There is something distinctively welcoming about a pub atmosphere. It has the power to alter your mood – you shed any pretention and automatically relax and indulge in drinks, sports and conversation. Pubs with patios are even better. Now that we’re in the height of summer travel season, we picked our favourite patio pub in each Notable.ca city; Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver. Always an inviting option at the end of a hard-working, pavement-pounding day, pubs also make a welcomed resting place when exploring a new city this summer. Here are our favourite pub patios, as suggested by yours truly and our friends at Aveleda, our favourite wine of choice this summer.
Toronto: The Black Bull Tavern – 298 Queen Street West, Toronto
We love the Black Bull Tavern. Yes, it is an obvious choice, but it has been a staple as long as we can remember in a city of ever-changing bars and has always offered a sunny patio when they were once a rarity in Toronto. There is another reason, however, why we had to opt for the Black Bull; a patio session at the iconic venue inevitably also means an afternoon on Queen Street and its offerings of accessory shopping, vintage store hunting, gourmet espresso sipping and unwinding in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Highlights of the Black Bull include perfect people watching real estate (and there are many vibrant characters to see on Queen Street), an extensive beer selection, an unpretentious crowd, lots of sun, and perfectly greasy Sunday hangover food.
Calgary: Local 510 – 510 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Centrally located on 17th Ave and 4th Street, the best thing about Local 510 is the vibe. It is perfect for people watching and features an assortment of DJs at night. Though some of the dishes are amazing, like the tacos and paninis, don’t go solely for the food. The best thing about the place is the crowd and the energy, making it a favourite of ours for sipping a cold glass of wine or beer after a long day at the office. Highlights: Really good live music and DJs, one of Calgary’s best happy hours, and an artsy and edgy crowd minus the hipster pretention. Monday through Friday, 3:00-7:00pm, all hi-balls, non-imported draught and wines are just $5.10.
Montreal: Burgundy Lion – 2496 Notre Dame St W, Montreal
Burgundy Lion is one of those places where you stay way longer than expected. Although the atmosphere is as welcoming as a long established neighbourhood pub, its concept is anything but stale. Burgundy Lion fuses the traditional British pub with a very Montreal modern lounge bar and offers a unique, high quality twist on British pub cuisine. This untraditional twist is reflected in the food, drinks, service, and ambiance of the venue, which sets it aside from other pubs. Burgundy Lion has an impressive selection of traditional whiskeys and beers, as well as a modern cocktail and wine list selected by some of the city’s most seasoned wine and cocktail experts. The menu at Burgundy Lion keeps Montreal YPs coming back for the “same thing as last time” and gives patrons an opportunity to experience a unique take on traditional British fare. Because it feels like a home away from home, it still feels like a true British pub where you always see your friends and make new ones every time you visit. Highlights include bangers and mash (warning: it’s huge), English poutine with roast beef and the organic “Portobello Paul” veggie burger.
Vancouver: Tap and Barrel – 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC
If nothing else, check out Vancouver’s Tap and Barrel for its surroundings. Huge, uncluttered and located right on the SE False Creek seawall, the water, the view and a breezy summer evening make Tap and Barrel a great date option. It places a strong emphasis on local, making it a great option for visitors should you happen to hit the West Coast this summer. For those wishing to try something local, it features a wide selection of local craft beer and wines on tap or the unforgettable comfort food, which is, of course, locally sourced and made from scratch. An incredible selection of burgers includes options like the pb&j burger (chipotle peanut butter, bacon jam), the poutine burger (cheese curds, sea salt fries, red wine gravy), or the BBQ salmon burger. For the light eaters, Tap and Barrell offers easy additions to salads that go beyond the typical chicken, like albacore tuna, wild salmon, scallops and jumbo prawns. Other highlights include handcrafted pizza and a diet breaking-worthy brunch.
There you have it; four pub patios that are sure to please. Now, what are you waiting for? Summer won’t last forever.
Cover Image: Black Bull Tavern