Best patios in the Distillery District

The Distillery Historic District is one of those neighbourhoods in Toronto that has an instant draw. With charming storefront patios, sprawling 200 seat courtyards and even heated outdoor spaces, there are lots of options for outdoor eating in the Distillery. Here are your best bets for dining out in the open air in the Distillery District.

Best patios in the Distillery District
Jennifer D'Agostino By

El Catrin Destileria

1
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

This open-air patio is the prime locale to take in the atmosphere of the Distillery District as you sip a margarita. The combination of El Catrin’s signature Mexican décor, authentic cuisine and the brick exterior makes this the must-see patio. In addition to the ambience and the delicious menu, the patio is massive with a capacity of 200.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie

2
35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

The modern take on French bistro cuisine will make you book a table at Cluny, but it’s the patio that will make you stay. The sidewalk patio seats about 100 people and is heated! The classy-looking patio is complete with ornate furniture and hanging lights.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill

3
17 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Located alongside the restaurant, this spacious patio has plenty of room. The iron chairs and tables match the venue’s motif, but it’s really the freshly shucked oysters that have people coming back for more. The patio seats about 200 people.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Archeo

4
31 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 1G3

This sprawling patio is located out front on the cobblestone walkways that have made the Distillery Historic District so famous in Toronto. You can dine on Archeo’s contemporary Italian cuisine in a seat on the open-air patio – the perfect date night!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Balzac's Coffee Roastery

5
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

You might as well enjoy your Saturday morning coffee outside. At Balzac’s there are two patio options for you: the bistro-seating out front and the picnic tables on the south side of the coffee shop.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Boku Sushi

6
42 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

The covered patio perfectly sums up Boku – a fusion of the industrial architecture of the space and the perfectly plated Japanese cuisine. From the minds of popular ramen spot, Touhenboku, Boku’s patio is modern with a bit of Asian flare. Try the Distillery Roll: battered and flash fried maki with shrimp, salmon, avocado and cucumber, topped with cheese, masago and unagi sauce.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Arvo Coffee Company Inc

7
17 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Arvo’s patio is a four seater, its small size doesn’t mean it’s any less worthy than the other contenders on the list. In fact, it’s actually part of the charm. Grab a cup of Silverton pour-over brew (think French Press/Chemex fusion) and take a seat at Distillery’s smallest, yet trendiest patio.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Cacao 70

8
28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Desserts are on the menu at Cacao 70, and if you haven’t already guessed it’s all about chocolate. The patio lines the storefront, and gives you a street-level view of the comings and goings in the neighbourhood. Chocolate and patio seating – we dare you to name a better combination!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Brick Street Bakery

9
27 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Due to its small size this patio is a hot commodity. If you do happen to grab a seat, you’ll understand the attraction. Not only does Brick Street Bakery make some of the best sandwiches in the city, but the people-watching at this patio is some of the best in the city too.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Jennifer D'Agostino Jennifer D'Agostino
Jennifer D’Agostino is a freelance writer based in Toronto. When she’s not scouring the city for the best restaurants you can find her experimenting with recipes and reading the news. Jen is also an avid photographer.
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