It's time to come out of hibernation, Toronto. Winter may have only started creeping in, but most of us are already hiding under our covers waiting for the sun to come back.
But just because summer is well and truly over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop. While patio season in The 6ix is all too short, the city has a great solution that will keep you and your patio-hopping friends happy all winter long: Heated patios.
Instead of letting our harsh Canadian winters keep us indoors for most of the season, head to one of these super warm patios to enjoy a frosty cold one outdoors and without the frostbite. We've compiled only the hottest of the hottest patios, for those extra cold days:
The Drake Sky Yard
Where: 1150 Queen Street West // Toronto
Type: Various
Most popular item: Lobster nachos, Rum Diary
Price: 💸💸
The sky's the limit at the Drake Sky Yard's warm rooftop patio, which is highly celebrated and frequented by artists, musicians and trendy regulars all year long.
Gusto 101
Where: 101 Portland Street // Toronto
Type: Italian
Most popular item: Pizza
Price: 💸💸
This Italian eatery boasts a stylish rooftop space with a retractable cover that keeps this patio populated all year round. A great place to stop for hearty meals and dollar-per-ounce wine.
Cafe Belong
Where: 550 Bayview Ave // Evergreen Brick Works
Type: Cafe grab-and-go
Most popular item: Tostada, blueberry scones
Price: 💸💸
Head over to Evergreen Brickworks where you can enjoy some delicious, fresh organic food on a stellar, cozy heated patio all year long. Their farm-to-table mentality exudes sustainability.
Cold Tea
Where: 60 Kensington Ave // Kensington Market
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Type: Cocktail bar
Most popular item: Negroni cocktail
Price: 💸💸
Tucked away in Kensington Market is a bar that is fast becoming a cocktail destination for those looking to get away from the busy city streets. The backyard patio is heated and open all year long! They closed for renovations on November 1st but will be back in December, so keep an eye out.
The Pilot
Where: 22 Cumberland Street // Yorkville
Type: Sports bar/Jazz club
Most popular item: La Dolce Vita, nacho platter
Price: 💸💸
The Pilot's patio is dubbed The Flight Deck and has a huge space perfect for large groups with covered areas for those crazy Toronto weather days.
El Catrin
Where: 18 Tank House Lane // Distillery District
Type: Mexican
Most popular item: Margarita
Price: 💸💸
If you're looking for a little slice of Mexico in The 6ix, El Catrin is it. Not only are their margaritas and Tuna Ceviche Tostaditas reminiscent of warmer weather, but the heated patio is too. You’ll forget about Toronto’s harsh winters and imagine yourself on a tropical getaway.
Hemingway's
Where: 142 Cumberland Street // Yorkville
Type: New Zealand-inspired eatery
Most popular item: Sangria, North Shore Pie
Price: 💸💸
A perfect New Zealand-inspired oasis nestled amongst the shops in Toronto's bustling Yorkville. The restaurant serves up traditional pub food and is one of the liveliest year-round patios in the city. They've also got 24 beers on tap and an extensive cocktail list.
Cactus Club Cafe
Where: 77 Adelaide Street West // Toronto
Type: Bar
Most popular item: Tuna Stack
Price: 💸💸
Toronto's Cactus Club brings picture-perfect food, a warm patio and delicious drinks together for a night that's sure to be a hit. Their retractable roof on the third floor means the patio can be enjoyed all year long.
Big Crow
Where: 176 Dupont Street // Toronto
Type: Barbeque
Most popular item: Ribs
Price: 💸💸
Apart from having insanely good food, Big Crow also has an insanely cute patio. This place is a backyard BBQ all year round, thanks to its cozy barn-like building. This campfire-inspired venue also has blankets for those cold winter days.
Cadillac Lounge
Where: 1296 Queen Street West // Parkdale
Type: Pub grub
Most popular item: Pulled Pork Nachos
Price: 💸💸
The Cadillac Lounge in Parkdale has been slinging pints since 2000, hosting great live bands, community functions and fundraisers regularly. The Rock and Roll bar also has a massive heated patio, which is great for brunch, cocktails and even trivia.
Oliver & Bonacini
Where: 33 Yonge Street // Yonge and Front
Type: Italian
Most popular item: Mushroom soup
Price: 💸💸💸
If you're looking to rub shoulders with some of the city's wealthiest young professionals, this is the place to do it. Not only does O&B have an impressive cocktail and snack list, they also have a heated patio, which is a perfect escape from the city's busy streets.