Best Patio in Vancouver and British Columbia 2012
I wore a long-sleeve shirt and jeans this morning and my warm, up-to-minus-10-degrees hoodie and I realized this weather is way too hot for warm temperatures. So yes, people. I have officially declared this weather t-shirt and shorts (in my case, manpris) and sandals weather. I urge you to proceed to your nearest patio for a cold beverage. I am hereby listing some of my favorite patios (I may have forgotten a few).
LIFT BAR AND GRILL – I took my Mom here for martinis last year. I was wearing manpris and a polo t-shirt and sandals. Definitely fantastic martinis (on the slightly higher end of the scale at $11-13 per martini) but really strong and solid.
CHILL WINSTON – Owners of one of the best patios in Gastown (and probably all of the Lower Mainland), Chill Winston boasts some great drinks, and it’s now earned again its site in my favorite places for a cold stiff drink. Cocktails affordable as they start at $7.
Bridges on Granville Island – Well, almost anything on Granville Island is fantastic, but Bridges is a favorite of mine. And they did have at Mojito.
Milestones Crossroads – Boasting one of the best views of urban downtown Vancouver, Milestones Crossroads has always had a very special place in my heart. They hosted my birthday two years ago and always are there to partner with me for any contest giveaways. And their patio is fantastic. Bellinis, anyone?
Six Acres: Creators of one of the best Pimms in town, Six Acres is affordable (Pimms at $5.75 last time I was there), and unpretentious. And it’s in Gastown. Can’t wait to check it out again. I miss my dear friend Chris Walts with whom I used to go to Six Acres all the time.
IN NORTH VANCOUVER:
Arms Reach Bistro (Deep Cove) – Hands down, the most memorable meals I have had (and the best times I’ve enjoyed a patio) have been at Arms Reach Bistro. An amazing view of Indian Arm helps. Also, I celebrated my PhD defense here (JT brought me here for brunch; first time I had had a martini before noon). I thought I deserved it. I had, after all, just completed my doctorate!
IN RICHMOND, BC (STEVESTON)
Blue Canoe Restaurant seems to be a favorite, although I’ll confess I’m partial to Tapenade Bistro. I took my Mom to Tapenade Bistro for dinner last year as it was her birthday. One of the best meals we’ve had (thanks, Chef Alex Tung!)
IN NEW WESTMINSTER
Drink Urban Lounge is a lounge I have always liked for drinks and food, in New Westminster, but did you know that you can also sit on their patio?
IN VICTORIA, BC:
The Veranda at the Fairmont Empress – Strongest, best martinis I have had in a long while. And they’re affordable ($10). And they are made with such care.
IN PARKSVILLE:
The Pacific Prime at the Beach Club Resort: One of my favorite (and most sustainable hotels) in all of British Columbia, the Pacific Prime has awesome martinis and one of the most spectacular views (see below)
IN THE SUNSHINE COAST:
The Bonniebrook Lodge: A gorgeous bed and breakfast in Gibsons, on the Sunshine Coast, the Bonniebrook Lodge has a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Perhaps not a patio itself, but it’s so close to the water it almost counts for it.
I will be updating this list over the weekend and as I remember patios where I have had great drinks. How about you? Which patio is your favorite?
Those all sound like great Patios around town. One of my favourite parties is the “Flying Beaver” in Richmond near the YVR south terminal. Beautiful spot to watch the float planes take off and land.
Also anything in Steveston is great. đŸ™‚ especially on a beautiful sunny day…
Arms Reach Bistro, Deep Cove.
The Local. Hands down best patio in Vancouver.
On the roof of the Boathouse in White Rock at sunset
I have to say the new Catcus Club at English Bay has an amazing patio. It’s right on the beach – no road or anything between the restaurant and the waves.
There’s a nice spot at the Canoe Club in Victoria. A bit of space outside, just off Chinatown.