Patios in Toronto are the ultimate summer destinations. These local open-air spaces let us congregate under the sun for some much-needed vitamin D, all while sipping on an equally necessary boozy beverage. 

Here are my picks for the top patios in Toronto by neighbourhood. 

Annex

The lively and affordable Paupers Pub has a sidewalk patio, but everyone knows their bustling rooftop is where it's at for prime patio real estate.

Bayview & Leaside

Barrel House is another brick-and-mortar incarnation of the Amsterdam Brewing brand. The spacious multi-level restaurant boasts not one, but two patio areas.

Beaches

If you're looking for an unbeatable view of the Toronto skyline, grab a seat on the Murphy's Law rooftop patio. 

Bloorcourt

Paradise Grapevine has a lush backyard patio where you can snack on affordable small plates of bread and cheese while sipping on wine.

Bloordale Village

Make some new friends at the communal tables on the patio at 3 Speed. Hanging greenery from the support beams make this spot super cozy.

Allen's has magical back patio complete with gigantic willow trees. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Cabbagetown

The patio floor at Stout Irish Pub is covered in astroturf, giving this tight space with the picnic tables a playful, mismatched vibe. 

Canary District

With a 130-seat wraparound patio, menu of tried-and-true sports bar faves, and games throughout the bar, The Aviary Brewpub is the ultimate neighbourhood hub.

Church Wellesley Village

There's a reason why O'Grady’s gets so busy during Pride. Its huge patio takes up both sides of a street corner and is always a lively, fun place to be. 

CityPlace

Hunters Landing caters to condo dwellers that reside in the towers above. Equipped with its own wet bar and fire pits, the massive outdoor space is an ideal spot to relax on a nice day.

Danforth

The backyard patio is what makes Allen's a go-to pub on the Danforth. It gets super busy here with customers hankering for their homemade burgers, so make sure to score a spot ASAP. 

El Catrin boasts one of the most breathtaking patios in the Distillery District. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Distillery District

Perfect for both daytime snacks or date night drinks, El Catrin's fire-pitted patios and giant chandelier make this Mexican restaurant an attractive option, no matter the time of day. 

Don Mills

Whether you're with your family, friends, or on a date, the Joey Don Mills patio will surely please. While the space is huge, this patio manages to feel somewhat intimate with a wooden frame and accents, wicker furniture, and upholstered bench seating. 

Dundas West

The Six Brewing Co. is a brewhouse inspired by the beer halls of Munich while still paying homage to Toronto. Sip on brews on their spacious side patio.

Entertainment District

The Porch, situated above the Rock 'n' Horse Saloon, is a rooftop patio that is just one non-stop party. It also boasts some of the best panoramic views of the city.

Financial District

King Taps has tons of beers on tap, all of which can be imbibed on the rooftop patio under umbrellas for lunch or in the evening. 

Grab a spot on the Goodman Pub & Kitchen patio and take in the waterfront view. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Harbord Village

Harvest Kitchen is graced with two patios, one awning-covered, street-level space and the other, a larger deck on the second-floor that's surrounded by lush tree canopies.

Harbourfront

The Goodman Pub & Kitchen is a perfect stop along Queens Quay stroll. Take in views of the lake while sipping pitchers of sangria. 

Junction Triangle

Boo Radley's patio takes your classic old-school watering hole outside. You'll find plenty of locals out here on summer afternoons, sipping away at a pint and enjoying classic pub fare.

Kensington Market

The front patio populated with picnic tables at Trinity Common is perhaps the biggest attraction here. It's almost always at capacity so arrive early if you want to snag a spot. 

King West

There's several stunning rooftop patios in this area, but Lavelle takes the cake with three pools, cabanas and easy access to its adjoining restaurant.

Chula Taberna Mexicana's is magical at night. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Leslieville

There's multiple patios and outdoor tiki bars at Chula Taberna Mexicana, where glowing lantern-esque lights and lampposts illuminate this fun, trendy restaurant. 

Liberty Village

The upper-level of Barcelona Tavern YYZ is dubbed the Cava Room. It's a rooftop patio that's great for unwinding. 

Little India

Godspeed Brewery has transformed an old dollar store into a towering brewpub and bottle shop. Sip on brews and munch on Japanese izakaya-style sharing plates.

Little Italy

Bairrada Churrasquiera has a patio that'll make you feel like you're in a friend's backyard. Cluttered with picnic tables, this fun and surprisingly spacious outdoor spot is a really great place to watch the game.

Mount Pleasant

The purple brick-walled patio at Belsize Public House is an ideal spot to enjoy the summer heat without sitting directly in the summer sun. It's also heated, meaning you can chill out there during fall as well. 

Make your way to the back of Tennessee Tavern to discover their backyard patio. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

North York

The woodsy rooftop hangout that is Nome Izakaya's patio allows diners to snack on oysters and assorted sashimi, while catching that nice summer breeze.

Ossington

Sweaty Betty's has been one of Toronto's most notoriously packed dive bars for over 20 years. Their backyard patio is laid-back and feels super serene.

Parkdale

A vintage birdcage is the centrepiece on the patio at Tennessee Tavern, featuring booths and a light-bedazzled open roof for extra airiness.

Port Lands

Cherry Street Bar-B-Que has a big patio that looks pretty bare, but an outdoor DJ to go with your barbecued meal makes up for it.

Queen West

Drom Taberna re-imagines the old Tortilla Flats location as an all-day Eastern European bar with a gorgeous back patio. 

The skyline view can't be beat at Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Riverside

The stunning view from the Broadview Hotel's rooftop patio may actually be one of the best in the city, with the expansive Riverside landscape making a much better view than, say, Queen Street.

Roncesvalles Village

Once the warm weather hits, Bandit Brewery's front lawn fills up with picnic tables and hanging lights to create a bustling patio that lines the sidewalk. 

Scarborough

Bluffer's Restaurant has a patio that comes with a spectacular view. Head over and gawk at all the aquatic activity in the Bluffs.

South Core

The sleek patio at e11even is perfect for lounging around in all-white on a hot summer day, while snacking on some tasty eats and sipping on wine. 

Toronto Islands

Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. has patios on its main and upper floor, offering one of the best views of the downtown Toronto skyline from across the water on Centre Island.

Make your way to the rooftop patio at Hemingway's to catch some rays. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Upper Beaches

The Grover is an east side pub that's been around since 1982. Make your way to the back and discover a relaxed patio where you can grab a burger and pint. 

West Queen West

Pretty much Toronto's favourite rooftop, Drake Sky Yard has its own bar and even has marshmallow-roasting opportunities in the colder months. Expect lines to get into this patio hot spot. 

Yonge & Dundas

You can escape from the chaos of the Eaton Centre and head to one of the best pubs in the city, The Queen and Beaver, where a rooftop patio overlooks a scenic and tree-lined Elm Street. 

Yonge & Eglinton

This stylish backyard patio at Prohibition Gastrohouse is a great spot for a daytime chill session over cocktails of both the shrimp and boozy kind.

Yorkville

Hemingway's offers a casual break from the abundance of nearby swanky Yorkville spots, with tiers of varied seating and its own rooftop bar.