Author: Tiffany Mayer
Follow Her on Instagram: @eatingniagara
The calendar says summer is officially ending. That doesn’t mean patio season is over, however. Fall has proven it’s no slouch when it comes to offering all the ideal conditions for enjoying a meal or tipple al fresco, even if you have to bring a sweater. We asked around to find out where our fellow Niagarans like to spend their days before imbibing and dining moves indoors. Here’s what we found out.
St. Catharines
Chocolates Etc! We always take out-of-town friends there for dessert or just an afternoon sweet treat. Gelato, espresso, gorgeous setting and live music – whats not to love?
— Allison Lynn
My favourite patio is Caffe Gatti for a glass of red wine and their amazing pizza or a sandwich. The pastries are amazing!
— Kathy Evans
I have been to Brass Monkey Locals patio at least three times this summer. It’s located on St. Paul Street in downtown St. Catharines, so it’s convenient from anywhere in the city. A great burger/onion ring place. They also do vegan.
— Allison Smith
Lounge Six Parkway Sky Bar at Parkway Social. Always a nice crowd on this rooftop patio, interesting view and it has a new menu. Scared of heights? Dine at the new personal patios alongside the building — private dining, great food, reasonably priced for when you need an intimate night.
— Mike Gretzinger
The Merchant Ale House offers two patios: streetside on St. Paul, St. Catharines’ main drag, or tucked behind the building in a setting that channels urban revival à la Brooklyn. The back patio boasts exposed steel beams, Edison lights and an Instagrammable industrial vibe. It’s a great place to catch up with friends over a pint of Drunken Monkey Oatmeal Stout and enjoy some satisfying pub grub, including vegan offerings.
Thorold
The Karma Kameleon Gastropub. They have a cozy patio and garage door-style windows to bring the outdoors in. Do some shopping around downtown Thorold. Then check out this hidden gem. And you have to try their lobster grilled cheese. Good prices with large portions. Definitely not a tourist trap. They genuinely care about the quality of food and service, and they never disappoint.
— Cassidy Brunyansky and Candy Jones Bureau
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Bricks & Barley has an amazing selection of food, including gluten-free options. Great prices, atmosphere and an amazing patio with outdoor fireplace, heaters and retractable roof. Friendly staff, too.
— Candy Jones Bureau
The Grist Craft Kitchen and Brewery is technically in St. Davids where it channels all the bucolic charm and history of this corner of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s one of Niagara’s newest craft breweries, run by a family with deep local roots. They lovingly restored an old packing shed that belonged to a longtime farming family, building a new favourite watering hole in the process. Even better, the patio is dog-friendly and staff have been known to share some prosciutto treats with them.
Welland
Taris on the Water has a patio overlooking Niagara’s other waterfront: the old Welland Canal. Right in the heart of downtown Welland next to a restored, decommissioned lift bridge, this bistro champions wine country cuisine in one of the region’s industrial hubs currently reinventing itself. The food and view are equally worth a reservation.
Port Colborne
The Smokin’ Buddha is another beacon for boat nerds with a view to the Welland Canal and all the lakers and salties heading into and out of Lock 8 at the Lake Erie terminus. The menu is inspired by owner Kevin Echlin’s world travels. It’s a local landmark and patio seats are highly coveted by those looking for a bite and a beer.
Niagara Falls
Queen Bean Niagara Falls is a quaint cafe serving excellent signature sandwiches and salads. They have specialty coffee and nitro brew at reasonable prices and offer a respite from the busy tourist area of Clifton Hill. They serve Niagaras best coffee. They are also licensed and have two patios.
— Cher A Van Ditelli
Secret Garden Restaurant in Niagara Falls has a huge patio and an amazing view of the Falls.
— Stephan Szeker
Counterpart Brewing boasts some of the most thoughtful suds and menus in Niagara. It’s off the usual tourist path so this is the spot to eat and drink like a local in Niagara Falls. The patio is large with lots of umbrellas for shade, so there’s plenty of room to treat yourself to a well-crafted meal or pint that will keep you coming back every chance the forecast allows.
Grimsby
Casa Toscana Fine Foods & Cucina offers a quaint and charming reprieve in downtown Grimsby. It’s great for people-watching and eating Tuscan specialties made to order. You can also shop in the extra virgin olive oil bar and cheese store for some nibbles to enjoy on your patio at home.
Vineland
Megalomaniac Food & Drink has been this summer’s must-visit patio. Everything from the stunning views to The Yellow Pear’s gorgeous brunch spreads starring comfort foods made with local, seasonal ingredients have inspired countless rave reviews for good reason.
Whatever you’re hungry or thirsty for, Niagara has a patio ready to serve. New favourites are waiting to be discovered and become that place where everyone knows your name.
Author: Tiffany Mayer
Follow Her on Instagram: @eatingniagara
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