Five best patios for a drink on the east side

Photo: Dean Seguin

From happy-hour pints to leisurely nightcaps, patio season is in full effect. On the street, in the back up above, take advantage of the prime season by sitting down for a cold one on a hot summer night (or day, we don't judge) at one of these five outdoor spots on the east side.

CEILI COTTAGE

The patio at Ceili Cottage is one of few in the city that can lay claim to being in use year-round. In spring and summer, the inviting outdoor terrace — complete with white-picket fence and blooming flower boxes —  is Leslieville's quintessential street patio for post-work hangs right through to late-night shenanigans. Come winter, the tables are removed and the space becomes home to a cozy, heated yurt perfect for hunkering down on a cold night.

1301 Queen St. E
ceilicottage.com

McGUGAN'S

You wouldn't guess it from the street, but the secluded back patio at McGugan's features two levels of outdoor space including a beautifully appointed rooftop deck. High walls make things feel private, while overhead string lights create a glowing ambiance on warm summer evenings. And if it's cool, there are heaters to keep the party going... late — the patio is one of the only in the neighbourhood open all night.

1058 Gerrard St. E
mcgugans.com

MURPHY'S LAW

A rarity in the east end, Murphy's Law has a three-storey rooftop patio that towers over the corner of Queen and Kingston Road and provides superb sightlines into The Beaches. If heights aren't your thing, the pub also has a popular street-level patio at the entrance as well as a large back patio making for a massive amount of outdoor space.

1702 Queen St. E
murphyslaw.ca

STRATENGERS

Dirt-cheap beer and food, plus a casual, neighbourly atmosphere make sitting on Stratengers' sidewalk patio a local ritual. There's plenty of room to stretch out, and it's not uncommon to see lively groups on the party train mixed with young families having a bite and the odd pooch laying low. Strats, as it's locally known, is usually the first to open in spring and last to close in the fall, and you can bet that you'll see people holding court under its canopy of trees well before they've budded till long after the leaves are gone.

1130 Queen St. E
stratengers.com

HITCH

The dark, homey interior of Hitch Bar sits in direct contrast to its bright, airy back patio of nearly the same size. Just as laidback on the outside, a tall fence provides seclusion for grabbing a coveted spot at one of several wooden tables furnished with benches that provide plenty of seating to go around.

1216 Queen St. E
hitchlimited.com