Best patios in Vancouver

There are probably more patios in Vancouver than there are days in our patio season, which means choosing right is very, very important. From panoramic water views to the ultimate gathering spots for sports fans, and from brunch to late night, here are our picks for the best patios in the city of Vancouver.

Mahony & Sons – Stamps Landing

Right on False Creek, this casual Irish pub’s sun-drenched patio offers gorgeous waterfront views and a laid-back vibe, complete with brews and pub grub.

Address: 601 Stamps Landing, Vancouver
Instagram: @mahonyandsons

The Local

A post shared by LOCAL Public Eatery Kitsilano (@localkits) on Sep 12, 2016 at 10:27am PDT

The Local Public Eatery is an obvious choice but we had to include it. The casual beachside sports bar has a hugely popular patio across the road from Kits beach. It’s always packed, so be prepared to wait for a spot, and those fish tacos will taste even better.

Address: 2210 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @localkits

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
Instagram: @chillwinstonrestaurant

Chambar

Chambar’s tree-lined and partially shaded patio is open from 8 am to late (as long as the weather permits) and is a terrific place to enjoy a spot of brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks.

Address: 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @chambar_restaurant

See also

• Best patios in Mount Pleasant
• Best patios in Downtown Vancouver
• Best patios in Kitsilano
• Best patios in Yaletown

Joe Fortes

Lined by a beautiful blooming garden and a living green wall, Joe Fortes’ rooftop patio provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Robson Street below. Sun-drenched, the iconic space is a wonderfully peaceful spot to indulge on the restaurant’s signature seafood-focused dishes.

Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @joefortesvan

Edible Canada

Not only is Edible Canada an ideal location for seeking out some of the city’s best locally-focused foods, but they also offer a cozy restaurant patio for terrific outdoor dining. In the summertime, when the sun filters down through the trees Edible Canada’s patio, with its view of Granville Island Market, is an especially lovely place.

Address: 1596 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @ediblecanada

Reflections

With no tell-tale signs to remind you you’re in Vancouver (no mountain or ocean view), it’s easy to forget exactly where you are when you step foot onto this beautifully laid-out, hidden patio at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Reminiscent of outdoor spaces found in L.A., New York, and Miami, Reflections, surrounded by soaring buildings, is the ideal urban oasis. With its own private elevator to the fourth floor, it can be tough for some to find on their first visit, so simply ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

Address: 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @rosewoodhotels

Vij’s Restaurant

A post shared by Vij’s (@eatdrinkvijs) on Sep 12, 2016 at 5:18pm PDT

Head up to the top of this quirky Cambie Street restaurant and sip drinks and snacks surrounded by a sky-high “fence” of lights; this is in part what gave the flagship its nickname, Vij’s Lantern. Make the patio your destination, or hang out there waiting for your table in the main dining room.

Address: 3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @eatdrinkvijs

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

The Keg’s Yaletown rooftop patio is one of the most sought after open air spaces in the city. Overlooking the warehouses on Mainland Street, coupled with a solid drinks and food menu, The Keg’s comfortably furnished patio has undeniable appeal.

Address: 1011 Mainland Street
Instagram: @thekegsteakhouse

TAPshack

A post shared by TAPshack (@tapshackeatery) on Apr 6, 2017 at 4:48pm PDT

Formerly the Pirate bar, this spot right on the seawall facing Granville Island and near the Burrard Bridge was revamped last year and re-launched as TAPshack. Part of the Tap & Barrel family, it’s just on the southern edges of Yaletown before you cross the water, though, and is worth noting because of its beers, good eats, great views, and kick back vibe.

Address: 1012 Beach Avenue, Vanvouer
Instagram: @tapshackeatery

Ancora

Enjoy terrific cocktails and unique Japanese-Peruvian fare with an upscale West Coast bent at the award-winning Ancora. They’ve got one of the most enviable patios in town, with a terrific vista of Granville Island and lots of water.

Address: 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @ancoradining

Back Forty

A casual eatery sitting on the corner of Robson and Beatty, Back Forty is both a favourite local hangout and a popular (and at times a boisterous) pre-sports drinking venue, thanks to its proximity to BC Stadium. There are summery times written all over this open air spot, thanks to Back Forty’s row of welcoming picnic tables, sun umbrellas, laid-back vibe, and classic comfort fare.

Address: 118 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @backfortybbq

Tap & Barrel – Olympic Village

Enjoy a positively summery vibe on Tap & Barrel’s sizeble patio. Set right on False Creek patrons are encouraged to lap up the water views, while they dig into the casual eatery’s comforting fare and throw back one of the many craft beers on offer.

Address: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Instagram: @tapandbarrel

Cactus Club Cafe – English Bay

Residing along the sandy shores of English Bay, Cactus Club Cafe’s Beach Avenue locale has, inarguably, one of the best patios in the city. Offering spectacular ocean vistas, the waterfront setting is ideal for people watching, taking in the sunset, and sun seekers wanting a good dose of Vitamin D.

Address: 1790 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @cactusclubcafe

Lift Bar & Grill

There can be absolutely no denying that the patio attached to this upscale restaurant in Coal Harbour is pretty damn spectacular. Situated on the waters of Vancouver Harbour, LIFT Bar & Grill offers diners stunning costal views as well as a range of fresh seafood focused selections.

Address: 333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver

Score on Davie

Apart from offering the most over-the-top Caesars (think everything but the kitchen sink atop a Caesar) this casual hangout on Davie Street is known for its laid back patio. Enjoy sunny times on their open air stretch of Davie street while digging into the pub’s comfort food.

Address: 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @scoreondavie

The Galley

The Galley, beachside at the Jericho Sailing Centre, is open till sunset every day. You’ll get a fantastic view of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, Bowen Island, and the Strait of Georgia – with a beachside menu to match.

Address: 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver

With files from Jess Fleming