Vancouver’s Best New Patios for 2013

Patios are the place to be once the sun starts shining, and Vancouver's got a slew of prime new perches you'll want to test ride this season

Credit: Tap and Barrel

Vancouverites are known to scramble to soak up every last drop of sun (and who could blame us?), so why not do that on one of the city’s best new open air venues

When the sun comes out, Vancouver really can feel like the best place on earth. Add a patio, tasty beverages, and good friends, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Two years ago we put together a comprehensive list of Vancouver’s best patios, whether you’re looking to brunch, lunch or wine and dine. But a lot can change in two years, and this update covers some of the hot new additions you’ll want to check out if you’re a patio fiend. It also includes a few precious spots that were unintentionally left out on our first list but deserve no less admiration for their offerings.

Credit: The Glowbal Collection

The Roof at Black + Blue

City views and gorgeous décor, plus the kitchen boasts Canada’s first Josper by Wood Stone Charcoal Broiler Oven, which heats up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for steak cooking perfection. Check out The Roof’s opening party.

Location: 1032 Alberni Street
Seats: 120
Website

Credit: Cactus Club

Cactus Club Coal Harbour

Set on the Vancouver Convention Centre’s Jack Poole Plaza, this wrap-around patio provides panoramic views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, and Vancouver’s cityscape – plus diners can relive the Olympic spirit as they sit next to the Olympic Cauldron.

Location: 1085 Canada Place
Seats: 200
Website

Credit: The Glowbal Collection

The Fish Shack

People-watch along bustling Granville Street as you enjoy “the best fish ‘n’ chips you’ve ever had”.

Location: 1026 Granville Street
Seats: 15
Website

Credit: Tap and Barrel

Tap and Barrel

Killer views of downtown Vancouver from two prime spots along the seawall – the rooftop wine bar and the ground floor patio – and comfy sofas with fire pits for nighttime ambience and warmth are the best reasons to try this patio.

Location: 1 Athletes Way
Seats: 300
Website

Credit: Fred Fung

Hooker’s Green

This south-facing patio in trendy Yaletown has TVs for those who don’t want to miss the game, and is covered just in case it rains.

Location: 1141 Hamilton Street
Seats: 25
Website

Credit: Cactus Club

Cactus Club English Bay

This beachside patio secured its spot at one of Vancouver’s most popular hangouts – and arguably one of the city’s most historic waterfront locations – and offers two levels of open air seating with breathtaking views of English Bay.

Location: 1790 Beach Avenue
Seats: 104
Website

Credit: Chewies Steam and Oyster Bar

Chewies Steam and Oyster Bar

Two different sections for different patio personalities: The east-facing patio along Yew Street gives customers a front-row seat to the parade of beachgoers headedto Kits Beach, while the south-facing patio along West 1st Avenue is graced with the sun’s rays from morning till early evening.

Location: 2201 West 1st Avenue
Seats: 36
Website

Credit: Edible Canada

Edible Canada Bistro

Settle in for some prime people watching in the heart of Granville Island in the company of gorgeous planter boxes filled with vegetables and other edible plants that reflect the seasons.

Location: 1596 Johnston Street
Seats: 100+
Website

Credit: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Reflections Lounge

This stylish fourth-floor patio terrace gives off a fiery Miami vibe with a little help from its chic cabanas and glowing fire pits, surrounded by twinkling water features and striking art installations.

Location – 801 West Georgia Street
Seats – 120
Website

Credit: MARKET by Jean-Georges

MARKET by Jean-Georges

This third-floor patio is concealed from the unaware passersby but offers excellent people watching from its elevated perch above swanky Alberni Street f. And it’s shielded from the elements, stretching its open season from early spring to fall.

Location: 1115 Alberni Street
Seats: 65
Website