The Best Summer Patios in Edmonton
Summer in Edmonton is patio-season! When the temperatures rise, it's time to take advantage of the city's best outdoor dining options. The restaurants, bars and gastropubs listed below are just some of Edmonton's best spots to dine al fresco. Follow this hit-list and get ready to enjoy those long, hot summer nights... you're never alone with a cold drink in hand!
Edmonton Explored: Best Summer Patios
Let local DJ and entrepreneur, Joses Martin, show you some of the city's best spots to chow down under the open sky!
Keep it Downtown
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
The North Saskatchewan River Valley is the crown jewel of Alberta’s capital – and the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has front row seats. Grab a cocktail and take in everything from the Muttart Conservatory’s pyramids piercing the skyline, to the Segway riders cruising through the trails just down below.
Must Try: The Mac’s Sensational Iced Tea
Riverside Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott is neighbours with Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, and you know what that means – awesome views! The Riverside Bistro is the perfect place to watch all the bikers, rollerbladers (wait, do people still rollerblade?), and joggers.
Must Try: Classic Margarita
Rocky Mountain Ice House
Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Edmonton, is Rocky Mountain Ice House. It's one of the best spots to stop for a beverage after a morning of outdoor shopping along 104th Street. The city literally goes out of its way to make sure patios like this one expand in the summer, adding an extended boardwalk out into the street.
Must Try: The Jasper Ave. Cocktail
Central Social Hall
If drinks for $3.50 during happy hour hasn't got your attention, then what are you doing reading this blog? Just kidding. Central Social Hall has the perfect patio for sipping ice-cold drinks with your pals. This spot has also undergone some major renovations recently and now holds two good sized patios. Both are well sheltered and have umbrellas-a-plenty—perfect for those lazy summer days.
Must Try: The London Cocktail
Craft Beer Market
Craft has an unbelievable rooftop patio. They’ve definitely changed the patio game: welcome to the most popular spot in downtown Edmonton. Go on, kick your feet up, and pick a pint from Canada’s largest selection of draft beer.
Must Try: one of the local beers on tap.
Parlour
Pizza and Peroni on the patio? Yes please! Parlour’s courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a pint or prosecco. Choose one of their unique dishes, like a signature or custom made pizza, and don't forget dessert!
Must Try: keep it simple with The Queen, Parlour’s take on the classic Margherita pizza.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
It’s no mystery, Sherlock Holmes Pub has a patio seat and a cold beer with your name on it. This classically British food joint joins Craft Beer Market and Tres Carnales on Rice Howard Way. It's known as a great spot to get bangers and mash pit on your downtown weekend patio hop.
Must Try: Fish and Chips
Venture over to Whyte Avenue
The Next Act, MEAT & Pip
These three sister patios are highly sought after on a sunny day and sit right next door to each other. From Next Act's legendary burgers to MEAT's brisket to Pip's ultra-cool cocktails - these spots make it on every local's top go-to spots for affordable and delicious meals.
Must Try: The Critic Burger from The Next Act. It's the best burger in Edmonton.
MKT
MKT has an enormous patio so you can really soak up the sun. With dozens of beers on tap (60 to be exact) and even more in bottles (also 60), MKT is a beer and patio lover’s paradise. It’s in a pretty handy location too, right in the heart of Old Strathcona with plenty of parking.
Must Try: Dragon’s Breath Mojito
Black Dog
Overlooking Whyte Avenue, the garden patio atop Black Dog is a casual place to hang with your closest pals. The aptly named Wooftop patio (get it?) is a local favourite and a great place to enjoy a brew on a sizzling summer day.
Must Try: pretty well any beer should do it.
Julio’s Barrio
Right in the heart of Old Strathcona, you can sit street-side while gulping down your favourite Bulldog (if you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out). So turn that frown… and Corona upside-down and snag a prime spot to take in Whyte Ave at Julio's Barrio.
Must Try: The “Dog”tor Pepper Bulldog
El Cortez
What’s better than a patio? Two patios, that’s what. El Cortez has a backyard fit for a Mexican fiesta on the ground level, equipped with funky, bright patterned cushions and jugs of Sangria aplenty. Chase the blues away on Margarita Monday’s while you people watch on the Front Patio.
Must Try: Churros with Warm Caramel Sauce & views of the vibrant Okuda mural.
Cafe Mosaics
Another "small but mighty" choice with an artistic twist. Usually, Cafe Mosaics patio only hosts a few tables, but last year this vegan cafe built out a geometric seating area just off of the sidewalk, making for a very stylish hangout.
Must Try: Stay Gold Pony Boy, Stay Gold
Spotlight Cabaret
Spotlight Cabaret is a restaurant, bar, rooftop patio, and live venue that showcases dinner theatre, burlesque, drag, improv, comedy and live music. Take in the unforgettable “roaring twenties” themed atmosphere, while soaking up the sun on the spacious rooftop patio.
Must Try: dinner and a show!
Explore These Other Areas
Sugarbowl
A local favourite, the Sugarbowl has over 70 years of experience wooing people with cocktails and delicious snacks. The restaurant is a favourite hangout for University of Alberta students—it is just around the corner after all! This charming neighbourhood restaurant has an assortment of beer that will blow your mind! With over 100 different global beers to taste, you'll keep coming back for more, and more and more!
Must Try: The Cinnamon Buns (get ‘em early before they’re gone!)
Little Brick
Want a super relaxing atmosphere off the beaten path? Then Little Brick is the spot for you. This historic home-turned-cafe has a roomy patio in its backyard and sandwiches that are to die for. Pair your grub with a local beer or frothy cappuccino and the livin' is easy.
Must Try: Breakfast Sandwich
Café Bicyclette
Do you speak French? No? Okay. Do you like French food though? Good, because that’s all you need to enjoy Café Bicyclette. Situated in the French Quarter and specializing in French-country fare (with a twist), Café Bicyclette is a pretty awesome place to visit on a bike ride. During the summer months, you can also take in some local music every Thursday during the Servus Patio Series. Bonus: they even keep their patio open during the winter!
Must Try: The Jardin Bicyclette.
Bodega Highlands
Hit the Highlands this summer and you’ll be as hooked as we are on all things Bodega. Tapas are all about sharing, so we want to give you the gift of knowing that there is perfect sangria waiting for you in the quiet, tree-lined streets of the Highlands.
Must Try: Piri Piri Prawns
Biera
Nestled in a residential area just south of Whyte Avenue, this hip gastropub has the perfect summer patio. With string lights that sparkle in the night and a cozy atmosphere, Biera is a great place to hang with friends. Share a few dishes, and taste the brews made in-house by Blind Enthusiasm Brewing.
Must Try: Sunflower Seed & Rye Risotto
La Petite Iza
Located on Eleanor & Laurent's uppermost floor, the patio at La Petite Iza is nothing short of spectacular. Picturesque views of the city skyline pair perfectly with the high-end cuisine. This fine dining experience will leave your heart and your belly full!
Must-Try: Parisian Gnocci and Spring Vegetables. Just do it.
