The most beautiful patios in Edmonton
Sometimes, the only thing that gets us through winter is the thought of patio season returning to Edmonton. We love to sit outside with a drink in our hand and the sun on our face. These patios are some of the best places in Edmonton to bask in the sweet glow of summertime.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
10065 100th Street, EDMONTON, AB T5J 0N6There is the loveliest patio just outside the Confederation Lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest there, you can enjoy your breakfast out in the sunshine, at a picturesque table on the patio. Or, if you’re enjoying a cocktail in the lounge during the summer, you can step right out of the door onto the glorious patio. It overlooks the North Saskatchewan River, and has an amazing view of the south side of the city.
Leva
11053 86th Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 0X1Located in Garneau, Leva Cappuccino Bar always has students flying by on bicycles and plenty of foot traffic, meaning there is lots of people watching to be done on their cozy patio. Some of the tables have umbrellas to protect you from Edmonton’s random summer showers, while others leave you exposed to the elements, so choose carefully when you sit down. Rain or shine, you can’t beat the feeling of being surrounded by both people and nature.
Original Joe's
12520 102nd Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M3The wooden patio is spacious and lively, with plenty of tables (but it’s still a fight to get one in summer, so arrive early to avoid getting stuck inside). There are plenty of umbrellas to shade delicate skin and enough flowers around to make it seem like you’re just hanging out on a friend’s backyard deck. This casual and fun patio is a huge draw in summer, with lots of other people around you but never crowding your table.
Violino Ristorante
10133 125 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1S7In summer, the leafy trees drape over this lovely patio, providing the perfect amount of shade. Sip a glass of Pinot Grigio while waiting for your handmade pizza to come out of the wood-fired pizza oven across from your table. Violino is located in a historic house in the High Street district, meaning the patio feels like a more glamorous version of your patio at home. You don’t have to cook, or clean up afterwards – just bask in the sun and enjoy.
Cactus Club Cafe
11150 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V2This might be the most glorious patio in the entire world, since it’s prepped for all seasons. In Edmonton, a place with a woefully short and unpredictable patio season, this is a huge deal. The enclosed patio offers protection from rain and snow, and the heaters keep you nice and toasty when the mercury drops. But the glass enclosure allows sunshine to stream through to your table on the pleasant days. You’re outside, but inside. Best. Idea. Ever.
Manor Casual Bistro
10109 125 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1S7Walk out the back of the dining room to find your way to the patio (it’s kind of hidden, so keep looking till you find what looks like a mystery door). Tucked away on the backside of this historic house turned restaurant, the patio is surrounded by a plethora of trees, making it shady but not cold. It can feel like another world out there, where your only concern in life is protecting your water glass from the occasional stray leaf.
Wildflower Grill
10009 107 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1J1If you want to enjoy an exquisite meal outside, the patio at Wildflower Grill is the ideal place to do so – the food is exceptional, and the crowd isn’t rowdy. Wildflower Grill is located inside the Matrix Hotel downtown, so the patio is in a lovely area that isn’t too crowded but still sees some street traffic. They offer a nice cocktail and wine list, so you can sip on some sweet summertime beverages while you take in nature, without ever leaving the city.
El Cortez Tequila Bar and Kitchen
8230 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2This Mexican cantina recently doubled the size of their existing patio, meaning even more spots to sit in the sweet sunshine while sipping on a margarita or five. Located right off of Whyte Avenue, this patio has it all – great location (historic Old Strathcona), fantastic views and a menu full of drinks that all taste better ice cold. Whether you go for one of their famous tacos or simply to relax with a Tecate Tall Boy or coconut margarita, the hardest part will be leaving this dreamy patio when it’s time to head home.
MKT Fresh Food | Beer Market
8101 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 3X8Just down the street from El Cortez lies MKT Beer Market, with its own fierce outdoor patio. It’s partially shaded by some trees but there are plenty of seats in the sun, too. It’s fenced in, allowing you to see all the Whyte Avenue traffic go by without getting disturbed by it. This particular patio is crazy popular, so it’s always good to go early, especially on balmy summer days. While you take in the occasional live music act or the nearby street buskers, enjoy one of their delightful mason jar mojitos or a beer from their rotating taps.
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