The search for patios on Roncesvalles begins on Geoffrey St. and veers north. Locals know the south end of this street may be great for sourcing perogies, ice cream or java but, save for Granowska's and Krak, all the patios (especially the licensed ones) are clustered in the blocks above and below Howard Park.

Here's a guide to six of the best patios on Roncesvalles Avenue.

The Local
The neighbourhood's favourite watering hole has a cozy back patio that's open for Sunday brunch plus evenings and late night seven days a week. Come here for dinner or drinks and sample from their quenching menu of microbrews and nibble on sweet potato fries.

Loons Restaurant & Pub
For that cottage country feel in Roncesvalles, Loons has you covered. Wind your way past the Golden tee golf to the larger than you'd expect back patio. Claim one of the Muskoka chairs and feed on deli sandwiches, bangers and mash or other pub staples.

Fat Cat Wine Bar
With the only east-facing patio on this list, Fat Cat Wine Bar draws a well-dressed crowd for small plates of cheese, salad and homemade sausage. And much as their name suggests, they have an extensive wine list including about 20 wines by the glass.

The Blue Plate
This new restaurant takes over from the former Boho and Liver Bird pub. Still in tact is the elegant west-facing back patio where one might make a meal of potted duck, fish and chips or bison meat loaf. Beer options include Stonehammer Pilsener and Beau's lug-tread lagered ale. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch.

Bistro 299
This small but quaint north-facing patio on Geoffrey St. just east of Roncesvalles is open for dinner only. Go here for the chicken schnitzel dinner ($14), sided with perogies, a cabbage roll and mashed potatoes.

The Dizzy Gastro Pub
While many catch the game on the big screens inside, opt for a bit of fresh air and snag a seat on one of the seven bar-stools set up on a covered front patio. Get prime views of Roncesvalles while licking your fingers clean of Memphis rib sauce or one of their nine flavours of chicken wings.

A special thanks to Bud Light Lime for sponsoring this section.

Photos by Roger Cullman