April Is…
Everyone knows that in Toronto, the first sign of spring has nothing to do with robins or blue jays or flowers or budding anything. This is a world class city, dammit! And like any other concrete jungle in the middle part of the western hemisphere, spring means one thing: patio season.
We here at the Gadzookerie are a bit more skeptical of the glories of the typical Toronto patio - especially those tables crowded onto the sidewalk of a busy downtown street. Who really needs to enjoy a beverage or light snack while breathing in the fumes and detritus of the cityscape? What exactly is enjoyable about having everyone and their dogs nosing around your social outing?
But, fear not, gentle reader, we are here to help and have put together a list of what we think are some of the more secluded and lesser known patios in the NFZ, where you are not on full view of the Toronto pedestrian and as an added bonus, puts you in the know of what’s hot and what’s not!
THE BEAVER CAFÉ - Queen West east of Gladstone
Say you are on your way to Parkdale and you really despise The Drake and The Gladstone, why not check out the wee Beaver? And maybe you’d like to attend the evening of dipsomania there next week?
THE PRESS CLUB - Dundas west of Bathurst
The modest bar on Dundas that often has bands in the window has a totally fabulous secret back patio. You have to go out a side door and wander a bit to find it. It actually feels like you are leaving the place! We’ve not tested during day hours, but can attest to it being a fine place for a smoke break at night.
THE TIGER BAR - College east of Bathurst
The Tiger Bar is cool no matter what, cause you have to know how to find the entrance of the bar in order to get to the basement band venue. Last summer, the surprisingly large patio at the back (or actually, the front, depending on your point of view) featured a large screen television and the odd bbq. Good times!
SUTRA TIKI BAR - College at Grace
So exclusive we’re not even going to link you to anything. This Tiki bar is reportedly a large urban beach oasis that serves volcanic-sized drinks. We’re heading there as soon as this is finished!
OLD YORK TAVERN - Niagara below King
We like anywhere on this stretch of Niagara - it’s got an “off the beaten path” feel to it, and the Old York has a spectacular view of the abbatoir. The Old York has good food and good beer. And you won’t be inundated by either traffic or people on its balcony, only the odd Atom Egoyan sighting.