From sun-soaked brunch spots to late-night cocktail patios, Queen Street West has some of Toronto’s best outdoor dining and drinking destinations.
Summer is here, and patio hangs are easily a favourite warm-weather pastime for me. Queen Street West is one of Toronto’s prized neighbourhoods for shopping and people-watching, so it should come as no surprise that many of us locals have a few favourite Queen West patios.
Whether you’re into fun, funky, or fashion-forward, there’s a Queen West patio with your name on it.
Bar’kada for delectable cocktails
Hit up Bar’kada for stellar cocktails and a fusion menu featuring Filipino dishes like lumpia, alongside global flavours like biltong. For those boozy brunch hangs with your own Bar’kada (it means ‘group of friends’), they also have a daily brunch menu that pairs well with cocktails like Tita’s Paloma.
They have a cute back patio if you don’t want to chill in the front with the live DJ!
Rex Jazz and Blues for music lovers
Rex Jazz and Blues bar has a patio where you can enjoy brews and nibbles just steps from the sounds of live jazz. While live performances typically take place indoors, the patio occasionally hosts sets during weekend events and festivals.
Toronto’s longest-running jazz club has welcomed legends like Harry Connick Jr., alongside today’s rising jazz talents, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
Squirly’s for a dive bar fix
Say what you will, but we all secretly love a good dive bar! A go-to for cheap eats and cold beer on Queen West, Squirly’s delivers dive bar charm with a graffiti-covered back patio that’s perfect for summer and has been around for over three decades.
Perogies and craft beer are a standard order here, no matter the season. They even have a garage-esque portion of the patio for that classic sticky floor experience to round off your visit.
Fonda Lola for bistro delights
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider Mexican bistro Fonda Lola. Request a back patio table and transport yourself to a lush urban oasis. Tacos and churros are go-to options, and of course, their house-crafted cocktail menu—especially the smoked ones—is not only beautiful but also balanced in flavour.
A favourite among date-night diners and taco lovers, this Mexican patio in Toronto delivers on both flavour and atmosphere.
The Dime on Queen for budget-friendly hangouts
Exploring trendy Queen Street West doesn’t have to poke a hole through your wallet. The Dime on Queen is a budget-friendly go-to with satisfying eats and drinks under $8. You can expect loud tunes, high energy, and a party-ready crowd—think cheap, cheerful, and loud in the best way.
It’s one of the best affordable patios in downtown Toronto, especially for casual hangs with friends.
Tiki Bar Toronto for rooftop views
Hanging out at a Toronto sky bar screams summertime—the sun is shining, you’re wearing your best shades and are surrounded by beautiful friends. Swing by Tiki Bar Toronto, located on the rooftop of the Bovine Sex Club music venue.
Classic tiki cocktails served in Instagram-worthy vessels can sometimes be paired with rotating bites from local food pop-ups, depending on the day. One of the most unique Queen West rooftop patios, this tiki bar makes it easy to imagine you’re lounging at a tropical beach—right in downtown Toronto.
Bar Piquette for European vibes
Craving a taste of Europe? Bar Piquette delivers old-world charm with a Toronto twist. Settle in with mortadella or oysters, and let the server guide your wine pairing—their recommendations are always on point.
Its hidden, partially covered back patio offers a breezy escape, whether it’s a scorching summer day or an unexpected rain shower.
Queen Mother Cafe for retro vibes
A Queen West icon since 1978, this cozy café reflects the area’s artsy roots before the boutique boom. The Queen Mother’s lush back patio is a hidden gem, perfect for catching up with friends over coffee, cake or their burgers-meet-Asian menu.
Hugs & Sarcasm for a proper fry up
Worked up an appetite looking for the white squirrel(s) of Trinity Bellwoods Park? Fuel up with a hearty brunch or classic pub fare at Hugs & Sarcasm. Their patio is ideal for sunny lunches, and weekend breakfasts often feature English-style fry-ups and Irish-inspired comfort food.
Watch for weekday specials—fish and chips with a pint remains a local favourite.
Cafe 23 for a dog-friendly coffee break
Cafe 23’s back patio channels Tulum jungle vibes with lush greenery, straw pendants, and shimmering capiz chandeliers. Just steps from Trinity Bellwoods, this dog-friendly café is a local favourite for coffee dates with your pup after exploring the park’s off-leash ravine.
Travelling with your dog? Check out 6 Tips for Planning a Toronto Vacation With Your Dog.
Three Monks And a Duck for Asian snacks & cocktails
With its neon-lit, night market vibes, Three Monks And A Duck serves up modern Asian snacks and inventive cocktails on a cozy, wisteria-covered back patio. This Queen West gem is especially popular with vegetarians and vegans thanks to its flavour-packed, plant-forward menu.
Java House for student eats
A beacon for budget travellers and students since the 1990s, Java House boasts a bustling patio where you can people-watch until 3 a.m. nightly. While not the city’s trendiest space, it hits the spot with global comfort food, cheap drinks, and late-night vibes.
Noce for Italian classics
A Queen West staple across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Noce serves upscale Italian fare on a charming, covered patio. Known for wood-fired cooking, their menu features flame-kissed cuts of meat, blistered pizzas, and classic aperitivo cocktails.
Terroni for family get-togethers
The original location of this beloved Italian chain, Terroni on Queen delivers southern Italian flavours inspired by Puglia and Campania. Its spacious back patio is ideal for family gatherings, group dinners, or a casual cinq à sept (happy hour) with friends.
Peter Pan for rooftop breezes
A classic French bistro on Queen West, Peter Pan offers two patio experiences: a vibrant streetside setup and a breezy rooftop terrace ideal for sunset dining. The menu features seasonal, French-inspired cuisine paired with an impressive wine list that blends regional and global favourites.
Drake Sky Yard for ’grammable backdrops
The Drake Hotel helped put Parkdale on the map for international hipsters, and its rooftop Sky Yard continues to be a must for immersive art, skyline views, and DJ sets. Themes change seasonally—past looks have included mirrored disco-ball fruit and lemon trees à la La Dolce Vita. Say cin cin with a Negroni in hand and soak in the vibes.
Warehouse Queen St for party vibes
Get the party started at Warehouse Queen St, where the mood is light, the music is loud, and the menu is cheap and cheerful. All food items come in under $11, with cocktails averaging less than $10. This self-proclaimed “premium dive bar” boasts a lively, streetside patio that’s perfect for casual hangs and birthday pre-games.
The Rhino Bar & Grill for sunny days
A Parkdale classic, The Rhino’s massive patio beer garden is ideal for sunny afternoons—just don’t forget your sunglasses. With 25 craft beers on tap and a vegan-friendly brunch menu, this laid-back hangout occupies a heritage building at the west end of Queen Street.
Food & Liquor for the essentials
Tucked into Parkdale’s Little Tibet, Food & Liquor serves up bold bar snacks and easygoing patio vibes late into the night. Grab a picnic table and dig into dishes like black honey vinegar potatoes or cheese fried rice. The kitchen stays open until 2 a.m., making it a go-to for after-hours eats.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in July 2021.
