This article was compiled by Ayla Collins, Community Manager for Yelp Vancouver, @yelpyvr.
Well, it's March, and traditionally that means cold, crappy weather, with lots of grumbling about winter in Raincouver. Not this year! Revel in the glorious sunshine and T-shirt weather with this collection of some of our favourite patios in Vancouver! Grab a cold one, pull up the weather report for the East coast, and enjoy that smug feeling, you lucky jerks...
Located in the heart of Main Street, this large, street-level patio is attached to one of the most delicious restaurants around. The people watching is unbeatable, and you must order the Dos Diablos -- don't argue, just do it. You know how the crispy cheese bits at the edges of your grilled cheese are always the best part? This whole sandwich is made of that.
Dare I say it? The best patio in East Van, Winter or Summer. The line-ups alone speak for themselves. Head here on any remotely sunny day and you can expect to have a wait -- but don't worry about it, the view over the park is just as good from outside the patio. The food might be a tad pricey, but once you sit on that gorgeous (sometimes heated) patio and look out over The Drive you'll be too blissed-out to care. Pair the view with their pitchers of mojitos and sangria, they're divine.
A little off the beaten path, this patio is unmissable! The food is outstanding -- get the arancini, and follow that up with the squid ink pasta for a fun and unique twist. After you're stuffed on savoury food, prepare your dessert stomach for a creamy tiramisu. Top it off with wine from their extensive wine list and smile happily at your luck.
Falconetti's patio is a bit of a hidden gem -- next time you're walking The Drive, look up. This gorgeous, semi-enclosed rooftop patio has sliding glass doors and a sliding glass roof to give you a stunning view of the sunset over downtown. They're renowned for their housemade hot dogs in a variety of flavours, and please take a moment to stop and appreciate the garlic fries -- they will rock your world!
No mention of patios in Vancouver would be complete without Joe Fortes. This upscale seafood spot is a popular favourite with locals and tourists alike. Dip your bread in lobster oil and balsamic, grab the lobster sandwich appy and put your feet up on their glorious rooftop patio. A true gem in the heart of downtown! Pro-tip: their Happy Hour extends to the roof, too!
The best part about this quiet, relaxing patio is that it's in the bustling heart of downtown. Taking the steps up to the cafe takes you out of the city hustle and into an oasis of calm. There are lush plants surrounding you, and there's frequently live music playing. Serve yourself cafeteria style until 4 p.m., then enjoy table service in the sun.
It doesn't get much better than this. Located literally steps from Kits beach, scoring a spot on this patio means getting to watch all the runners, rollerbladers, bikers, and sunbathers, not to mention the chilled-out folks just out for a stroll. Get here early, this patio fills up almost instantly on sunny days! Get the tuna sandwich and enjoy a glass of their 'famous $4 wine'!
The view might not be the best up here on The Roof, but come to get away from the city below, and stay for the open air ambience. You're going to want to get the mac and cheese sticks with the truffle cheese dip -- they're unbelievable! Follow that up with the warm crab dip, then relax with a shared pitcher of white sangria.
Another awesome rooftop patio, this time deep in Kits! This is generally a quieter spot, unless you're here for Wednesday night karaoke! Located at the corner of 4th and Macdonald it's well worth visiting; order the buttermilk fried chicken and the duck confit poutine to enjoy while you gaze out at the North Shore mountains.
The cramped streets of Gastown are not known for their patios -- but Chill Winston is a beautiful anomaly! Their large patio can definitely fill up, but you can usually find a spot. From your vantage point you can see several other patios and restaurants, so the people watching is great. Although they aren't known for their food, the Belgian-style pomme frites are to die for -- you can't go wrong! Grab a delicious cocktail, or one of their craft beer options and prepare to relax...
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