Toronto’s best new patios this summer

This year’s best new patios come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique amenities—including raw bars, giant Jenga sets, retractable roofs and bocce ball courts. Every one of them is a prime place to sip on something cold while catching some rays (or playing it safe in the shade).

The Slip

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., no phone, theslip.ca

Good for: All-day sun, breeze off the lake and cocktail pitchers (or buckets of Corona). It’s Harbourfront Centre meets 90210.    

Bar Begonia

252 Dupont St., 647-352-3337, barbegonia.com

Good for: Cider on tap, shrimp cocktail from the spot’s new backyard raw bar and a game of bocce ball or cornhole (otherwise known as beanbag toss).    

The Walton

607 College St., 647-352-5520, thewalton607.com

Good for: Peace and quiet and Pimm’s Cups.    

Barhop Brewco

137 Peter St., 647-348-1137, barhoptoronto.com

Good for: Thirty-six kinds of craft beer on tap, snacks by chef Mark Cutrara (scotch olives, Ontario venison tartare, beer-braised brisket on a bun) and a bird’s-eye view of Queen West.    

Maple Leaf Tavern

955 Gerrard St. E., 416-465-0955, mapleleaftavern.ca

Good for: Kegged rye and gingers and chef Jesse Vallins’s crazy-good cheeseburger.    

El Rey

2A Kensington Ave., no phone, elreybar.com

Good for: Mezcal, mezcal, people-watching... and more mezcal.    

The Addisons

456 Wellington St., 416-260-9393, theaddisonsto.com

Good for: Boozy slushies and giant lawn games (Jenga, Connect 4, Tic Tac Toe) in the Addison family’s swanky backyard.    

Bandit Brewery

2125 Dundas St. W., 647-348-1002, banditbrewery.ca

Good for: Beer flights in adorably branded glassware and the chicken tails (or “chicken butts,” if you will) served with a spicy white barbecue sauce.    

Clocktower Bar

1210 Yonge St., no phone, clocktowerbar.ca

Good for: Coffee, cocktails and coffee-based cocktails, like the Straight Up (rum, Armagnac, espresso tincture, Bénédictine, Cointreau, cascara syrup, chocolate bitters).    

Macho Radio Bar

92 Fort York Blvd., 416-623-2323, machoradiobar.com

Good for: Potent pitchers of tequila-laced aguas frescas. And tacos, of course.    

Round the Horn

331 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-785-2123, @roundthehorn331

Good for: An all–hot dog menu (the Mac Daddy is a delicious mess of shredded lettuce, cheese, onions, pickles and secret sauce), tallboys of local beer and classic board games.    

Cactus Club

77 Adelaide St. W., 647-748-2025, cactusclubcafe.com

Good for: Networking over signature martinis (Flirtini, anyone?) to DJ sets—under a retractable roof.    

Bar Reyna

158 Cumberland St., 647-748-4464, barreyna.com

Good for: Five kinds of fully loaded fries and house cocktails like Her Royal Highness, a $30 number made with vodka, rum, saffron, cardamom and rosewater that’s served in a giant, bronze, pineapple-shaped goblet.

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