So you didn’t get the memo that air conditioners would be sold out by this point. And you’ve been caught one too many times sneaking into the neighbour’s pool.
Thankfully there are still plenty of spots you can remain chilled at in Vancouver, without breaking any trespassing laws. These are just a handful of our favourite spots in the city that you can visit on your day in town, or if you’re just on a neighbourhood crawl in search of shade.
Burdock and Co.
Nestled in the garden of this Main Street fave, Burdock’s patio is perfect for right after rain clouds part and the forecast brightens up. Accompanied by the fresh scent of the greenery around you, order a martini or a glass from their impeccable wine list while you take in one of our most eclectic communities. For added photography points, the side of the building is adorned with a vibrant mural by local artist Johnnie Christmas.
Tacofino Gastown
Hate to use the word nestled twice in the same article… but we have a preference for nestled patios! Anyways, this gem is tucked behind our go-to location of the famous taco company in Gastown. Bordering Blood Alley and Gaoler Mews, you can enjoy a Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita in one of Vancouver’s oldest and most storied districts. A great place to start the evening before wandering the cobbled streets of Gastown.
The Keg Yaletown
One of the few rooftop patios in this town (what gives?), but that doesn’t mean it simply wins by default. The ambience, the service, the location overlooking Yaletown, it would all add up to a fantastic experience regardless. Being on the top of the building just pushes it over the edge… Ok, maybe not the best choice of words.
Alimentaria Mexicana
Seeing as Granville Island is Canada’s second most visited attraction (number one is some waterfall?), this is prime people-watching territory for locals and travellers alike. Located on a curved boulevard not 50 feet from False Creek, you can bask in the cool rolling breeze from the water as you lounge under an umbrella. Add authentic Mexican cuisine, and the best days of your summer have just planned themselves.
1931 Gallery Bistro
If you’re downtown and feeling parched on a warm day, there’s no better patio to visit. This breezy spot exudes comfort with white tents and umbrellas, patio couches and a fantastic enclosed solarium for if the weather decides to take a turn. Whether visiting for high tea or a well-deserved glass of rose, it’s always handy to know about this patio while searching for an oasis from rising temps.
Stable House Bistro
Ok, this one is a bit of a tentative pick as we’ve heard that it will be returning sometime in August while a city project completes. Hands down our fave patio that popped up during the changed bylaws of the last two years, Stable House has basically has created an inviting lounge space in the middle of a South Granville side street. In the shade of two towering trees nearby, having a pint as bikes roll by and locals have chess games and picnics in the neighbouring community space is as good as any summer evening gets. Here’s hoping it returns sooner than later!
UPDATE!
The new patio is OPEN, and it’s even more gorgeous! With a wooden wrap-around border, it gives the perfect ambience for a glass of wine at dusk. Here’s a sneak peek of it, but you can also get a video tour on their Instagram here.
Burdock and Co: Take the #3 Main Street bus to 11th Ave, or you can take the 99 B-Line to Main street, and walk up from there
Tacofino Gastown: Take the #7 Nanaimo bus to Cordova and Carrall. Or take the Skytrain to Waterfront Station and walk through Gastown!
The Keg Yaletown: Take the Canada Line to Yaletown Roundhouse Station, it’s only a five-minute walk from there!
Alimentaria Mexicana: Take any bus running along Granville and get off at 5th Ave. You can walk Northbound under the bridge to get there
1931 Gallery Bistro: Any bus heading downtown will take you where you want to go. Disembark at Robson and Granville Or Howe and Georgia
Sable House Bistro: Take the #10 Granville bus and disembark at 13th Ave
*All images courtesy of restaurants unless otherwise noted
By Mark Shelling
Comments are closed.