Page 1 of 4
o assist in the pursuit for the absolute best patios in town, we, the divine editorial staff at martiniboys.com, assiduously visited each and every patio reviewed here, and carefully tested the solidity of the patio chairs, the timeliness of the beats and juiciness of the limes. We engaged in an extensive hands-on investigation of the alcoholic beverages themselves, after which we rushed home to regurgitate bountiful notes and reviews (and to catch the last few minutes of CSI Miami of course). Here are the Best Patios in Vancouver.
Backstage Lounge
The patio at the Backstage Lounge is the alcohol annex for artsy Emily Carr students. Uni kids flock to this cozy Granville Island patio in droves, and professors (give or take the occasional priest as well) have been known to pontificate from a patio chair on many a sunny afternoon, so be sure to saddle up with a stiff drink for the Dr. in exchange for some bonus marks. Spicy chicken wings, nachos and cheap drinks are this institution's specialty (and the resulting raucous behaviour), with an entertainment emphasis on local acts (Jet’s Overhead anyone?). And just in case it wasn't already obvious, this is not a good place to go on a first date, unless of course you are in fact a student. - R.L. $$. 1585 Johnston Street, 604-687-1354.
The Beach House
Ahem, um, it's like, well, um. Okay, I'm stammering because I can't get over the breathtaking vistas and atmosphere at the Beach House. When I think of beach houses I think of ramshackle (I can't believe that that's a word), cobbled together, peeling-paint white wind suckers: not so with this 1912-built, airy and beautiful spot. Looking out at the Ocean and back at the city from the blithe confines (though, not the least bit confining) of the patio, the Beach House is one of the best pressed-suit romantic dinner destinations in the country (yes, I said (wrote) it). –MBO. $$$$. 150 25th Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-922-1414.
Blue Water Cafe
Blue Water Cafe has been mobbed by casually hip diners since it opened, and for good reason: Both Chef Frank Pabst’s menu and service are excellent. The reasonably authentic menu items sampled (the best wild seafood) were pleasing, with the exception of the oddly dry Arctic Char, but the crowning achievement was the huge plate of Kobe Beef Short Ribs, with kumquats, and reduced braising juices with sherry. Blue water: so much better than brown water. - R.L. $$$. 1095 Hamilton Street, 604-688-8078.
The Boathouse Restaurant
This English Bay seafood stop reminds me of Maine (minus the yuppie East Coast accents of course). If you can get a seat in the sun on their upstairs deck overlooking English Bay it’s best you keep it (or fight tooth and nail for it) - you’ll soon be the envy of the hoards of others waiting to be packed together on the 14 step walk up for seats. The view of the water is best enjoyed while sipping on a pitcher of sharable Sangria (red OR white) or slurping up a serving of West Coast seafood chowder on your lonesome as the case may be. Breathe in deep for that salty sea air because when the sun sets in front of you, you’ll be happy as a clam. - B.J. $$. 1795 Beach Avenue, 604-669-2225.
Brix
Brix provides a romantic ambiance in a wine bar (because nothing says romance/coitus like booze) setting, with what many believe to be the best patio/courtyard in the city. Located in a heritage building, the menu has a corresponding old-school vibe, though heavily seasoned by innovation. Try the Quebec Wentzel Duck or the Togarashi Grilled Veal Chop. A perpetual "best of" favourite, Brix, thankfully and iconoclastically, lacks acclaim-induced bravado. Lay that. -S.T. $$$. 1138 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-915-9463.
Caffe Barney
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to down a rhythm and blues sungod or sip on a pale red truck, Caffe Barney is the place for you. The unpretentious and consistently good café carries a stellar roster of twelve micro brews including R&B Sungod and Red Truck Pale Ale. Go for beers in the back this summer. Barney’s quaint patio is tucked in an alleyway behind the restaurant. The quiet, sun drenched hideaway is a great place to get away from the bustle of your day-to-day grind. –J.T. $$$. 2975 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-731-6446.
Cat’s Meow
Any Vancouver resident (cum amateur real estate agent) knows why these three outdoor eateries make the patio cut in one lump sum: location, location, location. All situated on the bird friendly, tourist friendly Granville Island (watch out for those “lucky” bird droppings), each of these restaurants are a stone’s throw from the next. If you find one deck full (or get kicked off due to boisterous drunken behaviour), there’s another round the corner that will likely accommodate if you can stumble that far. All boast reasonably priced menus with their own unique flares on tradition (squid French fries and Salmon burgers), and all cater to the lover of sipping, especially in the sun. Have a glass of vino, or order the bottle and keep it in a chiller and kick back for a while though be sure to steer clear from the cruise charter riff raff. While
Bridges and
Sandbar boast the better views of English Bay and Vancouver’s West End, the Cat’s Meow gives the alternative land lover a quaint duck pond to visually feast upon (fortunately foie gras isn’t on the menu). What matters so much more than the view is the fact that you’re actually in the sun. - B.J. $$. 1540 Old Bridge Street, 604-647-2287.
The Cambie
The wrong-side-of-the-tracks vibe ends on The Cambie patio where nothing says home (or heart attack) like a beer and a burger for $5.50 to the tunes of hip hop, heavy metal or Rock n’ Roll. The Cambie’s well-worn patio may be many worlds away from Starbucks territory (which we can all agree is a good thing),
The wrong-side-of-the-tracks vibe ends on The Cambie patio where nothing says home (or heart attack) like a beer and a burger for $5.50. |
but no one comes here expecting yuppie class anyway. This modest little Gastown retreat induces instant repose with an international clientele that spans the gamut of age, ethnic backgrounds, accents and partying proficiency thanks to the hostel lodgings within. With a kind of DIY elegance and a sealed deal just a few cheap beers away, it manages to mix the parlor of youth with playfulness of ambiguity. - S.W. $$. 300 Cambie Street, 604-684-6466.
MBO Vancouver :: Articles
