The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn’t mean patio season is over...not by a long shot. In fact, thanks to the CafeTO initiative, which has loosened up restrictions and allowed bars and restaurants to provide more outdoor, physically distanced dining, the season is still in full swing, despite dropping temps. With patios popping up in parking lots, on streets and along sidewalks, Torontonians have never had more options for dining alfresco.
Now that the government has returned to restrictions on indoor dining, those outdoor spaces are more important than ever. And with outdoor heaters, BYO blankets and Euro-inspired blanket giveaways, covered spaces and other creative COVID workarounds, we’ll get to enjoy patio season a lot longer than usual this year! (Keep in mind that the max number per table is 6 people, and last call is 11pm, so plan accordingly.)
Here are some of our favourite heated patios in downtown TO:
Pilot Patio via site gallery
The Pilot
22 Cumberland St.
One of Toronto’s oldest bars, The Pilot is a great place for a cold beer and live music. With a huge rooftop area known as The Flight Deck and the pub-style main floor patio, it’s a favourite in Yorkville for a night out (and their weekend brunch is pretty great, too).
The Ballroom
145 John St.
If you haven’t gone to the Ballroom Bowl in the Entertainment District, you’re totally missing out. There’s a rooftop patio and a street-level outdoor dining area, plus, they’ve partnered with The Fifth to present Rendezviews, a massive outdoor restaurant/bar in a repurposed parking lot with 80 physically-distanced picnic tables that seat 6 people each.
Related info: Best patios in Toronto to grab a beer
El Catrin Patio via site gallery
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane
This one-of-a-kind Distillery District destination has been a local favourite for years. Their year-round patio has fire pits, comfy seating and outdoor candelabra that really amp up the warm ambiance. And the authentic Mexican food is pretty amazing, too...try the Baja fish tacos (you can thank us later). But remember, all of that awesomeness makes it a pretty popular place, especially now that outdoor dining is our only option, so it’s good to book ahead.
Hemingway’s
142 Cumberland St.
With their iconic rooftop and 3 more heated, covered patios on different floors, this busy Yorkville hangout has room for all. Go there for the cocktails and New Zealand inspired pub grub.
The Drake Patio via Instagram
Drake Sky Yard
1150 Queen St. W.
On the roof of the uber-hip Drake Hotel with gorgeous skyline views, this lovely patio is a brunch and dinner go-to for Queen West types. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy delicious, locally-sourced nosh (made from scratch at Drake Commissary) and finely crafted cocktails.
Belfast Love Public House
548 King St. W.
Their side patio overlooks beautiful King St. West and has its own outdoor bar. It’s a must-go for people watching, and reservations are highly recommended.
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
35 Tank House Lane
This Distillery District restaurant has one of the loveliest patios in the city. Eat amazing French cuisine under a giant ivy-covered (and totally Insta-worthy) pergola dotted with hundreds (maybe thousands!) of white lights, sip a cocktail or a glass of wine, and nibble on indulgent desserts from the in-house bakery.
Reposado Patio via Instagram
Reposado
136 Ossington Ave.
If you’re craving tacos and some really, really good margaritas in a cozy, intimate space, this perfect little covered patio on Ossington is a wonderful spot for a night out.
This list is just a sampling of your outdoor dining options in Toronto this fall: there are tons of great bars and restaurants out there to enjoy, and a lot of them have installed heaters and covered areas too. If you’re looking to try out a new patio this fall, we hope you’ll consider supporting a local business — many continue to struggle with all the new COVID restrictions, and can use all the business they can get. So pack your hats and blankets, and keep on doing patio season, Toronto-style!
Looking to buy a condo near one of these incredible restaurants and patios? Our Condo Pros would be more than happy to help you — they’re neighbourhood specialists who know everything there is to know about downtown Toronto and beyond!