Toronto's trendiest patios on King West
This happening stretch of King Street is filled with pubs and clubs that attract crowds of revellers, especially during the warm summer months. Whether you’re looking for a laid back eatery or a buzz-worthy nightclub, check out these trendy King West hotspots where you can eat and drink outdoors (weather permitting of course). [Image credit: iStock.com/Martin Dimitrov]
Fring's
455 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4When Drake and Susur Lee teamed up on this King West resto-lounge in 2015, it set Canada’s food headlines ablazing. And with its lush private patio (it’s covered in bamboo and hanging plants), it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a King West spot with lots of buzz. On the menu, you’ll find pulled beef tacos, burgs, whole seared branzino and, of course, a little fried chicken. And if you’re thirsty, be sure to have a look at the list of refreshing cocktails, which range from tequila negronis to raspberry mojitos.
Lavelle
627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5Maybe the most buzzworthy addition to King West in summer 2016, this rooftop bar and patio is complete with not one, not two, but three swimming pools. You’ll need a membership to access Lavelle, so plan ahead, but it’s sure to be swarming with glitterati while they’re in town. Whether you’re in for a quick cool-down, an afternoon cocktail (may we suggest the Adelita – made with tromba, hibiscus, grapefruit and sea salt) or some very intriguing people-watching, be sure to soak in the epic view of Toronto’s cityscape – it’s one of the best in town.
FIGO
295 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 0L4Figo is one of downtown Toronto’s most noteworthy restaurant openings of 2016 – and with a modern Italian menu stocked with the likes of wild boar bucatini and compressed peaches with burrata, it definitely holds up to its reputation. The mid-sized patio seats just south of 100, so you’ll likely score a spot to sit and sip on some summer rosé while watching the passersby. If you’re getting a wee bit warm in the outdoors, note that Figo’s sprawling interior – bathed in white marble and sleek architectural lighting – would probably sweep the Instagram Oscars, if they existed.
The Addisons Residence
456 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3When you find yourself in downtown Toronto in desperate need of some lawn bowling (so, often), head to The Addison’s Residence. The Wellington Street cocktail bar is at once a trendy watering hole for locals and an upscale games bar. And the patio, while totally game-ready with ping pong tables, AstroTurf and lawn bowling games, also hosts an inspired all-white seating area, plenty of greenery and fairy lights overhead – they like to call it Addison’s Backyard.
Montecito
299 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1P7Lit is a serious understatement when trying to describe the weekend patio vibes at this revered cocktail bar in downtown Toronto. Looking out onto Adelaide Street, the Montecito patio is stocked with tropical plants and intimate twosome tables. It’s also one of the city’s top spots for craft cocktails and people watching. We’re particularly partial to the La Muse Verte absinthe, served over a classic absinthe ice tower, but you can also score buck-a-shuck oysters and half-priced champagne on Friday nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Salut!
Lee Restaurant
601 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5Food doesn’t come cheap at this famed Asian restaurant from celebrity chef Susur Lee, but you’re guaranteed a blissful gastronomical journey when your order arrives. Combine that with the soft breeze of a summer evening and a stunning view down the King Street corridor as the sun sets, and you’re doing pretty well.
Brassaii
461 King W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4You’ll find two patios at this King West nightlife destination; the front sidewalk patio has a see-and-be-seen vibe thanks to its well-heeled clientele while the courtyard patio on the side of the building hosts a more relaxed feel. The Old World cobblestones, ambient lighting and mixed brick and wood give both outdoor spaces a cool vibe that’s worth experiencing. The restaurant serves up a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu and you can expect late-night dancing after the sun goes down.
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