The top 10 patios for people watching in Toronto
People watching in Toronto is go-to activity during the summer months, and it's even better when it's on a patio with a cold drink in hand. Lucky for us, the city boasts loads of bars and restaurants with bustling patios that overlook lots of urban action.
Here are my picks for the top patios for people watching in Toronto.
Watch the muscle-tanked dudes saunter by and contemplate signing up for a little plastic surgery at this pool patio. If you're lucky, you might even catch a mermaid floating by. But seriously, you can get some solid cocktails here, and chill in private, flowing white cabanas.
Bright yellow fences along Queen West block off the Rivoli patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.
The Rivoli is one of the prime Queen West patios for taking in the street scene. If forced to choose from other options close by, the Rivoli has the edge on account of its size and street position.
Keep in the shade on the Kalendar patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.
The Little Italy restaurant is great destination for brunch and even better destination to people watch along College St. Trees and an awning provide ample shade so you can creep without fear of getting burnt.
La Societe's patio is always jam packed when temperatures begin to rise. Photo by Jesse Milns.
Settle in to the lower patio or a railing spot on the upper level, order a cocktail, and spy on the many bags marching by that cost four times your monthly rent. This restaurant does classic Parisian bistro cuisine and does some impressive cocktails.
One Restaurant's swanky patio can be found in the heart of Yorkville. Photo by Jesse Milns.
This might be the best place in Toronto to spot a Bugatti or Ferrari in Toronto. Gaze out at all the action on Yorkville Avenue as the premium cars cruise by and everybody tries their best to look like their bank account boasts seven figures.
Cocktails and Italian fare makes the Figo patio a must visit destination this summer. Photo by Jesse Milns.
Scope of the hustle and bustle of Adelaide and John on the comfort of this wrap around patio. It's one of the best spots to enjoy the outdoors in the Club District and it boasts tasty Italian eats.
Lee's slaw is best enjoyed on the restaurant patio with a cocktail. Photo by Jesse Milns.
King West is where the beautiful people are -- or at least that's a prevalent myth. Test it out by scoping out the street from the confines of Lee's patio, which offers front row seats to all the action near King and Portland. There's plenty of shade and the coleslaw is amazing.
Statler's boasts a small cozy patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.
There are, alas, only 14 precious seats on Statler's patio, but there's no better perch from which to spy on all the action going on in the Village below. Those who get to watch Pride from here are lucky ducks, indeed.
Take in the sights and sounds of Kensington Market on the Trinity Common patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.
This sun-drenched patio with picnic table seating can be found in the heart of Kensington Market. Sip on cocktails as crowds flood the area the second it gets warm out.
Make your way to Yonge St. to grab a seat on the Terroni Bar Centrale patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.
This Italian eatery boasts both a sidewalk and rooftop patio making it the spot to indulge in pizza and shameless people-watching in Rosedale.
Jesse Milns at Cabana Pool Bar. With files from Sarah Ratchford.
Join the conversation Load comments