Gastown, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings makes for the perfect setting for chilling on the patio and people watching.
Part of the charm of Gastown is the fact the streets are limited to small patios, so while the ones on this list won’t stack up in size compared to other areas in the city, they definitely make up for it in quality.
Chill Winston
It really doesn’t matter if you like Chill Winston or not; at the end of the day, it has the seminal patio in Gastown, and that is undeniable. Hands down the most central location, unobstructed sunlight and plenty of people watching. Expect to wait on the sunniest of days to score a table, and then make sure you hold on to it for hours.
Signature drink: Spooning Jesus (Appleton rum, Giffard Lichi-Li, Triple Sec, lime juice, sour cherry juice)
Signature dish: Kangaroo Wellington (Because where else are you going to get Kangaroo?) $16
Hours: 11:30 a.m to 1 a.m daily
Address: 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-9575
Steamworks
Steamworks has an excellent all year patio for those looking to grab a pint or a snack before jumping on the skytrain. It of course doesn’t hurt that they continue to expand their craft beer menu.
Signature drink: Steamworks Saison
Signature dish: Signature Angus Burger (juicy beef patty, double smoked bacon, aged cheddar, relish mayo, lettuce,tomato, pickle, sesame brioche bun) $13.99
Address: 375 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-2739
Flying Pig
An excellent addition to Gastown, the Flying Pig brings a creative flair to all the dishes they serve. During the summer months they open up a small patio which draws plenty of hungry diners and doubles as an excellent spot for people watching.
Signature drink: T.F.P Bacon Bourbon Caesar
Signature dish: T.F.P Signature Pork Rack (pulled pork poutine, apple cider jus) $25.50
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Address: 102 Water Street
Phone: 604-559-7968
The Lamplighter
While The Lamplighter may be the last stop on a late Friday night, it can also double as the first. Grab a seat on the patio and kick things off with one of their daily drink specials.
Signature drink: It’s Complicated (Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon juice, ginger beer, pressed apple juice, cinnamon syrup)
Signature dish: Cole’s Original French Dip (slow roasted AAA alberta beef striploin, garlic butter, au jus on a french roll ) $16
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Address: 92 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-687-4424
The Charles Bar
The Charles Bar was quick to move into the Woodward’s building and picked a perfect location. With a sun drenched patio during the afternoon and early evening, Charles Bar offers some great food and drink options and if you want to move inside to watch the game, many booths have their own personal TV’s.
Signature drink: Gastown Lemonade (Jack Daniels, Peach Schnapps and rosemary infused fresh lemonade)
Signature dish: The assorted fries available from the French Fry Bar $7.25-$9.85
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Address: 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-8040
The Cambie
Looking to join the backpacking crowd? Look no further than The Cambie. This patio serves dirt cheap beer and a eclectic social scene.
Signature drink: Any pitcher of cheap, cheap beer
Signature dish: Perogies and Sausage (Potato cheese stuffed, pan fried with onions & bacon, sour cream & sausage) $7.25
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Address: 300 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-9158
Peckinpah
If there is anything that works better than southern BBQ and a patio, we haven’t found it yet. Peckinpah serves up homestyle southern BBQ with style, and also benefits from that all day sunshine section of Gastown that Chill Winston capitalizes on.
Signature drink: Mint Julep (Mint, simple syrup, bourbon whiskey)
Signature dish: Bit of Pork and Beef (Pulled pork, pork ribs, beef brisket, two sides and cornbread) $24.95
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Address: 2 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-5411
The Ascot
You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know The Ascot had a patio. Hidden in the back it almost feels like you’re at a neighbours house. It’s a nice retreat from the street side patios on this list, and one that deserves some attention.
Signature drink: The Duke of Sazerac (buffalo trace bourbon, cacao, chocolate, bitters, absythne and the duke’s magic smoke)
Signature dish: Tacos De La Mer (fish tacos served with pineapple, cilantro and salsa) $15
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Saturday 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Sunday closed
Address: 420 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-566-9599
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