BEST PATIO’S
IN TORONTO
Patio season is finally here. After another long winter (and maddening, mercurial spring), it’s time to pull
up a chair outside, then stay there until well after Labour Day. We tend to make the most of our summer
heat, which is why you’ll likely end up jockeying for space no matter what patio you end up on – but
here’s where the connoisseurs (and by that we mean us) will be drinking this summer, from tried-and-
true haunts to brand-new territory. Hit the deck!
El Rey, the just-opened Oaxaca-themed mezcal
bar and kitchen from Grant van Gameren (his third
venture in three years) is quickly becoming Kens-
ington’s colourful new cornerstone. Lounge on the
no-frills front patio and explore dozens of mezcals,
from wild-harvested tepeztate to more common
espadin, while munching on spicy salted peanuts
flecked with crispy chapulines (grasshoppers)
EL REY MEZCAL BAR
2A KENSINGTON. TORONTO
This King West beer bar snagged way more real es-
tate for its novel pub food and unusual craft suds
lineup when it opened a three-floor sister location
at Queen and Peter last year. That goes quadruple
for their patios – compared to the postage stamp
streetside at King, this glorious, spacious rooftop
deck, complete with its own set of craft taps and a
gorgeous view of Queen West, is a winner..
22
4GUYS.CA
BAR HOP QUEEN WEST
137 PETER. TORONTO