Best patios in Gastown

There are many reasons to descend upon Vancouver’s Gastown, like the abundance of top notch restaurants, cute boutiques, ice cream parlours, and, of course, sun drenched patios.

With the weather finally heating up, there’s no better time than the present to find yourself an open air space in and around this historic neighbourhood to enjoy a sunny afternoon of eating, drinking, and relaxing in the great outdoors.

Here are the best patios in Gastown.

Chill Winston

With close to 100 seats, sun umbrellas, and a bustling atmosphere, Chill Winston’s sprawling patio is the perfect place to relax, slow down, and enjoy a cold drink (or two). For those seeking some Vitamin D make sure you head to the restaurant during the day as the street-facing patio is an absolute sun trap.

Address: 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-9575
Twitter: @chillwinston

Tacofino

The back alley patio at Taco Bar, the sit down restaurant at the Tacofino Gastown, is a wonderful, sunny spot to take in the Gastown vibe as well as sample an array of Tacofino’s popular Mexican-inspired fare. Located on one of the quieter back streets of Gastown, under strung up bare bulbs, the 16-seat patio is super cool and casual. Built with a two-way entrance, you can enter from either West Cordova Street, where the restaurant’s walk-up window Burrito Bar lays claim or through Blood Alley Square.

Address: 15 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Phone: 604-899-7907
Twitter: @TacofinoVAN

Lamplighter

The Lamplighter Public House’s Water Street corner location and hang-out vibe makes their patio a draw day or evening. Head to this popular Donnelly Group watering hole and hit the patio for their casual bites or extensive cocktail and beer menu.

Address: 92 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-687-4424
Twitter: @lamplighter_pub

Six Acres

Six Acres offers a great menu (full of comforting gastropub classics) and drinks list to be enjoyed out on its street-facing patio — a casual open air spot to chill out with cocktails and beers in hand.

Address: 203 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-488-0110
Twitter: @sixacres

Peckinpah

Located near Maple Tree Square, the patio at Peckinpah is a laid back spot perfect for enjoying the Carolina-style BBQ plates dished up on warm summer nights. To complete the picture add a whiskey flight to your order.

Address: 2 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-5411
Twitter: @PeckinpahBBQ

Water St. Café

Water St. Cafe offers diners a staple view from its slender wraparound patio. Located directly across the street from the Gastown Steam Clock, the patio is not only the ideal place to indulge on delectable Pacific North West cuisine but also a fantastic spot to do some serious people-watching.

Address: 300 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-2832

The Charles Bar

With a sun drenched patio, The Charles Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon. The Charles Bar offers some great food and drink options and if you want to move inside to watch the game, the Cordova Street locale has a number of screens dotted around the room.

Address: 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-8040
Twitter: @TheCharlesBar

Jules Bistro

Jules Casual French Bistro is home to a very sweet sidewalk patio. Although the patio is not overly huge it is definitely worth a mention, as sitting outdoors enjoying the kitchen’s authentic hearty French bistro fare is an absolute delight. The patio’s petite size is also reminiscent of eating a coffee and pastry breakfast on the cobbled streets of Paris.

Address: 216 Abbott Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-0033
Twitter: @JulesBistro

Steamworks

This microbrewery sits on the fringe of Gastown, just a stone’s throw from Waterfront Station. Not only does the brewpub offer its own house beers with range of tasty pub grub, but it also boasts a sizable patio with a retractable awning. Grab a seat and soak up the sun’s glorious rays. If this patio is full-up, there’s still the covered patio alongside the west side of the popular restaurant.

Address: 375 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-2739
Twitter: @steamworksbeer

The Cambie

A popular hangout for students and young travellers alike, thanks to the attached hostel, The Cambie Pub’s patio serves cheap beer and a eclectic social scene.

Address: 300 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-9158

Rogue Kitchen

Situated in Waterfront Station, Rogue is a convenient spot for SkyTrain and SeaBus users. Not only is its proximity to transport a huge plus but it also offers a welcoming wraparound patio. Benefiting from all day sun, patrons who take a seat on Rogue’s patio will be able to make the most of Vancouver’s summery times.

Address: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-678-8000
Twitter: @roguewetbar

Alibi Room

Offering 50 taps of local and imported craft beer, Alibi Room on Alexander Street is the perfect spot for throwing back a cold one or enjoying a casual weekend brunch in the sun, with a few sought after tables lining the street on its sidewalk patio.

Address: 157 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-623-3383
Twitter: @alibiroom