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Toronto Rooftop Patios
Where to go
by Christine Stoesser
The warm weather teasers Toronto has been experiencing have also served as a reminder of just how many people populate our city. Toronto sometimes feels a little like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the latter being the winter, of course. It’s not that winter is all bad, but its chill can impose on socializing so much that even the most gregarious folks in Toronto find themselves tucked inside with a book or a movie—a lot. It’s easy to love Toronto in the spring: magnolias blossom, hearts open and friends reconnect. To bring your social life back into existence, and to experience Toronto from another point of view, there is nothing nicer than visiting a rooftop patio with friends on a breezy, balmy evening. Here’s a list of five rooftop patios in different corners of the city that offer great service, drinks and gorgeous views.
Hemingway’s:
Known for their extensive wine list and delicious sweet potato fries, Hemingway’s is a mature yet down-to-earth watering hole that celebrates the cultures of Australia and New Zealand. Located in the upscale Yorkville shopping district, Hemingway’s is actually quite affordable, which might explain why it’s so busy, filled with people who have just finished working or shopping. If you love to meet new people and network, Hemingway’s might be your gem. Even though it’s busy, they still manage to provide great and attentive service. Hemingway’s is a fun and relaxed atmosphere where laughter abounds.
Thompson Hotel:
The Thompson Hotel is an international hotel franchise which just opened its Toronto location to oohs and aahs last year. You’ll pay a pretty penny for your drink, but the rooftop patio has one of the best views (at 360°) of Toronto’s skyline. This is the place to go if you’re feeling unenthusiastic about Toronto: the elegant glass decor which showcases and reflects the vast view will have you ogling the CN Tower through new, prideful eyes. This rooftop patio has certainly raised the bar in Toronto; can you think of another one with a pool, and not just any pool—it’s an infinity pool, that’s a pool that creates the illusion of going on forever.
Vivoli:
They may have had to do a lot of flat roof repairs, but it all resulted in a rooftop patio with the greatest view of bustling Little Italy. Located on College St., and otherwise known as paradise for food lovers, Vivoli is an Italian restaurant that knows exactly how to make an authentic pizza. Their wine and beer list aren’t too shabby, either, and when combined with a patio that towers over everything else, Vivoli is always full of patrons enjoying their fare while people-watching, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of cultural street festivals, or simply enjoying the weather from on high.
The Spoke Club:
The Spoke Club, located on King St. W., is a members only club which caters towards media and arts professionals. You’ll have to find a friend with a membership, join yourself or attend an event on the premises to experience it, but it’s well worth it because this is one of the most beautiful and private patios in the city. The rooftop garden house made of steel and glass puts a futuristic yet elegant spin on rooftop patios and the interesting layout and design of the place will indulge your senses and inspire the imagination. The garden is beautiful and well-kept, the bar is easily accessible and the cocktails divine. If you’re a culture junkie looking for a lively conversation, this may be the place for you, if you’re willing to do what it takes to get there.
Murphy’s Law Irish Pub:
Located near the beaches on Queen St. E., Murphy’s Law is the patio to beat in the east end. It’s a low-key and casual establishment, offering plenty of beers (Irish and otherwise) on tap as well as a decent wine and cocktail list. This is the perfect place to catch up with friends you haven’t seen for awhile and to enjoy some fish n’ chips and a pint. Like all the fine establishments on this list, the selling feature of Murphy’s Law is its large patio. The beaches are removed from the behemoth structures which make up Toronto’s downtown, and Murphy’s Law is truly one of the tallest buildings in the area. The view is lovely, showcasing Lake Ontario and Toronto from a vantage point less urban than the other patios mentioned.
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Queen & Beaver Pub
When you love pubs but don’t care much for bars, it limits choices somewhat. An impromptu pre-theatre visit to the Queen and Beaver Public House was a pleasant surprise for three 50-plus women diners of British origin. First the food was good and well priced, and second the atmosphere was, well, as much British pub-like as we’ve seen outside the shores of England. We liked that very much.
The promotional blurb says “The Queen and Beaver Public House promises fantastic food served alongside a good pint or an excellent glass of wine – all at a price that won’t break the bank This is not posh nosh, but rather classic British dishes that have stood the test of time. All our food is made from scratch, and lovingly prepared by our British Chef Andrew Carter.” There are two bars, one on each floor and each floor has its own patio.
The menus are innovative, and seasonally charming. The beer batter on the haddock and chips was thin and perfectly crispy, though the chips lacked the same crispiness. The venison cobbler was unusual and outstanding, and could have been improved by more crumbly topping rather than the chewiness experienced. The size of the ploughman’s platter presented a bit of a challenge in terms of size, but there was a pleasing variety of unusual additions – such as golden beets – along with the traditional cheeses and meat.
The place was full by 6:30pm on a Thursday evening, and the wait-staff over-taxed. A minor incident with a piece of plastic appearing incongruously in the otherwise delicious home-made raspberry ripple ice cream was poorly managed by our server, but immediately resolved by the maitre-d. The cheese plate was stunning. Good value, good food, good atmosphere. We’ll return.
35 Elm Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1H1 647 347 2712 queenandbeaverpub.caby Editor
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