There’s something about even the slightest hint of summer that makes Vancouverites fight tooth and nail for every inch of patio space. It’s like we’re a bunch of crazies who would lie, cheat, steal, and maybe even riot when things don’t go our way.
Oh wait.
In any case, in order to help you in your pacifistic quest for the perfect boozing stoop we crafted a list of our picks for the best patios in Vancouver.
THE-ROOF.CA
The Roof at Black and Blue
Website, 604-685-4569
With a man size menu full of steaks, burgers, flatbreads, and Surf & Turf (beef brochette, lobster, tiger prawn, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables), you’re getting quality eats that’ll keep you busy while you try and tone down your Charlie Sheening, which always seems to happen to you when you set foot in luxury. And luxury is where you’ll be on this amazing patio with plush couches, zebra pillows and a fire pit.
Open 7 days a week from 11:30am – 10:00pm with Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11:30am – 3:00pm.
HOTEL GEORGIA
Reflections at Hotel Georgia
Website, 604-682-5566
Speciality cocktails and a tapas-style menu featuring Fried Potato Bravas, AAA Flat Iron Steak, Charcuterie Plates and Grilled Albacore Tuna; all consumed on a fourth floor courtyard in the heart of downtown. Plus, it’s got a fireplace, which is perfect for late night smores.
Open 7 days a week from 11:30am – 11:00pm with live entertainment on Sundays.
THE KEG
The Keg – Yaletown
Website, 604-633-2534
You know what you’re getting at any Keg, which makes this a good, reasonably priced choice for any occasion. Overlooking Mainland and the heart of Yaletown, the rooftop patio has a complete kitchen and full bar, with seating designed to keep your gluteus maximus comfortableus.
Open Sunday – Wednesday 4:00 p.m. – Midnight; Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 2:00 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
FACEBOOK/TAP & BARREL
Tap & Barrel
Website, 604-685-2223
An upstairs and a downstairs patio with full views of False Creek where you can enjoy 24 brews and Canada’s largest selection of wine on tap makes Tap and Barrel a sure choice for anyone’s patio pursuit. There are shaded and sunny areas of the patio, so be sure to specify what you’re after, and then be sure to drink your fill.
Open 11:30am – midnight daily. Weekend and holiday brunch from 10am to 3pm.
FLICKR/CHILLWINSTON
Chill Winston
Website, 604-288-9575,
A stone’s throw from everything in Gastown, the Chill Winston patio is great for people watching, especially when those people might turn out to be your drunk friends. They’re also sporting a new menu “so good that many have wept”. While we know you’re not the crying type, we also know that you have a soft spot for Bison Ribs and smoked pancetta wrapped peaches (especially those southern kinds), so we think you’ll do okay here, though be prepared to break out some bills for it.
Open 11am to 1am everyday.
FACEBOOK/THE BOATHOUSE
The Boathouse – Kits Beach
Website, 604-738-KITS (5487)
Sunset views overlooking Kits beach makes this a perfect spot for talent gazing or a post-beaching / pre-passing out drink fest. Plated delectables include premium steak and seafood combos and signature fish dishes such as Cedar Plank Maple Salmon, Miso Crusted Wild Halibat, and Ahi Tuna. Specialty drinks include the Jalapeno Caesar, fresh fruit mojitos, and the Melon-coly, which is exactly the opposite of how you’ll be feeling after slamming back a few.
Open Mon-Thurs - 11am – 9:30pm; and weekends until 10pm, with brunch until 2pm.
CACTUS CLUB
Cactus Club – Beach Avenue
Website, 604-681-2582
Stealing the title of best oceanside view in English Bay from The Boathouse, Cactus Club’s newish location was built with sustainability in mind and incorporates an Ocean Wise approved menu. The outdoor patio is nearly right on the beach, which means you won’t miss even a second of the pot flag flying hippie fests that are bound to congregate a few feet away. Oh, and the sunset from here is pretty spot on.
Open 11am till late.
PIER 7
Pier 7
Website, 604-929-PIER (7437), North Van
180 degree views of downtown Van from a pier next to the Quay makes this as good a choice as any for patio-ing, unless of course you happen to have a boarding pass for the Playboy yacht. Pier 7 boasts a seafood heavy menu with a focus on “boat to table” choices, like sauteed prawn and seafood, grilled west coast salmon, pan roasted halibut, slow roasted leg of lamb, and dry rubbed and grilled Angus steak.
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any brunch or linner you can throw in there.
GROUSE MOUNTAIN
Altitudes Bistro
Website, 604-980-9311, Grouse Mountain
Incredible views of the city and a reasonably priced menu, make this is a prime patio date spot. From their perch atop Grouse Mountain, Altitudes boasts burgers, wraps and clubs, and entrees like Tempura Halibut and Fries ($22), Soft Baked Salmon Filet ($24), and Grilled Flat Iron Steak (potato puree, onion rings, braised greens). They also have desserts like the Summer Berry Crumble, Sorbet, and the Dark Chocolate Tort – also the nickname of Tortorella’s long lost half brother.
Open 365 days a year from 11am to 10pm.
THEKEEFERBAR.COM
The Keefer
Website, 604-688-1961
With The Keefer you know you’re going to be sitting practically on the street, giving you the perfect vantage to heckle passersbys who aren’t as fortunate as you to be sipping on specialty cocktails like the Siamese Sipper (Gin, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lime, Absinthe), the Lazy Daisy (Gin, Hibiscus Rose Honey Syrup, Old Fashioned Bitters) or the Green Run – not to be confused with what you called the morning after your first Sichuan Hot Pot experience.
BURRARDBRIDGE.COM
Pirate Pub
Website, 604-676-2337
Actually called the Burrard Bridge Marine Bar & Grill, the colloquially termed Pirate Pub has a small, yet satisfying patio, as well as a full menu of imbibers that’ll quickly transform you into an Arrr-ing seafarer making jokes about pirate booty and your Long John.
Open daily from 11:30 am to late.
SANDBAR
The Sandbar
Website, 604-669-9030
Views of the bridges, False Creek and Beach Ave, make up for the fact that the days of Sandbar as a prime cougar hunting destination are now long gone. Good for lunch or dinner, Sandbar gets ‘er done with sharing plates like Truffle Parmesan Fries, beer battered fish tacos, and Dungeness Crab Cakes. They’ve also got pizzas and pastas, seafood platters and steaks, signature cocktails and a decent number of beers on tap.
Open Sunday to Thursday 11:30am to 10:00pm; and weekends until 11:30pm.
THE WICKLOW
The Wicklow
Website, 604-879-0821
Dishing one of the best fish and chips in the city, The Wicklow has a marinaside patio that seats 48, has great sunset views, and is exposed to the sun all day, making it a perfect spot for tanning — or if it’s a slow day — your special Wreck Beach yoga routine.
LIFT BAR & GRILL
Lift Bar & Grill
Website, 604-689 5438
Nestled on the tranquil seawall in Coal Harbour, Lift has a sexy, serene patio overlooking the ocean with fireplaces and a vibe perfect for a date. You’ll find a seafood focused menu with some asian flare and, for the whistle whetting, some good beer choices like Parallel 49 ‘Seedspitter’ Watermelon Wit. Just don’t piss it off or you might get one in the eye.
Open for lunch from 11:30am on weekdays and 11am on weekdays; and for dinner from 5pm.
MILL BISTRO
The Mill Marine Bistro
Website, 604-687-MILL (6455)
At ten years old The Mill is way cooler than you were at that tender age, which is saying a lot considering The Mill doesn’t even own MC Hammer pants. But cry not, cause this patio is ripe for a day of liver poisoning with its sunny park side locale and northern views. Here your t’buds will indulge in local drafts, Caesars and Patio Friendly Pitchers, such as their sparkling sangria know as Peaches and Bubbles, incidentally also a family comedy series spinoff of The Wire.
Open Daily 11:00 am to late.
MAHONEY’S & SONS
Mahoney’s at Burrard Landing
Website, 604-647-7513
Started by five Aussie brothers with Irish roots, Mahoney and Sons at Burrard Landing (Convention Centre) is a good bet for a people watching patio that’s still by the water. Plus, you might run into one or all of the Riverdancers, a Leprechaun, or a fist, cause that’s what happens at Irish places.
Open 11 to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and till 1am the rest of the week.
MILESTONE’S CROSSROADS
Milestone’s Crossroads
Website, 604-678-8488
If you’re in the Cambie Village region come dusk, buy yourself a nice new tracksuit at Winners and head across the street to Milestones for a view of the downtown lights. Here your stomach can graze pastures like Kobe beef sliders or meatloaf, while you slurp on creations like the Bali vs London, and wonder why the hell you’re here and not in either of those places.
Open Mon to Wed till 11pm and Thu to Sat till midnight.
MARKJAMESGROUP.COM
Yaletown Brew Pub
Website, 604-688-0064
Might not win out in a Yaletown patio off with The Keg, but Yaletown Brew Pub does have the advantage of also having a pub-side patio, so come night time you can sneak indoors and keep the sauce a comin’.
Open 11:30am till midnight on weekdays and 1am on Thursdays; open till 3am on weekends.