Commercial Drive patios are skinny, but there’s still lots to love about them. Some of the best meals in the city are served along East Van’s most colourful street. On a sunny afternoon you can wander up The Drive, chat with marimba players and magic crystal sellers, and park yourself on any patio that feels right. Here are 11 unique spots that are some of the best patios on Commercial Drive.
Timbre
It’s a small one, but this patio is the perfect Drive observation deck. You can people watch, chat with friends walking by, and enjoy Timbre’s fresh menu and fresh foliage.
Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Address: 2068 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-215-7515
Twitter: @TimbreTown
Tangent Café
The sun shines all day on Tangent’s outdoor seats, the perfect spot to get a Meaty Boy’s Breakie and some breakfast beers from the rotating craft brew list.
Monday & Tuesday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday, 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday, 7 a.m. – late
Saturday, 8 a.m. – late
Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 2068 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-215-7515
Twitter: @TangentCafe
Falconetti’s East Side Grill
You can’t beat a Falconetti’s sausage, and there’s nowhere better place to wolf it down than the rooftop patio. City view, honey bratwurst, Storm pilsner, paradise.
Address: 1812 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-251-7287
Twitter: @Falconettis
Belgian Fries
Give thanks for local gems like this that know how to get poutine right. Bring friends and share some Belgian Fries with pitchers of Granville Island on their sunny patio.
Address: 1885 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-253-4220
Merchant’s Oyster Bar
Sunday and Tuesday are Buck a Shuck at Merchant’s. The patio is peaceful and oceanic, the perfect spot for some fresh seafood.
Monday – Friday, 5 p.m. – late
Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. – late
Address: 1590 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-258-0005
Twitter: @MerchantsVan
The Charlatan
The Drive’s premier gastro-pub has a picturesque patio on which to enjoy The Charlatan’s pot roast dinner and a pint.
Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday, noon – 2 a.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Address: 1447 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-253-2777
Twitter: @CharlatanVan
St. Augustine’s
The patron saint of beer has blessed Vancouverites with this venerable patio. Check out the live beer menu on St. Augustine’s website. Only 22 per cent of the Red Truck IPA left? Blasphemy!
Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Address: 2360 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-569-1911
Twitter: @StAugustinesVan
Famoso
While unloved by anarchists, Famoso is well-loved in this neighbourhood. It’s hard not to love their pizzas, their gelato, their patio – their everything, really.
Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Address:1380 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-251-2292
Twitter: @FamosoPizzeria
Fets Whisky Kitchen
Have a dram on the patio at Fets, Vancouver’s premier whisky bar. Over 400 varieties are on offer at this newly renovated Commerical Drive favourite.
Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight
Address: 1230 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-255-7771
Twitter: @Whisky_Kitchen
Havana
The charms of Cuba’s capital surround you while pouring pitchers of ice-cold Tropical Sangria. Havana is a classic Drive patio, but it’s worth a visit inside to see the art gallery and theatre.
Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Address: 1212 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-253-9119
Twitter: @HavanaVancouver
Biercraft Tap and Tapas Bar
Leffe Blond is a divinely delicious beer from Belgium. If that’s not your thing, there are 119 other worldly brews to be enjoyed on the Biercraft patio, boasting grand views of Grandview Park.
Monday & Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Friday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11:30pm
Address: 1191 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-254-2437
Twitter: @biercraft
Do you have a favourite Commercial Drive patio that wasn’t mentioned here? Shout them out in the comments!
Written and researched by Jon Keller. Connect with Jon on Twitter at @jonkeller8.
Images: Lucy Page and Carla Mah
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