Fall in love with summer on Vancouver’s best patios
With its unparalleled views, nearby ocean and reflective glass skyscrapers, Vancouver really shines in summertime. When not on the beaches, much of the city sips a mojito or glass of the Okanagan’s finest on a patio. Here are some of the best summer staples and undiscovered spots for catching up on Vitamin D.
Vij's
3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 2W2This idyllic patio on the rooftop of Vij’s relatively new location marries oasis bliss with metropolitan buzz. Contemporary pink iron sheeting surrounds the airy space, in which lush fronds and giant leaves envelop the sides of wooden benches. The cozy, shack-like bar adds to the feeling that you could be on holiday. So do the cocktails, which are as complex as they are delicious. This is a special spot whether for business meetings, romantic reconnections or friendly catch-ups.
The Ouisi Bistro
3014 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6H 3J8With its dark, atmospheric interior and rich food, this New Orleans-themed establishment feels more like a winter haunt to most except the initiated. Hidden at the back of the restaurant is a small courtyard patio covered in ivy, strewn with holiday lights, and with more than its fair share of friendly chickadees. A must-try accessory to the sun-drenched yellow walls is the bottle of sparkling wine for mimosas: one of the best bargains in the city at just $24.
Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
1999 4th Avenue W, Vancouver BC V6J 1M7Summer in Vancouver isn’t complete without a margarita and some guacamole on the patio of this favourite Kitsilano restaurant. Flower pots dot the already bright walls, while palm trees wrapped in fairy lights add a sense of the exotic to an otherwise bustling city corner. Get there early on weekends to find a parasol-shaded view of the street.
Dockside Restaurant
1253 Johnston St, Vancouver BC V6H 3R9Fires burning in the middle of marble tables; luxury yachts in front of the Vancouver skyline: if you want to feel above your station in life, Dockside’s patio is the place to do it. Part of the Granville Island Hotel, which overlooks False Creek towards Science World, the restaurant offers light fare and fresh seafood to quell summertime hunger, and brews their own extensive selection of beer, too.
Mahony's & Sons Tavern
601 Stamp's Landng, Vancouver BC V5Z 3Z1On the inside it’s a cozy, traditional Irish pub. Outside, Mahoney & Sons is where to find one of the best views of the city’s polished glass and crisp steel. The vast patio juts out over False Creek. Get a table by the glass railings and you can watch the sea lap at the shoreline while sipping a cold one. An ideal spot to showcase Vancouver’s stunning skyline to visitors.
Cactus Club Cafe
1790 Beach Ave, Vancouver BC V6E 1V3Packed with tourists and locals alike, this patio is one that demands at least a few minutes of queuing, and on weekend evenings securing a spot is more luck than anything. No wonder, with the floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Strait of Georgia, up to the mountains of Whistler and beyond. Put your name down for a table before taking a stroll on the beach nearby, before sampling chef Rob Feenie’s latest selection of dishes.
Sylvia Hotel
1154 Gilford St, Vancouver BC V6G 2P6In many ways the antithesis to Cactus Club’ modern, sleek aesthetic, The Sylvia Hotel is a staple of the West End and a go-to spot for locals to watch the waves coming ashore. Like a beloved family meal, the Sylvia is unfussy but heartwarming. Don’t expect fanfare cuisine; do expect casual dining staples, friendly service, beautiful views and the chance to experience a Vancouver tradition.
Falconetti's East Side Gril
1812 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4A5Commercial Drive bustles and jives even more during the summer months, but pavement space is at a premium and patios are often hard to come by. There are few better places to soak up the area’s unique atmosphere than Falconetti’s: a gritty rock bar with rooftop patio that overlooks the street below. For a rowdy evening of live music and even louder conversation, Falconetti’s is ideal.
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