You heard it here first: IT’S PATIO SEASON!

The best part about the warm weather arriving is knowing that going for a drink with your friends can be done outside. Patios just have an air about them (no pun intended) that make social occasions that much more enjoyable. On that note, we’ve rounded up some of the best patios in our area that you should check out this summer:

1) Screen Lounge (20 College Street)

Photo via Screen Lounge Facebook Page

This rooftop patio is set above one of our favourite local restaurants Fran’s Restaurant, a diner-style spot that’s owned by the same people as Screen Lounge. With a more sophisticated atmosphere, Screen Lounge plays old black-and-white movies projected on their walls throughout the night while serving great eats such as tapas, sushi rolls and of course, popcorn. On Fridays, you can hit up the hot spot for “Screen Fridays” and expect a great dinner, drinks and dancing with a Live DJ providing the tunes. Any day during the week, head to Screen Lounge for “Intermission” after a busy day at work and enjoy some food and drink specials.

 

2) Pogue Mahone (777 Bay Street)

This traditional Irish Pub has an incredibly spacious patio that opens up onto College Street. Heading there at a busy time? You can call ahead to make reservations to make sure you’ve got a seat outside. With daily specials like half-price wings on Tuesdays, you’re sure to get a good bang-for-your-buck. The best thing about Pogue Mahone is definitely their build-your-own Caesar bar on Saturdays and Sundays. For $2.99 from 11am-3pm, you can make your own caesar to enjoy on the patio to help you recover from the night before - it doesn’t get much better than that.

 

3) Hair of the Dog (425 Church Street)

Photo via Hair of the Dog Facebook Page

This patio takes the cake for having the best/coziest/coolest atmosphere of them all. Right across from the old Maple Leaf Gardens, the Hair of the Dog’s street level patio is covered in greenery, has three fountains, and a pond, making it feel like you’re straight up in a garden. Bonus - they have another patio on the roof! Known for its generous food portions and great selection of beer, this is a patio you should definitely check out.

 

4) Jack Astors (10 Dundas Street East)

Photo via torontopath.com

This is 100% the most popular patio in the area. It is ALWAYS packed, and that’s because of the stellar view of Yonge-Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre you get from way up high. This large patio can seat around 100 people, and it even has heaters for those cooler summer nights! Although it is often occupied by tourists, this patio makes for a fun environment and you can expect the same quality of food and drinks from this popular chain. We recommend the Raspberry or Lemon Iceberg - a great drink for the summer!

 

5) Fox and Fiddle (27 Wellesley Street East)

The Fox and Fiddle on Wellesley is another very popular patio. It’s located in the historic Somerset House, has three levels inside, and a great patio out front. Literally steps from Wellesley Subway station, it’s hard to miss the 100 inch big screen outside on the patio which you’ll never catch without a game on. The Fox and Fiddle offers 13 beers on tap and has a bar right on the patio, which means having to wait for your drink is a rare occurrence.

Some other honourable mentions include:

- Hard Rock Cafe
- Mercatto
- Mick E Fynn’s
- Queen and Beaver

Have another favourite patio in the area? Tweet us @YCCondos and tell us which one it is!