Ottawa’s Best Patios – Do you have a favourite?
Well folks, the sun is warm across out backs, there are creeks of melting snow and we know that all of you are starting to experience the shivers of excitement that accompany the opening of Patio Season in the City of Ottawa! We have waited 5 long, cold, snowy months to feel Mother Nature’s rays of sunshine and here we are at the cusp of the new season. No doubt some of our fine establishments will be opening their patios this weekend as the weather hits the double digits!
Why are we so excited for patio season? Because we are essentially social creature, looking for connections, interactions and any opportunity to just plain old feel good. Most of us have enjoyed simply people watching on a patio, but more likely, we have laughed with friends and colleagues, had “meaning of life” discussions, and made new friends…all from quenching our thirst and absorbing some vitamin D!
We thought we would help you out with a list of some of the most popular patios around town, but we know some of you have your favourites…so from all of us at BGM Real Estate Team – go out and find a patio, invite friends, make friends, load up on those warm rays of sunshine…and let us know if you find, or know of, any other awesome patios in town.
by Chris Lakner
Find your place in the sun. Our guide to Ottawa’s best patios covers your best bets for sun, suds, sangria, vino and vitamin D.
Clarendon Court: Secluded and cobblestone, its four restaurant patios feel European; discover the magic behind the shops on Sussex Drive, between George and York Streets, including spots like The Social and Courtyard Restaurant.
The Social: 537 Sussex Dr.
Courtyard Restaurant: 21 George St.
Earl of Sussex Pub: The best sun and sud combo in the market.
Earl of Sussex patio.
The Highlander Pub: A place to people watch with eyes on the market’s pedestrian traffic.
Cornerstone Bar and Grill: This market hotspot is a place to be seen.
Murray Street: This leafy patio screams romance. And the charcuterie, cheese boards and wine list will only help matters.
Métropolitain Brasserie: Steps away from the Chateau Laurier and Parliament. Grab a table or an outdoor sofa.
La Terrasse: Even the sunbeams feel more elegant at this seasonal patio.
La Terrasse patio at Chateau Laurier. Courtesy Ottawa Tourism.
Elgin and Sparks Streets
D’Arcy McGee’s: Spot Ottawa’s who’s who at this upscale watering hole named after a Father of Confederation.
Fox and Feather: Terrific topside patio with a bird’s-eye view of the bustling Elgin strip.
Pancho Villa: Pancho’s margaritas, daiquiris, sangrias and pina coladas are as big in size as they are in flavour. It might not be Cancún, but close your eyes on the sunny patio and it will feel mighty close.
Pancho Villa’s patio.
The Glebe
Feleena’s Mexican Cantina: Sangria, anyone?
Irene’s Pub: Discover the hidden courtyard patio at this live music hotspot.
Little Italy
Pub Italia: Ireland enjoys a bit of Italy’s sun.
Pub Italia patio.
Westboro/Hintonburg
Tennessy Willems: Small but sublime. Come for the pizza, stay for the sunshine.
Churchills: P is for patio… and Public House.
Water View
Canal Ritz patio on the Rideau Canal.
Dow’s Lake: Three restaurant patios overlook the lake’s busy birds and boaters. Choose your own adventure between Malone’s Lakeside Grill, Baja Grill and Lago.
Canal Ritz: This classy canal-side gem is boat traffic central.
Mill Street Brew Pub: Located near the Canadian War Museum on LeBreton Flats, this historic gristmill turned brewpub is also the perfect stop along the Ottawa River bike path.
