The Drake is super-excited to host you on our patios again starting June 14, but in the meantime, we thought we’d spread a little love around. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite patios in two Drake-adjacent ‘hoods so you can properly map your day or night out — whether patio hopping is your pregame or the whole game plan. Three cheers for the return of patio season! Stop by one of our fave locals, grab a sip and a nibble, and raise a glass to the return of summer.
Junction Triangle/Roncesvalles
Drake Commissary (128A Sterling Rd, website)
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For brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between, The Commissary (oh, hi!) serves up snacks, full meals and libations for every occasion just steps from Sterling Rd and the Railpath. Snag a seat under one of our patio umbrellas, take a deep breath and relax.
Henderson Brewing (128A Sterling Rd, website)
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We’re very fond of The Commissary’s next-door-neighbour (two words: fantastic beer)! It’s the perfect west-facing spot to bask in the last rays of the day, and we’re giving ‘em bonus points for bike-, dog- and kid-friendliness.
The Gaslight (1426 Bloor St W, website)
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If cozy is your thing, step into the covered backyard of this hidden gem at Bloor and Symington. You’ll find a well-curated selection of wine, cocktails, beer and cider, plus a selection of interesting small plates (shrimp-chorizo pierogies, anyone?).
The Commoner (2067 Dundas St W, website)
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With plenty of craft beer on tap and upscale takes on comfort/pub fare, The Commoner is easy to love. Grab a seat on the side patio and catch the game on one of the bar’s street-facing TVs — they often roll up the windows so patio peeps can watch.
Parkdale/West Queen West
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St W, website)
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Home, sweet home! Take your pick from our two beloved hotel patios: the sun-dappled boulevard patio at the corner of Queen and Beaconsfield, or upstairs at the Sky Yard, our rooftop oasis where lounge chairs, seasonally rotating art installations and plenty of sunshine make for a great escape, indeed.
Nuit Social (1168 Queen St W, website)
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Next-level charcuterie boards, a thoughtful wine list, good olives and cheeses, house-made pickles — Nuit Social’s snacks deliver the goods. And a tiny, perfect back patio? Sign us up!
Bar Poet (1090 Queen St W, website)
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We’re all heart eyes for this glam-romantic patio space, complete with twinkling lights, a long bar and a canopy of trees overhead. Like a secret garden, but with delicious slices (via Ghost Pizza) and a cocktail list as long as your arm.