by Nicole Arnett | Outdoor dining season is in full effect but Vancouverites know that even the sunniest forecast can’t guarantee they’ll get through a meal without a cloud burst or an arctic gust of wind. For those who enjoy the feel of eating and drinking exceptionally well street-side but like to play it safe with a roof (somewhat) overhead, we present Vancouver’s best “faux” patios for your ranking consideration…
Mamie Taylors | 251 East Georgia St. | Chinatown | Good ol’ Mamie’s is home to a perch that offers some of the best, most unique people watching in the city when the frontage is rolled up. Score the high-top table and while the night away with Chinatown in your face, a ham grenade in one hand, and a expertly-made whisky sour in the other.
Nook | 1525 Yew Street | Kitsilano | When the big, broad windows are rolled up at this invariably busy looker, it’s like an Italian holiday complete with cool buratta, hot pizza, and crisp pinot grigio. Weekend brunchers get the sun. By the afternoon and into the evening it’s a shaded respite, an ideal spot from which to eye the beach-going passersby.
The Acorn | 3995 Main St. | Main Street | Managing to grab the 3 high top window seats at The Acorn is one of the few things that makes me look around for a person to high five. The wide open windows frame the most beautiful vegetarian food this city has ever offered. Bonus: the bar’s at your back, so you know it’s gonna be a good night!
Bacchus Lounge | 845 Hornby St. | Downtown | It may seem counter intuitive to settle into a big leather armchair after a scorching day at the beach, but where else in the city can you find a gentle breeze, a piano player who covers everything from Jay Z to Kermit The Frog, and a proper scotch selection? Pat yourself on the back!
Espana | 1118 Denman St. | West End | The view from the high-top table in Espana’s front window makes for awesome games of “I spy” with a friend. Eat your way through the menu of tapas-sized plates while the sights and sounds of Denman in the summertime go wandering by. Crispy chickpeas and cava seaside with an ocean breeze? Yes please!
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