Vancouverites have been hit with some much needed Vitamin D recently, and with that naturally comes a desire to sit outside and not take a moment for granted. Lucky for us the West End has some of the best patios in the city, providing the perfect spot to soak it all in — with drink in hand, of course. We curated a list for Best West End Patios 2014 to ensure to get the most out of this years sunshine.
The Roof at Black & Blue
Set atop the three story building of Glowbal Group’s Black & Blue is The Roof, which has been open for just over a year now. Boasting ample seating for 120 guests and an adjustable roof top, this is the perfect spot for an after work cocktail, or a quick business lunch — regardless of the weather. They have cocktail hour daily from 3pm-6pm at all Glowbal Collection locations.
Signiture Drink: Black + Blue Caesar made with Banff Ice vodka, signature Clamato, horseradish and pepperoni ($8)
Signiture Dish: Black + Blue Burger served with aged cheddar, onion rings, b+b steak sauce, sesame seed bun ($14)
Address: 1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver – Third Floor
Hours:
Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1a.m.
Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday; 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday; 4:30p.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: www.the-roof.ca
The Fish House
Deep in the heart of Stanley Park is The Fish House, and their romantic patio that gets exceptional daytime sunlight. Take in the breathtaking scenic views, and feel like a tourist in your own city. Their seasonal menu created by Executive Chef Cutis Demyon features a variety of Ocean Wise seafood and local organic meats and vegetables.
Signature Drink: Porto Cocktail, with Black Port, Triple Sec and pomegranate
Signature Dish: Ahi Tuna Burger, with sashimi grade Ahi tuna, aioli, fresh basil, spinach, shaved asiago and antipasto ($17)
Address: 8901 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Hours:
Monday to Friday; 11:30a.m. to Late
Saturday & Sunday; 11 a.m. to Late
Website: www.fishhousestanleypark.com
Cactus Club Cafe at English Bay
Located right at the foot of English Bay, it’s no wonder why Cactus Club’s gorgeous patio is a hot spot during the sweltering Spring and Summer season. Take in the ocean views on their open patio, or in the summer grab a Feenie Weenie to go from the Concession, popular with hungry Vancouver beach-goers.
Signature Drink: Perfect Double Cuervo Margarita, with Cuervo Gold Tequila, triple sec, fresh squeezed lime juice, shaken with egg whites and served on the rocks ($8.25)
Signature Dish: Ravioli + Prawn Trio, with artisan made butternut squash, mascarpone ravioli, jumbo prawns, truffle butter sauce and pine nuts ($24.75)
Address: 1790 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight
Friday & Saturday; 1 1a.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: www.cactusclubcafe.com/location/english-bay
UpperDeck Kitchen & Taphouse
With Sixteen local craft beers on tap, Neapolitan-style pizza and a variety of different cocktails to choose from, The UpperDeck Kitchen offers a upper-level deck patio to soak up the sun right in heart of Davie Village. They’ve got specials available everyday of the week, as well as a Pizza & Pint promotion that runs Monday through Friday.
Signature Drink: Algonquin Cocktail Martini, with House rye whiskey, dry vermouth and pineapple juice ($8.26)
Signature Dish: Confit Duck Pasta, with roasted mushrooms and fusilli pasta ($16.95)
Address: 1239 Davie Street, Vancouver
Hours:
Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m
Friday; 11 a.m. 2 a.m.
Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: www.upperdeckondavie.com
The Fountainhead Pub
A staple in the Gay Community, not to mention the Davie Village as a whole — The Fountainhead Pub offers great pub grub and a welcoming environment for everyone. With fifteen beers and one cider on tap, it’s the perfect spot to drink on the patio and do a little people watching in the sun.
Signature Drink: ‘DavE’ Martini, with Raspberry Sour Puss, Raspberry Vodka and lemonade.
Signature Dish: Five cheese stuffed ravioli, with your choice of a blush or bacon carbonara sauce served with garlic toast ($14)
Address: 1025 Davie Street, Vancouver
Summer Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday; 11 a.m. to midnight
Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Patio is open every day until midnight
Website: www.thefountainheadpub.com
The Boathouse at English Bay
With seven locations across the Lower Mainland, The Boathouse Restaurant offers a variety of fresh local seafood, prime cuts and a large selection of BC VQA wines, as well as wines from around the world. Their English Bay location has a great patio that continues to impress tourists and locals alike, and with offers like daily drink specials for $5.95, it’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Signature Drink: Big Surf Sangria, with Absolute Peach vodka, Jacob’s Creek Moscato, cucumber, white wine and elder flower ($9)
Signature Dish: Pacific Cod ’n Chips, with three pieces of cod enrobed in a crisp golden batter served with a side of sea-salted fries ($17.99)
Address: 1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Hours:
Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m. to midnight
Sunday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: www.boathouserestaurants.ca
Score on Davie
Located in Davie Village and recently known for its crazy-huge Checkmate Caesar, Score on Davie has a fair sized patio offering up lots of sunshine. If the Checkmate isn’t quite your speed, they have more normal sized caesars too (kind of), like their “Aint No Thang” which is served with hot wings and onion rings.
Signature Drink: The Checkmate Caesar, served with roasted chicken, Score burger, pulled pork sriracha glazed slider, onion rings, chicken wings, a pulled pork mac and cheese hotdog, and a brownie for desert ($60)
Signature Dish: Score Burger served with Certified Angus Beef, Monterrey Jack, organic greens, tomato, horseradish aioli on a brioche bun ($14)
Address: 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver
Hours:
Monday to Friday; 11a.m. to Late
Saturday & Sunday; 10 a.m. to Late
Website: www.scoreondavie.com
Raincity Grill
A Vancouver institution of sorts, and quite possibly one of the first restaurants to commit to “Farm to Table” dining, Raincity Grill have continued to go strong for the last twenty years and still remain a West End dining destination. Visit for weekend brunch and do a little people watching from their quaint patio.
Signature Drink: Brunch Martini made with espresso vodka, amaretto and bitter orange peel ($10)
Signature Dish: NY Strip steak Sandwich served with mushrooms, onion jus, chili mayo in between grilled Tuscan bread ($16)
Address: 1193 Denman Street, Vancouver
Hours:
Lunch Monday – Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., DINNER 5 p.m. to Close
Brunch Saturday & Sunday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: www.raincitygrill.com
Each month Jeremy and Adrian from The Food Gays bring you Vancouver’s Best eats and treats right here on Vancity Buzz. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and check out their blog.
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