Auberge du Pommier is still as quaint and charming as it always has been, now surpassing its 29th year on Yonge just a pinch past York Mills. Swathed in greenery, this lush patio terrace evokes the French cuisine that current Chef Malcolm Campbell has been executing on with great success, including the delectable weekday afternoon Champagne menu, which sees guests clinking glasses of Perrier-Jouët and noshing on midday nibbles like fresh market oysters or steak tartare.
Image via Oliver & Bonacini
Colette
White lattice surrounds the beautiful patio that houses Colette, part of the Thompson Hotel (which of course has a splendid rooftop that is not to be missed). Sidled up to Wellington Ave West, this quiet patio is a relaxing space to reinvigorate to start your day, but even better with a squad for a little cinq a sept with a special menu dubbed Île de Colette meant for especially for the summer season.
Image via @colettetoronto
Macho Radio Bar
The sunny patio at Macho Radio Bar is a nifty find in City Place. The patio is a flanked by a colourful pergola that echoes the party theme inside. Pitchers of sangria wash down a little too easily, especially paired with their Chorizo Queso Fundido ($10) or Macho Fries ($12). The patio vibe here replicates a day at the beach mood so try and snag one of the back booth tables for extra-long fiesta fun.
Image via @machoradiobar
Did we miss any of the best patios in Toronto?
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Featured image via @mandy_sparkleshinylove
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Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner which means so are some major Mexican Fiestas. For some, Cinco de Mayo is an annual drinking holiday – but it actually represents a day of pride for Mexicans. The holiday commemorates the Central American army’s unlikely defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1962.
But for others, the significance of Cinco de Mayo goes beyond that in Mexico. The date has since come to celebrate Mexican culture – from the good food, good music and the even better margaritas. Whether you’re Mexican or not, there’s no better excuse to spend the day sipping tequila and downing tacos.
This May 5, grab your friends, some sombreros and head to the nearest Mexican bar to celebrate the special day right here in Toronto. Take a look at how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Toronto below:
Cinco de Macho at Macho Radio Bar
92 Fort York Blvd.
This Tex Mex cantina is going all out for its first-ever Cinco de Mayo celebration. You can expect lots of tacos and a live DJ for a wild patio party. But what’s a Cinco de Mayo party without the tequila? Macho Radio Bar will also be featuring $5 Don Julio Tequila and $5 Dos Equis for the occasion along with complimentary cocktails and canapes. RSVP by reserving a table online.
Image: Instagram/@machoradiobar
El Catrin’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
18 Tank House Lane
Known as one of the best places in the city for authentic Mexican cuisine, the Distillery District’s El Catrin will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a major way with their annual fiesta. Kicking off at 4 pm on their patio, El Catrin’s annual Cinco de Mayo bash will include delicious Mexican eats, tequila sampling, drink specials, DJs and lots of dancing.
Cinco de Mayo with Chef Donnie Masterton at Drake One Fifty
150 York St.
Drake One Fifty is bringing back guest chef Donnie Masterton for their Cinco de Mayo bash. Masterton, of the critically-acclaimed The Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, will be serving up a Mexican-inspired menu for the occasion. The mouthwatering eats are available a la carte or as a four course prix fixe for $75. Paired with Altos Tequila cocktails and Latin tunes, this Cinco de Mayo party is one you won’t want to miss.
Fonda Lola
942 Queen St. W
Fonda Lola throws a massive Cinco de Mayo party every year, and this year is no exception. Fonda Lola will host their party on the patio (weather permitting) where you’ll find festive piñatas and food and drink specials – most importantly $5 margaritas – all night long. So sit back, try some signature dishes, sip some Mexican beers and get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit.
Image: Instagram/@foodsofi
Cinco de Mayo at The Addisons
456 Wellington St. W
If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s The Addisons. Sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, The Addisons Residence will be holding their regular Cinco de Mayo fiesta on May 5 featuring $10 tequila and taco specials, all starting at 8 pm until late.
Steam Whistle’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Party
255 Bremner Blvd.
At Steam Whistle Brewery, you can party for a good cause this Cinco de Mayo in support of The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer. There will be margaritas, Mexican street food, pinatas, a DJ, a photo station and of course, freshly brewed Pilsner. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door (is available). All proceeds will go to supporting The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer.
La Carnita Cinco de Mayo
All locations
Toronto favourite, La Carnita, will be throwing down on the big day with extended hours from 4 pm to 1 am. Prepare to get rowdy El Cinco-style with special cocktails: Habaner-Watermelon margaritas and Mexican Mules, in addition to $5 shots of Tromba. Pair with their delicious tacos and you’ll be well on your way to having one of the best fiestas of your life.
Image: Instagram/@la_carnita
Milagro Cantinas Cinco De Mayo
5 Mercer St. / 783 Queen St. W
Milagro Cantinas will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo at both locations with a handful of tequila and Mexican eats (of course!). Drink specials include $7.50 Tromba blanco, $5 Jimador reposado, $11 Herradura Reposado, $6.50 Dos Equis Pints. and $59 Cantina food platters. So come come hungry and come thirsty!
El Pocho Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Party
2 Follis Ave.
Feel like being less of a mess and a little more classy this Cinco de Mayo? El Pocho has you covered with their cocktail party happening from 5 pm to 11 pm. All cocktails will be priced at $7 for the night, along with $3 shots of tequila. Classy and affordable – that’s definitely something we like!
El Local Loco Fest
9 Church St.
El Local Loco wants you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo the proper way; with tacos, margaritas, tequila and some real Mexican music. Sit back and soak up tunes from their live Mariachi band from 7:30 pm to 8:39 pm and then let the real partying begin when the DJ starts at 9 pm. Thank God it’s Friday, right?!
Image: Instagram/@ellocallocoonchurch
CincoFest at El Caballito and Baro
220 King St. W / 485 King St. W
If El Caballito’s Cinco de Mayo regular kick off party isn’t enough for you, don’t worry because the Mexican bar is going to keep the party going all weekend long! Teaming up with Baro and Tromba Tequila, El Caballito brings you CincoFest – a post-cinco bar hop party. CincoFest will take place on Saturday, May 6 with a $5 menu, plus two free Tromba drinks per person. Tickets are $25.
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