Toronto Patio Guide: Kensington Market
Kensington Market has patios for almost every taste. From Amadeu's to The Embassy to Hot Box Cafe to Torito, there are patios to indulge, imbibe, inebriate and caffeinate. There are tiny patios, backyard patios, ramshackle patios and vegan patios. Looking for a patio? You've come to the right place.
Here's a rundown of 20 of the best patio options in Kensington Market.
Ronnie's Local
On Nassau Street just west of Augusta, the always packed Ronnie's is one of the best patios in the city. Kick back in the unshielded sun with a Stratford Common or Great Lakes Devil's Pale Ale and discuss the merits of growing up in the Soo.
The Embassy
Arrive early if you want to snag a seat on this tiny, enclosed west-facing patio on Augusta. There's good craft beer on tap and a menu featuring sandwiches and burgers from Freshwood Grill around the corner.
El Trompo
For Mexican street-eats in the sun, El Trompo's patio on Augusta can't be beat. Pair the best tacos and guacamole in the Market with some Mexican soda, margaritas or fresh horchata. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Amadeu's
A year after the tragic death of its owner, Amadeu's at the corner of Augusta and Denison shows no ill effects as it still has one of the most happening patios in the area. Big pitchers of beer and sangria, as well as a variety of Portuguese eats, keep patrons happy.
Aspetta
A smattering of wooden tables and chairs front this Italian cafe on Augusta, almost directly across the street from Amadeu's. Cappuccino, beer, wine and panini are all on the menu. On weekend afternoons they often feature live music.
Supermarket
Just south of College on Augusta, this east-facing patio doesn't open until 5pm. But it's a good place to grab some drinks, pad thai and an Asian-inspired dinner in the Market.
Torito
This popular tapas restaurant has the nicest back patio in the 'hood. West-facing, it's a sublime spot to catch the sunset, nibble on grilled sardines and try a couple of bottles of Spanish beer.
Krepesz
If Hungarian crepes and 49th parallel coffee are on the agenda, grab one of the six tables on this small, west-facing Augusta Avenue patio. It closes early so it's more of a breakfast, lunch or daytime option.
KOS
At the corner of Nassau and Bellevue, KOS and its large north-facing patio serves up decent lunch and brunch fare along with Steam Whistle, MIll St. and Flying Monkey on tap.
I Deal Coffee
With the former owners now in Costa Rica, I Deal on Nassau might not have the magic it once did, but the dilapidated chairs and benches on the front patio still present one of the more unique hangouts in the city to savour an Espresso.
Moonbean Coffee
For those who can't deal with I Deal, the front patio at Moonbean on St. Andrews is a worthy alternative to indulge in excellent java, plenty of loose leaf tea or a cookie.
Wanda's Pie in the Sky
The city's favourite pie emporium now serves ice cream which staff say is "just like having pie in a cone". Or why not just go for apple pie a la mode and take a seat on their patio which curls around the north-east corner of Oxford and Augusta.
Urban Herbivore
This vegan restaurant isn't licensed but they do make an awesome lemonade which makes for a near-perfect accompaniment to a sandwich or salad, best enjoyed on their street side patio across Augusta from Wanda's.
La Palette
This eclectic French bistro makes sure its paisley table cloths make an appearance on its small front patio. Tables are tiny and not great for large crowds. Open for dinner during the week as well as weekend brunch.
Waterfalls Indian Tapas
For better than you'd expect Indian food, head to Waterfalls west-facing patio. Where else on Augusta are you going to find strawberry lassis and butter chicken? They also have pitchers of Mill St. and a surprisingly long list of flavoured mohitos.
Burger Bar
This is the only place in the city where bison burgers and vegan stew happily co-exist on the same menu. Its front patio is where carnivores and their vegan friends agree to disagree over a late lunch. Excellent cocktails and plenty of tequila available.
Jumbo Empanadas
Empanadas. Empanadas. Empanadas. Big ones. Er, jumbo ones. What more else is there to say? Nice west-facing patio and Toronto's best empanadas, all fresh and hot out of the oven.
Last Temptation
This rough and tumble patio on Kensington Avenue near Dundas draws a loyal clientele for all day breakfast, red and white sangria and seven beers on tap.
Baldwin Cafe
Formerly Shai's Cafe, Baldwin Cafe has since re-branded, but still has a decent enough back patio to grab a coffees, soup, sandwich or some all day breakfast.
Hot Box Cafe
Found at the back of Roach O Rama, the Hot Box cafe might look like it's for potheads only, but it's not! The back patio is always hoppin' and sandwiches here take on thematic names like the Tuna Blunt Wrap and the Ganja Lovers Grilled Cheese. Smoothie pitchers run 10 bucks.
A special thanks to Bud Light Lime for sponsoring this section. Watch for 14 more neighbourhood patio profiles in the weeks to come.
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