NOW Magazine Online Edition: 2004 Patio Guide

NOW's survey of T.O.'s best patios is organized by neighbourhood. To be extra helpful, we've included other notable restaurants in each area.

= Critic's top-50 pick
B = Barrier-free: When NOW labels a patio "barrier-free," it has at least one entrance where there are no steps, its tables are reasonably spaced and its washrooms are located on the same floor although they're not necessarily equipped with assistance.

Crush 455 King West, at Spadina, 416-977-1234. Though the buzz has moved on since it first opened two years ago, this casual New York loft-style French bistro heats up once it takes to the cobblestones of its west-side courtyard for the season. Find classic Gallic grub – risotto with pine nuts, butternut squash and baby spinach and basil, grilled calves' liver with beer-battered onion rings and double-smoked bacon, duck confit with Seville marmalade glaze and whole roasted foie gras – and an authorative sommelier-led wine list available by the glass. Belgian fruit beers, too.

The Fifth 221 Richmond West, at Duncan, 416-979-3005. Though Toronto's most exclusive outdoor dining space is still reeling from its recent kitchen shakeup, its well-heeled Bay Street clientele and their expense-account clients will be relieved to learn that new executive chef J. P. Chalet (now double-tasking as well at Bouchon) promises to continue the joint's more plebe-affordable patio-only menu. Bargain for for a low-carb lineup cooked al fresco on the Fifth's just-installed rotisserie, and upmarket Gallic salads. Heated and tented, the French country deck overlooks the queue of those less fortunate still waiting behind the velvet rope in the alleyway below. Reservations essential.

Rodney's Oyster House 469 King West, at Spadina, 416-363-8105. Rodney's outdoor Oyster Garden kicks off its third season Friday (May 21) with a reserved-seating Down East lobster boil and continues with a Northern Ontario-style fish fry buffet – whitefish and pickerel direct from Batchewana Bay, baked beans, organic salads – starting Thursdays and Fridays at lunchtime in June. On July 18, beginning at 2 pm, Rodney hosts the Ontario Oyster Festival, an annual event that shucks up over 10,000 oysters and hundreds of lobsters for up to 850 seafood fanatics. B

The Amsterdam 600 King West, at Portland, 416-504-1040. After a few pints on the patio, true lager lovers will want to take one of the microbrewey's weekend guided tours. Bonus: a retail outlet open every day of the year.

Bauhaus 31 Mercer, at Peter, 416-977-9813. Swank art deco Clubland nightspot attracts an industry crowd for Martini Mondays.

Brassaii 461 King West, at Spadina, 416-598-4730. An extensive cobblestoned terrace surrounded by gentrified warehouses.

GABBY'S 309 King West, at John, 416-979-9790. Sunlight-dappled deck downstairs from Dhaba.

GIOVANNA TRATTORIA 647 King West, at Bathurst, 416-703-7744. Old-school 'za in condoland.

Smokeless Joe's 125 John, at Richmond West, 416-591-2221. Smoking outdoors is not illegal in Toronto. Yet. Bonus: over 275 brands of beer!

Therapy Lounge 203 Richmond West, at Duncan, 416-977-3089. With its two floors, four bars, fireplace and south-facing rooftop deck's unobstructed view of skyline over parking lot, this self-described ultra lounge is one of Clubland's current it spots. Music policy: house, house and more house.

Wayne Gretzky's 99 Blue Jay Way, at Mercer, 416-979-7825. Though the faithful can still spot the CN Tower from the east deck, this once party-tastic gazebo in the sky is now surrounded by high-rise condos and boutique hotels. Sticks, suds and some of the best pub-grub chicken wings in town even if, as the menu cautions, "Wayne doesn't do sauce."

The Wheat Sheaf 667 King West, at Bathurst, 416-504-9912. Opened in 1849, the Wheat Sheaf is Toronto's oldest bar. Somewhat tarted up, its very noisy streetside patio – both the King and Bathurst cars regularly rocket past – makes this a consummate watering hole. Pickled eggs optional.