Vancouver’s known for a lot of things — fun patios where you can drink beer outdoors isn’t one of them. If you know of any patios in Vancouver, drop a comment. My favourite patio is the Kingston pub on Richards I believe. They also make pretty darn good nachos.
So, what’s your favourite patio in the city, and why do you like it?
I typically find myself on the Section 3 patio every Friday night, but out of convenience/social obligations rather than it being the best patio. But it has a fun atmosphere when you’re with a group of friends.
Jupiter Lounge has a cool series of patios, but the place feels dated, like it’s been perpetually stuck in 1998.
Now that I think of it, if you can go super casual, the Galley at Locarno Beach, upstairs from the Jericho Sailing Club – that’s one of my favourite patios as long as you can grab a table. Best experienced on a hot July afternoon overlooking the sailboats on Burrard Inlet. Can’t be more picture perfect Vancouver than that.
And if you’re looking for something a little more classy, the Seasons in the Park restaurant at Queen Elizabeth Park is one of my favourites.
i concur with your assessment. plus it helps i live less than a block from the kingston, so i can easily stumble home.
@Robyn – good call with the Galley, forgot about that place. I’ve been to Seasons in the Park a few times, mostly for dinner. Strikes me as a pretty formal type atmosphere though, although I’ve never been on the patio. But great suggestions!
I like the patio at Blue Water Cafe, and also Chill Winston is pretty good. 🙂
Now that I think about it, another great, albeit SMALL patio is on Davie Street in a (wannabe) british pub. Right at the corner of Davie and Denman but I can’t remember the name.
Another good patio, albeit expensive, is the WaterMark in Kits. Can’t beat the view even if the food is mediocre at best.
My personal favourite, however, is the same as Robyn’s, and it is a little known Vancouver favourite – the Galley – you just can’t beat the environment, the view, and the price.
Yeah, Seasons in the Park is rather formal, especially in the evening, but I’ve been there for a casual lunch on a Saturday/Sunday afternoon and it’s no more formal than going and sitting on the Milestones patio.
Joe Forte’s has a great patio. I’ve heard good things about the Keg in Yaletown, but I’ve never been. Surprisingly, Earls on Top has a good patio. Crime Lab and Level and Carderos down in Coal Harbour are all pretty good too…
Perhaps more low-brow than most folks here are looking for, but I’ve always enjoyed the Cambie’s patio. Lots of space, interesting corner, cheap beer and food. As it now sits in the shadow of Woodwards condos, who knows how much time it has left…
The other best place to drink outside in Van is the beach, any beach, or any park for that matter. Frak silly laws 😛
@Greg – I like the Cambie, can’t stand the beer. I remember back in university my friend Rob literally barfed on the table there because the beer was that raunch. And those bathrooms man, you gotta be a brave soul to go inside..
I like The Mill down at Coal Harbour for the great views of the North Shore. I also love to watch the sea planes come in.
Yah that’s a good place. Makes me wish I was down there right now. Then again, I’m going to be in the city tomorrow. Hmm..
I dont have a favorite, then again I dont think I’ve hit up any of the patio action in Vancouver yet..I feel left out! lol
Best patio in the city is Joe Fortes new patio. Hands down. Chill Winston in Gastown is a great patio with slow service. Coco Rico Cafe on Robson @ Jervis is another great people-watching patio with horrible service.
For lunch try the patio at the Vancouver Art Gallery cafeteria.
With this weather, I don’t actually LIKE being on a patio. But I love those of the Mainland Street bars 🙂