Ceili`s Irish Pub and Restaurant
Every East Coast man knows that a gruff, mumbled accent, a fondness for the brewski and a supremely executed jig to lively Irish music is the key to a West Coast woman’s heart – Van City metrosexuals watch out! The former Sky Bar location has opened up what was the exclusive patio to a less philistine more plebian crowd of partiers who have a penchant for all things Alexander Keith. The outdoors environment is perfect for mixing, schmoozing and boozing with members of the opposite sex while soaking in the summer sun and perhaps getting jiggy to some East Coast fiddling tunes. -E.J. $$. 670 Smithe Street, 604-697-9199.



Chill Winston
Quickly, Chill Winston has become a hipster magnet. The décor, fun waitstaff and well-balanced drinks beckon and encourage splurges and spur-of-the-moment gatherings. Their by-the-glass wine list is more impressive then some of their competition’s full wine lists by the bottle. Sample your favourite or go for a flight on the massive patio some summer sunset soon. –MBO. $$. 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-288-9575.



CinCin
As the menu will tell you, locals and visiting ‘star’ types congregate here for West Coast fare from the open kitchen and the wood-fired grill, oven, and rotisserie. It's the sort of place where you can get a grade-driven Italian dinner and a bottle of wine while ogling the ongoing Robson Street parade from the Mediterranean-inspired patio. The covered patio is bathed in a warm glow from the awning-filtered sun and the tables are set to the nines. If it weren’t for the lush and plentiful plant-life throughout and the intermittent chortle of a passing thrush, you’d think you were dining within the confines of four walls and a roof. –MBO. $$$$. 1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-688-7338.



Crave
With a not-so-subliminal message in its title, this suggestive restaurant has ingrained itself in the minds and stomachs of Van diners. Since Crave opened its little doors, area dwellers have approached in droves, dropping in to see if the new eatery is up to par and staying to lounge, linger and relish what they’ve found. Park yourself on the back terrace, if you can find a vacant seat. An additional 40 people can cram onto the private enclosed space that feels like a friend’s trendy backyard. An herb garden and fountain accompany you to add a distinctive touch to the space. –L.H. $$$. 3941 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-872-3663.



The Dockside Restaurant
While most of Van’s hipster patios will refuse you entry for misplacing your Bruno Maglis (OJ’s famous trial footwear) or dropping the wrong name at the door, here is one to dine to the nines on the cheap. Why do tippling hipsters flock to The Dockside Patio? Is it dockside yacht parking service? The supremely selected wine list? Or the ambiance fueled by Seinfeld “hellos!” and the accompanying laughter? Actually, the draw of this smooth and sexy patio is location - namely, at the Granville Island Hotel, where the fabulously rich and wealthy board while keeping eye on their precious Marquis in the harbour. - S.W. $$$$. 1253 Johnston Street, 604-685-7070.



Fiddlehead Joe's Eatery and Bar
Does Fido need a frolic in the water? Take a break from all that stick tossing by parking your keister at this corner-hugging, seaside restaurant (located on Vancouver’s seawall) with a signature Chaitini drink. The impressive views of the yachts you hope to someday have, picaresque views of the English Bay Channel and entertaining views (via binocs) of the pigeons being fed by THOSE people across the water on Granville Island leave patrons of Fiddlehead Joe’s with plenty of patio chatter. If you’re drinking solo, the constant flux of sexy (though sweaty) spandex-suit sporting joggers passing by will be enough eye candy to prolong the lazy patio day. - B.J. $$. 1-1012 Beach Avenue, 604-688-1969.



Havana
Cuba’s revolutionary reputation has traveled to the BC patio scene via Havana at this Commercial Drive locale. “Que?” might be your first response, but one blissfully relaxing afternoon of sipping on Mojitos will quickly calm any qualms you might have with rebel spirit. Havana resto’s wrought iron division from the street does as much to separate the tasty spot from The Drive as it does embrace it. The allure of this Latin spot has as much to do with the cheap drinks as it does with watching the eclectic Commercial Drive inhabitants of the area walk on by, and there’s no better spot to do it than Havana’s patio. A mix of funk and Cuban distress, and an art gallery in the back makes Havana a refreshing alternative to the luxurious, sometimes still-too-city feel of downtown patios. If the drink selection doesn’t keep your feet firmly planted, the wafting scent of weed in the air from neighboring Grandview Park surely will. Fortunately, there’s a sweet selection of nachos and munchies on the menu - after all, this is the Drive. - B.J. $$. 1212 Commercial Drive, 604-253-9119.



Il Giardino Di Umberto
Everyone knows Italians do wine so well, but who knew they did patios even better? The fragrant herbs lining the wooden patio fence are enough to induce a Pavlovian reaction so be sure to bring napkins. The backyard feel is akin to a Tuscan trattoria that relies on a family feel despite the exclusive al fresco dining environment that one would assume only the wealthy could afford. A rustic elegance is equally met with the cuisine that is understated and simply delicious. Secluded from everything but its own serenity, Il Giardino’s patio is a great place to find tranquility, true Italian eats and the opportune moment to burst into Dean Martin’s classic hit when the moon actually hit’s your dining partner’s eye. Now that’s amore! - B.J. $$$. 1382 Hornby Street, 604-669-2422.