Are you dreading the end of summer already? Quit yer bitchin’ and get to Toronto patios for straight up chillin’! Make the most of the glorious weather by soaking up as much sunshine at these fresh AF rooftop and hidden patios in Downtown Toronto!
As a self-proclaimed human Yelp, I’m obsessed with exploring new spots in my city – home of the Toronto Raptors, the NBA champs!!! – as much as I do gallivanting around the globe. This is why I’m starting a new blog series, 6ix Picks, where I will be sharing my Toronto-focused finds whether it’s neighbourhood go-tos, Chinatown favs or where to have a girly night out.
Today’s 6ix Picks showcases what Toronto patios (rooftop, hidden or otherwise) – to lounge on while it’s still nice out. While there’s no shortage of patios to choose from, these were chosen specifically because they’re fairly new to the YYZ scene so you probably haven’t visited yet. Ditch the tried-and-true in favour of boldly venturing forth in search of new patios to lounge on like a drunken Christopher Columbus.
But mostly I chose these Toronto patios specifically because I’ve been to most of them recently as they’re all under a 10 minute walk from my workplace 🤷🏻
After being hustled out of their previous location by the Robert De Niro-backed Nobu, Mascot Brewery took over the nearby El Caballito space. From taqueria to beer garden, the back patio complete with hipster shipping container is a prime happy hour spot. Sip on a flight of their in-house brews or a refreshing gin and watermelon cocktail infused with rose essence under magical strings of twinkle lights.
For those who prefer to experience the outdoors from the safety of the indoors, head skyward at Baro for an upscale greenhouse ambiance of their newly instated rooftop. Spicy Latin tunes providing a “tropical Miami vibe” and the ceiling is laden with greenery and wicker light shades while the wall-to-wall glass provides the perfect lighting for IG-worthy photos of coconut mojitos.
Marvel at the massive and modular arrangement of stacked shipping containers at the aptly named Stackt Market before beelining to the Belgian Moon Brewery at the back. Grab a terrifyingly delicious box of vegan treats from Donut Monster or nosh on a charcuterie platter at this “mobile brewery” and wash it down with a couple of pints at a communal picnic table with a classic Toronto view of the CN Tower.
Ride the elevator up at The Underground Club past hanging bras and mounted vinyl records, climb an uneven set of stairs to emerge into a hidden rooftop patio. Surrounded by towering condos, tuck into a juicy Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken sando on a brioche bun with ginger slaw, crispy onions, pickled daikon and scallions. If you like chicken, sandwiches, Japanese flavah, brioche, etc…you’ll be #obsessed
To make the most of Toronto patios the summer season, Cube Nightclub has transformed its rooftop into The Gaarden, a tropical haven that can seat 300. Staying true to their nightclub roots, a DJ blast beats from the corner booth while you throw back frosés all day, pitchers of fruity sangrias and truffle fries at long, communal high tops tables amid a jungle of lush foliage.
If you’re craving some Eastern European flavours, swing by Drom Taberna for saucy cabbage rolls and live music on the back patio. For those with adventurous palates, forego your go-to cocktail in favour of The Bloody Revolution, a vibrant magenta concoction of garlicky beet kwas, vodka, spicy slivers of horseradish with a pickle garnish.
1. Mascot Brewery, 220 King St. West
2. Baro, 485 King St. West
3. Belgian Moon Brewery @ Stackt, 28 Bathurst St.
4. Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken @ The Underground, 365 King St. West
5. The Gaarden @ Cube Nightclub, 314 Queen St. West
6. Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. West (Photo Credit: blogTO)
We may only get 3 months of good weather in Toronto but we sure know how to make the most of it! We are ripe for choice with Toronto patios — from the hidden gems, rooftop spaces and lush oases. Take your pick!
If you’re looking for more Toronto-based foodie advice, check this post out for my favourite brunch spots in The 6ix.
Keep your stalking game strong and follow me @teriaki if you aren’t already!
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