Burlington boasts an array of great patio options, some with gorgeous lakefront vistas and some nestled in quaint alcoves. With summer here at last, there’s nothing better than drinking and eating al fresco! Whatever your taste, there’s a patio to match – here are a few to choose from:
A mainstay for Burlington’s nightlife lovers, the Rude Native, (370 Brant St., www.rudenative.com) is one of a few area restaurants that features an amazing rooftop patio. Check online for live music nights.
Another perennial favourite for professional minglers is Emma’s Back Porch (2084 Old Lakeshore Rd., www.emmasbackporch.ca). With this local mainstay celebrating its 20th year, Emma’s patio, perched on the edge of Lake Ontario, is a rite of passage and a must-do every summer.
The gleaming new Shoeless Joe’s (1250 Brant St., www.shoelessjoesburlington.com) is the hot ticket in town, not only for the dozens of high-def televisions scattered throughout the restaurant or the barely dressed servers, but because it boasts a heated patio that is beyond compare. It’s the newest place to see and be seen.
The patio at Tin Cup (1831 Walkers Line, www.tincupsportsgrill.ca/burlington) may not overlook the shoreline but it’s a great spot to hang out nonetheless, especially for the apres-golf crowd.
Paradiso’s patio (2041 Pine St., burlington.paradisorestaurant.com) has a relaxing downtown atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a pub experience, try the Queen’s Head (400 Brant St., www.thequeenshead.ca). With one of the biggest patios in downtown Burlington, the Queen’s Head hosts live music every weekend.
The Dickens (423 Elizabeth St., www.thedickens.ca) boasts a great patio with a lively atmosphere every night into the wee hours, and The Poacher (436 Pearl St., www.thepoacher.ca) is another popular downtown pub with a patio.
If you love a well-made martini as much as you love a nice patio, head to The Martini House (437 Elizabeth St., www.martinihouse.ca) and peruse the martini menu as you enjoy the outdoors.
For an always lively and fun crowd, the patio at Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill (531 Brant St., www.joedogs.com) never disappoints!
The patio at The Alex (480 Brant St., www.thealexrestaurant.com) overlooks the heart of Brant Street, making it great for people watching, while the Beaver & Bulldog (2020 Lakeshore Rd., www.beaverandbulldog.com) has a spectacular view of Lake Ontario.
While at Spencer’s at the Waterfront ( 1340 Lakeshore Rd., www.spencers.ca) you may even feel like you’re on a cruise ship with the patio seating offering a different vantage point of Lake Ontario.
Although not on the lake and the outdoor patio has limited seating, another of my personal favorites is the Carriage House (2101 Old Lakeshore Rd., www.thecarriagehouse.ca). Service is great, menu varied and food is delicious.
I really do hope you have a chance to experience at least one of these great venues over the next couple of months and be sure to let me know which is your favourite!