Top Five Patios in Vancouver
Wendy Underwood
As soon as the sun’s out (even a little bit), it’s officially time to hit a patio in Vancouver. Luckily, there are plenty of sunny spaces within strolling distance of The Burrard — from downtown rooftop bars to waterfront restaurants and colourful beer gardens in Davie Village. Whether you want to just enjoy a quick drink outside or an al fresco dinner, here are five of our favourite patios within a hop, skip or jump of our hotel.
Joe Fortes
– 777 Thurlow Street (Downtown)
Longtime local favourite and Vancouver institution, Joe Fortes, has been a popular downtown destination for three decades. The menu is solid, but the real draw for the after-work crowd is the sunshine-filled hidden rooftop bar. Stop at this charming chophouse for a post-shopping treat after hitting the stores on busy Robson Street. Even during the best of times, this is a popular patio, so call ahead to check if they have a seat for you.
Ancora
– 1600 Howe Street (West End)
Located downtown but right opposite Granville Island, upscale Ancora’s sunny spot includes an extensive patio that is the perfect place to enjoy some bubbles and Peruvian Japanese dishes. Dig into sustainable seafood in the light and bright dining room or get there early to bag a seat on the waterfront patio and take advantage of their happy hour menu, offered daily from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and then 9:30 pm to close.
Tap & Barrel Bridges
– 1696 Duranleau Street (Granville Island)
For generations of Vancouverites and visitors, Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island, with its iconic yellow structure and spacious patio with a panoramic view of False Creek and downtown, was the place to grab food and drink, and often an epic sunset, too. Now as Tap & Barrel Bridges, the extensively renovated location offers a slew of local craft beers and British Columbian wines on tap, tasty casual eats, and a lively al fresco experience day in, day out.
Giardino Restaurant
– 1328 Hornby Street (West End)
Legendary Italian chef Umberto Menghi has been feeding droves with carbonaras, vongoles, veal chops and racks of lamb at Giardino for decades. His Italian-heavy (natch) wine list has a little something for everyone. Nab a table at his Florentine-styled courtyard patio with flowers and greenery aplenty, and you’ll be living la dolce vita in no time. Bonus: it’s only a five-minute walk from The Burrard!
Score on Davie
– 1262 Davie Street (Davie Village / West End)
Get ready for (probably) the biggest plate of nachos that you’ve ever seen, plus plenty of people-watching opportunities on Score on Davie’s sociable patio. Get into the party spirit with a jug of sangria or one of their crazy Caesars: Canada’s national cocktail of clamato and vodka comes garnished with everything from a burger to a brownie to a roast chicken.
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Photo Credits:
Feature image of patio dining: Rachel Claire on Pexels
Joe Fortes rooftop patio: Joe Fortes website
Ancora patio: Ancora’s website
Tap & Barrel Bridges: Tap & Barrel’s Facebook Page
Giardino’s patio: Giardino’s website
Score on Davie: Score on Davie’s website
