The Best Backyard Patios in Toronto

The best backyard patios in Toronto make you feel as though you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. But as most people who try to snag a Saturday night or Sunday brunch spot know, the patios on this list are anything but undiscovered spots. These backyard patios offer all the boons of general sun-soaked patio goodness, with the extra bonus of relative privacy and little by way of pedestrian distraction. It's all of the pleasure of a patio with none of the pressure from would-be patrons waiting in line.

For more backyard (and other) patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide section or download our new Patio Guide iPhone app.

Here is the list of the best backyard patios in Toronto.

See also:

The best rooftop patios in Toronto
The best cafe patios in Toronto

The Cadillac Lounge
Hurray for outdoor (ish) billiards and a surprising amount of room. Despite Cadillac's somewhat humble front Queen St. visage, its back patio has room for literally hundreds of Parkdale locals and their cheap-pint-seeking friends. Covered and uncovered sections accommodate sun-seekers and dodgers alike, with an oh-so-subtle west end hipster vibe.

Bairrada Churrasqueira
For even cheaper pints (and even more room), it's up to College to Bairrada Churrasqueira's backyard space. This patio feels like a bona fide "backyard," offering a sea of picnic tables below a leafy canopy of mature trees. The main difference; your backyard typically doesn't come with flat screen TVs as to not miss a moment of the game.

Allen's
Allen's loyalists would say that few worldly things can rival its homemade burger out on its back patio. This space is all about the vibe (and yes, the aforementioned burger), usually hosting a mix of area locals along with Broadview and Danforth imports. For an unassuming, laid-back spot, this is your patio.

Reposado
A place for tequila-lovers, live music-enthusiasts, and all of those who can tolerate chairs with a slight recline. Reposado's back patio oozes "relaxation" with dark stained wood abound and creeping vines to offer a little green. Ideal for an early afternoon (tequila-laced) indulgence.

Union
Union's back patio has the whole charm thing down pat. Strung hanging lamps, chic communal seating, and poetry on painted concrete are just a few of Union's effortless "Ossington" elements, with a crowd heavily leaning towards the sophisticated and food-focused. Wine trumps beer six times out of ten.

Grand Electric
Grand Electric's patio is a newbie on the backyard scene but is quickly gaining traction due, in large part, to its pork belly tacos. The scene is unapologetically basic with picnic tables and wooden fences, and the menu is boasted proudly above the seating area for all to see. No surprise here that it's bourbon cocktails and margaritas all around.

Bar Neon
Oyster shucking and bourbon negronis; this is a "hey, where did those last five hours just go?" type patio. Bar Neon's back patio has turned a shipping crate into an oyster shack and picnic tables into something chic, offering a quaint little reclusive spot to escape the bustle over on Bloor.

Terroni (West Queen West)
For ambiance and al dente and a spot to impress your date, head to Terroni Queen West's back patio. With a fence adorned with Italian and a carafe on nearly every table, Terroni's patio is one for leisurely dining (despite the lineup) and intimate conversation. And for all of those reasons, expect a wait on a Saturday night.

Black Hoof
This fully-enclosed wooden space feels almost like backyard tree house, minus the modern black and white chairs and plates of premium charcuterie. But the mason jar candles certainly tow that rustic line.

Cold Tea
Cold Tea's backyard patio is open and airy with a healthy dose of kitsch. The seating is communal (an introvert's nightmare), meaning you're more than likely to strike up conversation with a stranger over dim sum and a cocktail. Checkered white and red tablecloths work together with industrial blue stools to tout that artsy Kensington Market feel.

3 Speed
Who would've thought you could find such charm so close to Dufferin and Bloor? 3 Speed touts a bit of fairytale vibe with eclectic mismatched chairs, strung Christmas lights, crawling vines, and a wooden canopy. The wood-burning oven, of course, is the pièce de résistance. It's almost enough to drown out the roar from the Walmart Supercentre down the road.

Shanghai Cowgirl
All-day breakfast and a high-fence enclosure. Shanghai Cowgirl is perfect for those mornings after wherein huge sunglasses and relative privacy are near requirements. This back patio is all wood and umbrella, meaning you probably won't be judged if you arrive in last night's clothes. An area favourite for a casual pint.