It doesn’t take long for the walls of winter to feel like they are closing in.
The monotony of dodging rain creates a longing for the more genial days of spring and summer—the patio days—where friends share laughs and lovers steal kisses in the open air of the night.
In a Vancouver winter, those warm days can feel lost to the elements, but in the heart of Yaletown, “Let’s meet for drink on the patio,” never goes away.
Perched high above the corner of Mainland and Nelson street, The Keg Yaletown is redefining the patio experience.
“Roof top patios in Vancouver are few to none,” remarks general manager, James Wynne as he points to the orange crown of lights radiating a top BC Place. “Even when it gets down to zero degrees you can still sit up there quite comfortably and enjoy a steak dinner in the middle of downtown Vancouver with beautiful views.”
“You’re protected from the elements even though it’s an open air patio. It’s covered and heated with fireplaces, so you get the best of both worlds,” adds Wynne.
A winter-proof patio might seem like a recipe for disaster, but Wynne assures The Keg Yaletown has the ingredients to make it work, and work well.
“We have retractable awnings; we have plexiglass wind screens to stop the wind from coming in; we have seven fireplaces; electric ceiling heaters, and we’ve added seven space heaters and blankets.”
Image: Lisa King Photography
As part of a restored Hamilton House heritage building, the patio has been decked out to accommodate up to 285 people when it’s full capacity in the summer. And, in the winter, they have more than a dozen tables available, and can also accommodate about 100 people around the bar.
“You can enjoy a steak dinner comfortably when the weather is not agreeable, while enjoying the view, landscape and the ambiance.”
The Keg has always been known for their steak, but Wynne says they have created a new following of fans thanks to their happy hour menu (available at the lower bar) and new features like wine on tap with special blends created just for The Keg.
Image: Submitted
Aside from being one of very few rooftop patios in Vancouver, Wynne believes the fact that it’s one of the only year round roof top patios is what keeps people from coming back for more.
“A lot of people when they go up there want to stay a lot longer than they initially intended to.”
And while its popularity means you can’t make a reservation, Wynne offers up a few tips to help get around that.
“The best thing to do is just come on down, put your name on a wait list, should there be one, and then start off at one of our two bars. You can also call and talk with the staff on the phone and they can give you some educated insight on the best time to come if their trying to avoid the wait.”
Did you know that there is also a private dining room downstairs at The Yaletown Keg that can be booked for up to 24 guests? Please call the Yaletown location at 604-633-2524 to book your next party and find out more details.
The Keg is proud to be participating in Dine Out Vancouver from January 16 to February 1, 2015.
Check out The Keg’s Dine Out Menu
Vancouver Locations
The Keg Yaletown
Address: 1011 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-633-2534 or Book Online
The Keg Alberni
Address: 1121 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Reservations: 604-685-4388 or Book Online
The Keg Dunsmuir
Address: 688 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Reservations: 604-685-7502 or Book Online
The Keg Granville Island
Address: 1499 Anderson Street, Vancouver
Phone: Call 604-685-4735 or Book Online
Website: kegsteakhouse.com
Twitter: @thekeg #TheKeg
Facebook: The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Instagram: @TheKegSteakhouse
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