By Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier
While most locals, and many visitors, are familiar with the popular patio scenes found across the city’s West Side and downtown, such as at the Wine Bar, Joe Fortes and Reflections at Hotel Georgia, there are plenty of gems to discover, some more hidden than others, east of Ontario Street. And while you won’t have to pack a lunch to cross this city’s great divide, transit is advised because you won’t want to drive after checking out the signature cocktails and craft beer served up in these outdoor spaces.
Main Street
Narrow Lounge
We’re guessing Main Streeters won’t be happy this tiny oasis is being outed, but the patio at Narrow is worth checking out.
Located: Corner of Main Street at East Third Avenue, look for the red light.
Contact: 778-737-5206, narrowlounge.com.
Caffé Barney
Located near the Broadway/Main Street intersection, this tiny patio offers a bird’s eye view of all that is Mount Pleasant.
Located: 2526 Main St.
Contact: 604-568-0426.
The Reef
With happy hour specials featuring $4.25 rum punch and $4 jerk poutine, there’s a reason the patio of this popular Caribbean restaurant is always packed.
Located: 4172 Main St.
Contact: 604-874-JERK (5375), thereefrestaurant.com.
Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge
This tiny eatery, with an even tinier patio, is half a block west of Main Street on East Eighth Avenue and specializes in fresh local ingredients, so if you’re looking for a deep fryer or microwave you’re out of luck.
Located: 151 East Eighth Ave.
Contact: 604-568-2703, eightandahalf.ca.
Kensington Cedar Cottage
Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood Pub/coffee house/liquor store
Enjoy a cup of coffee from locally roasted beans or craft beer on this partially enclosed, street corner patio. For the coffee drinkers, there’s parking conveniently located in the back.
Located: 3728 Clark Dr. at Kingsway.
Contact: 604-876-1411, cedarcottagepub.ca.
River District
Romer’s Burger Bar
The River District location of this small local chain has undoubtedly one of the best patios in the city. Watch tug boats move logs along the Mighty Fraser or dog walkers, joggers and others enjoy the pathway that runs along the river as you enjoy one of Romer’s signature burgers and craft beer.
Located: 8683 Kerr St.
Contact: 604-566-9545, romersburgerbar.com.
The Drive
Falconetti’s East Side Grill
Look up, look way up and you’ll spot those in the know imbibing on a sunny, second-floor patio that faces west and overlooks Commercial Drive. Try the sausage sampler platter with fries.
Located: 1812 Commercial Dr.
Contact: 604-251-7287, falconettis.com.
Merchant’s Oyster Bar
Enjoy $1.50 oysters all night long Wednesdays and Sundays or $5 corkage Mondays when diners are invite to bring their own bottle of wine to accompany the restaurant’s menu. The sunny patio runs alongside the building.
Located: 1590 Commercial Dr.
Contact: 604-258-0005, merchantsoysterbar.ca.
Havana
If you’re lucky enough to get a seat on this patio, be prepared for some of the best people-watching in the city.
Located: 1212 Commercial Dr.
Contact: 604-253-9119, havanarestaurant.ca.
Gastown
Chill Winston
This gastro-lounge has a large sunny patio that seems to spill onto Water Street. Check out the small plate menu for sharing and specialty cocktails.
Located: 3 Alexander St.
Contact: 604-288-9575, chillwinston.com.
The Charles Bar
This sunny patio, combined with a great happy hour menu, acts as a de facto backyard to the many residents of the neighbourhood with no outside space to call their own.
Located: In the Woodward’s Building,
136 West Cordova St.
Contact: 604-568-8040, thecharlesbar.ca.
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