Welcome to summer! Here in Alberta, we can’t expect it to stick around for long, so we take advantage of it while we can. Could there be a better way to soak up summer than by sitting on a lovely Edmonton patio? We think not. Ready to grab a bevvy, your dog and a few good friends to soak up that summer sun? Let’s go!
Brew and Bloom is but one of the many spectacular patios in Edmonton. (Credit: Brew and Bloom)
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Edmonton Patio
Whether it’s the location, drink choices or view that makes these restaurants stand out, you can’t go wrong with choosing one of these great Edmonton patio locations. Here’s our favourite patios across the city.
Arcadia Brewing Co.
Arcadia Brewing Co is a community staple that focuses on supporting local artists and organizations in Edmonton. This restaurant sports a backyard vibe, complete with throwback playlists and a block party aesthetic. The icing on the cake are the classic seats from the Coliseum!
In terms of refreshments, Arcadia has six unique beers, including a Dry Irish Stout (Ruff Riland Road) and a Kölsch (Cuppa Coffee Kölsch). You can also grab cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks as well as the usual bar snacks.
(Credit: Arcadia Brewing)
Culina on the Lake & Culina Muttart
You can’t go wrong with one of Culina’s two full-service locations.
At the Muttart Conservatory, pop into Culina at the Muttart for snacks, coffee and baked goods from local suppliers like Kaffa Coffee Company, Banff Tea Co and Little Bear Gelato. Culina at Muttart has a year-round licensed patio and is open regardless of paid admission to the Muttart Conservatory (although we do recommend checking out the conservatory!).
Closer to downtown is Culina on the Lake. Located in Hawrelak Park, this licensed lakeside patio is the first of its kind. Enjoy soup, salad, burgers, poutine and snacks, as well as craft beer and wine.
It doesn’t get much better than a patio on the water! (Credit: (Instagram/@CulinaFamily)
Say Uncle
Say Uncle offers scratch-made Southern BBQ-style food served up on a spacious, casual patio, complete with picnic tables and umbrellas. There’s a large selection of beer and wine options, plus traditional pub grub with a Southern BBQ twist.
You’ll also want to check out one of their signature cocktails. Most notable are the Pickle Juice Caesar and the Good Coffee. Say Uncle also offers weekend brunch. Pssst: Here are some other great options for brunch in Edmonton.
Craft brews are always a good choice at Say Uncle. (Credit: Say Uncle)
Dog Friendly Patios Edmonton
This summer, it’s easier than ever for restaurants to have pet-friendly patios, allowing and your furry friends more quality time together! To prepare, check out these established dog-friendly patios in Edmonton.
Brew & Bloom
Half restaurant, half flower shop, Brew and Bloom is not to be missed. This adorable shop is located just off of Jasper Avenue and boasts a super stylish patio with hanging flower displays.
Brew and Bloom offers lunch, shared plates, salads and desserts, as well as café style pastries. In terms of drinks, try their specialty Sweet Cloud Mimosa, topped with cotton candy or the Red Velvet Dream, a latte made with cream cheese foam, chocolate and red velvet cake.
Before leaving, consider picking up a bouquet of flowers. Dogs are welcome!
Fresh and pretty, that’s patio life at Brew and Bloom! (Credit: Instagram/@BrewandBloom)
One Four Two
The new law only applies to dogs on patios, but at One Four Two, you can bring your cat if it’s on a leash, too. Formerly Delux Crestwood, One Four Two is a community staple. This is the spot to tuck into tacos, poutine, burgers and thick shakes. Finish off your meal with some mini donuts (probably just for the humans).
How adorable is this pooch (clearly relaxed) at One Four Two? (Credit: 142YEG)
Dogpatch Bistro Pub
Dogpatch Bistro Pub is a dog friendly bistro located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Dogpatch offers bistro-style eats and hand-crafted drinks in one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods. If you love Little Brick, Bread + Butter or YEG Coffee club, you’ll love this addition to the family.
Wooden picnic tables welcome you and your furry friend at Dogpatch Bistro Pub. (Credit: Instagram/@DogpatchYEG)
Rooftop Dining Patio Edmonton
Rooftop dining on a patio in Edmonton means being treated to incredible skyline and river views. During your elevated dining experience, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights, which are occasionally visible from the city.
Alchemy Bar
You might have to search a bit for this one, but Alchemy is a new cocktail bar at the swish JW Marriott hotel. This hidden speakeasy-style lounge can be found behind a bookcase at the hotel. If you’re looking for fancy cocktails and cityscape views, this is the place.
As for what to imbibe, order the Alchemist, an ever-changing, experimental cocktail. You could also try the Louis XIII Sidecar cocktail for $540 if you’re feeling flush. Alchemy also offers elevated bar snacks, themed by sea, garden and land, as well as a large variety of spirits.
If you can find Alchemy Bar, you’re in for a swish and sophisticated experience. (Credit: Alchemy Bar)
Spotlight Cabaret
Come for the views, stay for the live performances. Spotlight Cabaret is a roaring twenties themed rooftop patio and live venue. Folks come here to enjoy dinner theatre, drag, burlesque, improv, comedy and live music, all while sipping a variety of local and out of province beer and ciders. Spotlight also offers a season menu.
Because Spotlight Cabaret is a smaller venue, comfortably seating about 65 people, you’ll want to grab tickets for any performances well in advance.
A rooftop bar and a cabaret? Yes, please! (Credit: Sarah Spence/ Perspective Photography)
Black Dog Freehouse
Black Dog Freehouse is a community staple in Edmonton. The rooftop bar is nicknamed the ‘Wooftop’ patio and is the only 2nd level garden-setting, full-service patio that looks over Whyte Ave. Now you can people watch along Whyte Ave year-round, inside a newly enclosed patio, which is adjacent to the outdoor one.
Black Dog offers a happy hour from 2-7pm every day and there’s a live DJ on weekends. Guests can also visit the Underdog, a lower-level room that offers a more intimate setting, making it near perfect for private functions.
Yep, that’s a woof-top patio! (Credit: Blackdog)
Patio Dining Edmonton
If upscale dining is more your thing, you no longer have to sacrifice views or beautiful weather for quality eats. Check out these options for patio dining in Edmonton.
Fairmont Mac Patio
Located at the Fairmont MacDonald, the Fairmont Mac Patio has the self-proclaimed ‘best views (and best cocktails)’ in Edmonton. Though, we’d be hard pressed to disagree. Patio diners can enjoy comfortable seating and all-day bites, while taking in the majesty of the Edmonton river valley and the 100-year-old chateaux-inspired hotel.
In the mood for a beverage? Try the Mac Signature Old Fashioned, made with Mac private label bourbon and bitters.
You can’t beat the river valley views from Fairmont Hotel Macdonald! (Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)
La Petite Iza
La Petite Iza can be found above the Sugar Bowl Café, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley and downtown Edmonton. The cafe butts up against the University of Alberta, and presents an eclectic, artsy environment, which is lovely for intimate gatherings.
Enjoy the Apero menu from 2-5pm each day, featuring cocktails, wine and scrumptious appetizers. Follow it up with the Bistro menu from 5pm until closing, with entrees, desserts and a large variety of wine. La Petite Iza also serves spirits, including French whisky and absinthe.
Now you have another reason to visit Edmonton’s Sugar Bowl Café. (Credit: La Petite Iza)
The Greenhouse Restaurants
Choose from 1 of 3 patio dining options from Greenhouse restaurants, all located at golf courses around Edmonton. These premier dining establishments can be found at Rundle Park, Victoria Golf Course, plus Riverside Golf Course. Each features stunning views of the river valley.
If you’re enjoying a round of golf, you’ve got grab and go options or there’s post-game dining on the patio. Fortunately, you don’t have to own a pair of clubs to sink into a Greenhouse patio. All three locations specialize in local handcrafted food, with lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery when choosing the patio at any Greenhouse restaurant. (Credit: Greenhouse)
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