Friday, August 7 is International Beer Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a cold, frothy pint on your favourite patio? We asked around to find out which rooftop and roadside spots our agents and staff are enjoying this summer (with social distancing and other safety measures in place, of course) as an inspiration for your own outdoor celebrations. Here's what they had to say:
"Belfast Love Public House has a terrific patio. Great ambiance, huge selection of beers, and it's right on King West, so you can watch all the people walking by. I can't really recommend a specific beer, though - I'm more of a Scotch guy." - Cameron Miller, Sales Representative
"The patio at Terroni Summerhill with a cold Peroni!" - Shar Banifatemi, Sales Representative
The Terroni Patio via Terroni Instagram
"MeNami at Yonge and Finch. Sapporo beer, fantastic food and great people watching." - Adam Hoffman, Sales Representative
"Bellwoods Brewery! Their patio is perfect for date night. I usually go for the Jelly King beer, which is a great sour, but they're always coming out with new flavours. And you can't go without ordering the fries, which are the best in the city, IMO." - Jen Ellis, Graphic Designer
Pink Guava Jelly King from Bellwoods Brewery via Bellwoods Brewery Instagram
"The patio at Kinka Izakaya is great for food and drinks. They have a special summer menu right now, so their beer by the pitcher is super affordable." - Emily Choi, Intern
"Amsterdam BrewHouse is by the water and has a great view. I think the 3 Speed Lager is their best beer. AND they have Muskoka chairs." - Dawn Yan, Marketing & Social Media Specialist
Honourable mentions - more great patios for a pint
Toronto has so many fab outdoor eating spaces, and since we've all been cooped up for so long, they've never been more popular. Here are a few more spots that are big with Toronto beer lovers - and those who can't get enough of the sunshine and warm breezes of our all-too-brief summers.
A Modelo Especial on El Catrin's gorgeous outdoor palace.
Hemingway's has several covered patios, with plenty on tap including rotating seasonal options.
Local Public Eatery - big patio, great atmosphere, wide selection of brews (and incredible burgers).
CRAFT Beer Market - their already awesome beer garden is now three times its usual size, with plenty of ales, IPAs, lagers, stouts and porters to sip on a summer's day.
Stackt Market has a unique outdoor eating space with an industrial vibe: it's surrounded by shipping containers filled with cool boutiques. Sip a brew on the Belgian Moon Brewery Patio, or if beer isn't your thing, there also the St. Remy Sangria Bar, plus several other tasty food and drink options.
Stacktmarket Patio via Stacktmarket Instagram
But those are just a few ideas - as part of Phase 2, the city launched the CafeTO initiative, allowing patios on streets, sidewalks and other public spaces. They're popping up everywhere, so there are lots to choose from. And even now that Phase 3 has begun and we're allowed to dine indoors, Toronto's short summer (and concerns about staying safe) mean they probably won't stop hopping anytime soon. You'll probably want to make a reservation if you can to secure a spot, no matter what day you plan to go. Social distancing measures mean there are fewer tables to be had - and demand is high, especially for the more popular patios.
So enjoy the warm weather and raise a pint to International Beer Day - and to the freedom of enjoying a cold one in the sun.
Cheers!