Black Bull Tavern
Disparate, pretty, and desperate pedestrian traffic, the Black Bull might not be on your radar, but it probably should be. Why? Because cheap, potent drunks are the order of the day at this 800 lb. gorilla of a patio. You’ve been to this type of patio before and you know you loved it. It’s not a place to take your parents or impress a first date, but a great location to pass out with your drinking buddies. Grab some Jagermeister shots with that bastard from next door. You know he’ll be up for it. - P.B. $$. 298 Queen Street West, 416-593-2766.



Bymark
Because it churns out quality cocktail goods, Bymark's concrete patio is not only qualifies as a casual bar, but also as serious Champagne territory. If you’re hell-bent on high-end drinking, try testing out Bymark mixology by ordering one (or ten) of their satisfyingly strong vodka martinis. The seasonal menu features braised rabbit with grain mustard and an elevated arrangement of braised onions, seared rosemary-scented yellow fin tuna and a crisp skin salmon with a Japanese influence. Even though Bymark's patio can get cramped, rest assured that the $18 drinks are poured with a heavy hand. S.W. $$$$$. 66 Wellington W, 416-777-1144.



C Lounge
Young party-goers drop by C Lounge for a few drinks before an evening of clubbing and after inevitably failing to score, they return to drown their sorrows on designer martinis. C’s patio feels like Ocean Drive to the core; the atmosphere's all there: low leather couches, rows of candles, sleek, polished wood, and a much ballyhooed wading pool. C Lounge is now and always will be one of the city’s in-the-know patios. It’s not going anywhere and if you’ve never been before, then you’re clearly not cool. Sorry, but it’s true. Expect a full crowd Platinum Card owners. A lot of money will be spent. - MBO $$$$. 456 Wellington Street West, 416-260-9393.




Cafe Diplomatico
A hero amongst the always happy souse and sit patio set, The Dip is a humble hole in the wall with a great view of the College Street parade. Located on the west edge of the College Strip, this spot is a pure patio pleasure and the perfect spot for an afternoon dedicated to a good book n’ a pitcher. The unconventional furniture, bright palette, and mixed-bag clientele make this friendly restaurant a huge draw. One of the few bars in the U of T area that isn’t overrun with pesky students...and you wouldn’t want to be surrounded by them now would you?- S.W. $. 594 College Street, 416-534-4637.



Chelsea Room
This local hangout might seem a bit intimidating when you first step onto the patio, but fear not. The natives may be restless, but they don’t bite...well, not unless you bite first anyways. The owners blast music loud enough to energize the place, but don’t worry, it’s not all over whelming house tracks. There are still plenty of quiet and relaxing tunes as well. If you're cash-strapped, there's no better place suck back a cool frosty beer. The place boats an electric party atmosphere, but mixes in as many mature customers (aka moderately creepy cougars and old dudes) with all the energetic youngsters. Be prepared for postcard view of beautiful Dundas West. Because you’re getting it whether you want it or not.-P.B. $$. 923 Dundas Street West, 416-364-0553.



Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel
Feel like being treated like an over-pampered diva for an evening? Then Drake's Sky Yard patio is the place for you. The atmosphere has the same exclusionary urban attitude as the rest of the hotel, pulling in a solid crowd of elitist hipsters. The aesthetic transcends its kitschy origins and ventures into classy, while the mood is generally upbeat (a rarity in the cynical hipster community). Some of the city's most congenial bartenders work with remarkable alacrity, especially on the weekends, when the place often goes beyond uncomfortably crowded.-MBO $$$. 1150 Queen Street West, 416-531-5042.