The long long dreaded winter is finally over – with the unexpected snowfalls, frigid temperatures, and gloomy wardrobe choices – and that means summer is officially here. Summer with its bright coloured clothing as opposed to the black and greys which take over the city, sundresses, shorts, walks by the canal, bike rides, beaches, and above all: patios. None quite defines summer than lazing around with your loved ones, sitting on a patio, and talking/gossiping/complaining to your hearts content.
And since this wonderful time of the year is back we decided to give you this handy little list of every patio (in no particular order) you need to be on at least once. You’re welcome.
Andaz
Located at 325 Dalhousie St., nothing quite beats sitting on the rooftop of this hotel’s cocktail bar overlooking the entire city. The mesmerizing view does leave you quite breathless.
Tavern on the Hill
Located at 223 Alexandra Bridge, right behind where Canada’s federal government makes all of its decisions, Tavern on the Hill is a seasonal outdoor canteen, patio, coffee/ice cream shop. Not only do they offer the most delicious hot dogs known to mankind, but they complement it with the most amazing views of the Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa River, along with other landmarks ranging from the Supreme Court to the National Gallery of Canada. And, on top of that, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening are marked with live jazz music as well. What’s not to love?
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
Right in the heart of ByWard Market at 4 George St, The Grand – in my humble opinion – is the finest Italian restaurant in the city. Sitting outside only makes their food taste better, and the Sangrias are to die for (p.s. try the white one and thank me later)
Heart and Crown
Since I am clearly obsessed with the Market, here is another one: 67 Clarence St. 5 pubs, 6 patios (the best one by far is the courtyard right in the centre), 1 roof – altogether making up Ottawa’s Irish Village. Featuring Irish-inspired dishes, live music, and the best pina coladas ever (who needs anything else?), you couldn’t not have a good time here.
Fox & Feather Pub and Grill
Moving away from the market, at 283 Elgin Street the Fox & Feather offers a classic pub feeling in the three-storied heritage building and sitting on the patio gives you a bird’s-eye view of the much-loved Elgin Street.
Pancho Villa
Another Elgin treasure at 361 Elgin St., this place is a little slice of Mexico right in our backyards. And, then there are the delicious drinks ranging from Strawberry Coladas to Banana Margaritas to the Coco Loco…do I need to say anything else? Mexican food + drinks which sound heavenly to begin with.
Pub Italia
At 434 Preston St. in Little Italy, they have a ‘Beer Bible’ which has over 200 beers contained within. That is all.
Bier Market
On 156 Sparks St, not only do they have over 150 beers from over 30 countries, they also do brunch. Then they tell you what beer would go best with each of their food items. And, did I mention they do brunch?
There you have it, now go to all these places and have fun. You can binge watch Netflix at nights.