Maybe it’s because we’ve had to sit through one or two rainy days throughout the year, or perhaps it’s because we love to be outside and enjoy the cityscape. But one thing’s for sure, Vancouverites love their patios. Fortunately, the number of spots to wine and dine al fresco is growing yearly, and it’s no longer as much of a battle to stake a chair.
Here are a few of our favourite patios in Vancouver.
Cactus Club Coal English Bay and Coal Harbour
It’s no surprise that Cactus Club won best chain in the Vancouver Magazine awards. The Cactus Club at English Bay and the one at Coal Harbour both have exceptional patios. (And yes, the food is pretty tasty as well.) The former overlooks English Bay and the latter is nestled by Canada Place and the Convention Centre, right on the water. Both are poised to help you enjoy Vancouver at its finest.
Cactus Club English Bay 1790 Beach Avenue
Cactus Club Coal Harbour 1085 Canada Place
While the food may be mediocre (think nachos and beer) it doesn’t get much more beachfront that this. The patio at the Jericho Sailing Centre sits right on the sand and overlooks the Pacific, downtown Vancouver and the North Shore. It’s the perfect place to watch the skiffs, sailboats, and paddle-boarders while the sun sets.
1300 Discovery Street
Joe Fortes and Giardino
When you feel like kicking it old school, check out Joe Fortes’s rooftop patio on Thurlow near Robson. A favourite among the business types, it’s also a great patio to enjoy delicious salads, steak, and seafood. Another oldie but a goodie is Giardino, in a quieter area of downtown. In its previous incarnation, Il Giardino’s was the lunch and dinner (and when lunch turns into dinner) spot for movers and shakers. After redevelopment forced a move a few doors down, the new patio still retains much of the previous location’s charm.
Joe Fortes 777 Thurlow Street
Giardino 1328 Hornby Street
Yaletown has a few smaller patios peppering the cobblestone streets. But one of our favourites here is the Keg’s rooftop patio, which provides a better perch and sunlight for a touch longer than the shadier streets below. Best known for its steaks and seafood, it’s also much lauded for its “Keg-sized” cocktails. You’ll be taking a taxi home.
1011 Mainland Street
Do you like water? Do you like boats? What about yachts? If you answered in the affirmative to all of the above, you’ll likely love your seat at Lift in Coal Harbour. The best spots in the house are hanging, quite literally, over the water. There’s also a great happy hour from 3pm to 6pm during the week. $6 prosecco Fridays anyone?
333 Menchions Way
Main Street has become a popular destination for young families, foodies, hipsters and everyone in between. To escape the hubbub, check out The Whip Restaurant and Gallery, just off of Main Street. A neighbourhood gem for almost 20 years, we love the laidback vibe and the small outdoor patio that lines 6th Avenue.
209 East 6th Avenue
This plant-based pizza and ice cream restaurant opened its second location in quaint Wesbrook Village near UBC earlier this year. The space is twice the size of the Chinatown outpost, plus, this one as a 27-seater patio. It’s a welcome addition to an otherwise patio-scarce area.
3339 Shrum Lane
Now that we’re on the subject, so many more fabulous patio spots come to mind including Tap and Barrel in Olympic Village; Local on Cornwall and their new Water Street location in Gastown; and Sandbar’s upper deck in Granville Island.
Have a favourite we need to check out? Be sure to drop us a line!