Redefine “outdoor activity” with these Vancouver patios
Whether you’re looking for a pre-opera fine-dining experience or a cold one to quench your thirst after a day of sailing, your summertime eating and drinking is best done outside. Let this list guide you to some of the best (and often lesser-known) patios in the city.
Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty St, Vancouver BC V6B 2L3Relocated in 2014 and renovated to accommodate greater numbers of stylish diners, Crosstown’s go-to restaurant can now add ‘patio’ to its list of impressive credentials. Still the same delicious and innovative Belgian-Moroccan fare, still housed in an exposed-brick and beautifully lit heritage space on Beatty, it now entreats you to its side patio where artful planters remove you just barely from the foot traffic heading down to Chinatown. A welcome addition to an already A+ restaurant.
Chill Winston
3 Alexander St, Vancouver BC V6A 1B2Of the surprisingly few patios in Gastown, this one’s a no-brainer. Jutting out into the cobblestone of the five corners, this large semi-circle space is always bustling with after-work locals and friends catching up. A bevy of hipster hostesses are happy to find you a seat and only on the sunniest, busiest days are you asked to wait inside. And don’t be dissuaded by those ‘reserved’ signs on the tables – that table is meant for you.
Havana
1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5L 3X4A Commercial Drive institution, this Cuban-influenced restaurant has been hosting Bohemian sangria-lovers on its raised street-side patio since 1996. Its privileged place across from Grandview Park means that aside from the incredibly diverse people-watching inherent to the Drive, you get a lovely view of public green space – where any manner of activity is happening at any given moment – as well. Heat lamps and partial cover make this a viable choice even in inclement weather.
Tap & Barrel
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver BC V5Y 0B1Whether you choose the Convention Centre location overlooking the seaport and the glorious North Shore mountains, or the pedestrian- and bike- friendly Olympic Village location, you can always count on a table at this BC craft beer and wine emporium. Sun or shade, full meal or just drinks, both of these massive patios offer an excellent vibe with seriously tasty consumables to match. No line-ups, no pretention, just open-air refreshment when (and where) you need it.
Falconetti's East Side Gril
1812 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4A5We wouldn’t blame you for passing by the windowless cave of one of the Drive’s favourite sausage purveyors if an outdoor patio was your destination. But brave the darkness, head to the back and climb the stairs and you’ll be rewarded with one of the city’s best and little-known rooftop patios. Beyond Bratwurst, they have a full food menu and pipes that reach from their downstairs kegs to their rooftop taps, so fresh beer is never far away.
Adesso Bistro
1906 Haro St, Vancouver BC V6G 1H7Nestled in the deep West End, Adesso Bistro would be right at home in the streets of Montreal or Rome. The Italian bistro is famous for its weekday prix fixe menu but lesser known for its pocket-park patio adjacent to the main dining room. Under the cover of lush trees and a romantically lit lattice, dine on fresh gnocchi pomodoro or Brasato with fried cauliflower and you’ve just amped up date night.
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