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.

The Black Bull 298 Queen West, at Soho, 416-593-2766. A sea of black leather, a row of shiny Harleys and an endless flow of suds. Bootblack Night at the Toolbox? Nope, just another sunny afternoon booze-up on the patio at Toronto's second-oldest watering hole. There are more than 200 seats on Queen West's highest-profile holding pen, but they go almost as soon as the folksy pub opens. Extensive pub-grub menu and pool tables, too.

The Drake 1150 Queen West, at Beaconsfield, 416-531-0429. As if the Drake weren't already a big enough deal, watch it go totally postal one its two patios get into full swing. Along the Beaconsfield sunset-facing terrace, stellar chef David Chrystian will be offering his upscale dinner and brunch comfort-food card, including signature dishes Lobster Taco Salad on a bed of tart tomato ratatouille guacamole and chopped raw Tuna Parfait layered with coconut milk foam and a scoop of cilantro sorbet. Upstairs in its too-cool Sky Garden, the 20-something chef offers the Drake's remarkable Oka-topped burger sided with his fabulous frites, an all-day breakfast burrito and flash-grilled tuna noodle casserole. Bonus: barbecued pretzels with hot mustard!

Fresh By Juice For Life 894 Queen West, at Crawford, 416-913-2720. With a view from its vegetarian terrace of Artscape's lush gardens and the surrounding flora of Bellwoods Park, the Juice also offers a front-row view of passing condo dwellers. Regularly voted best vegetarian in NOW's Readers Poll, this totally vegan juice bar reaches beyond dairy-free smoothies and rejuvenating elixirs with names like Bionic Brain Tonic as well as healthy green salads, slammin' roasted veggie sandwiches and such nourishing meal-in-one noodle noshes as Tantric Rice Bowl. Om sweet om.

Habitat Lounge 735 Queen West, at Tecumseth, 416-860-1551. When previous tenant Future Bakery closed shop, many were heard to bemoan the demise of one of downtown's most bohemian haunts. And while the great afternoon-sun terrace remains, the Lounge's Mediterranean-inspired contemporary card – peppercorn-seared beef carpaccio with shaved Parmesan and roasted lemon, grilled pork tenderloin with jalapeño-and-apple barbecue sauce, sided with sweet potato hash – easily erases any taste memories of the former soup kitchen's soggy pierogies. Glass garage doors now open to an award-winning interior fitted with low-backed vinyl booths where DJs spin funkily on weekends. B

Irie Food Joint 745 Queen West, at Tecumseth, 416-366-4743. Taking its name from the Rastafarian expression for, well, having a good time, this laid-back joint is always jumping. Especially on the JA-stylee supper club's balmy, breezy walled-in backyard patio festooned with potted plants. As DJs spin the latest imports, the crowd savours starters like beer-battered tiger shrimp sprinkled with shredded coconut, and jerk pork chops sautéed in a red wine reduction, sided with grilled hoisin-kicked veggies and sweet-corn-mashed potatoes. Red Stripe, anyone?

Julie's 202 Dovercourt, at Argyle, 416-532-7397. For eight seasons now, Jesus and Sylvia's relaxed Cuban grotto on a west-side residential street has been everybody's secret rendezvous. Sure, the people-watching amounts to the occasional neighbour strolling past on his way to the laundromat, but the romantic resto's seductive ambience, all whispering trees overhead and the sparkle of candlelight on wine glasses, is a scene all its own. Add a pre-Castro Havana tapas card – grilled and then pressed marinated pork, ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches with sweet pickles, fried mashed potato Papa Rellena stuffed with spicy ground beef and green olives, powerful pork Picadillo de Marnita hash with jalapeño and raisins on saffron-scented rice – and understand why reservations are essential. New private dining room, too.

Queen Mother Cafe 208 Queen West, at Duncan, 416-598-4719. Taste what Canada considered cutting-edge 25 years ago. The Queen Mum's Cosmic Burger – a patty made of lotsa ground nuts, flakes and sprouts, slathered in Thousand Island dressing and served on a sesame-seed bun – is still offered in this funky bistro that, fortunately, has mostly moved beyond health food. Although you can get the real Asian thing just a couple of blocks north in Chinatown, the Mum offers a serviceable take on Thai and Laotian specialties that won't frighten your wallet or your date. Brunch Sunday on the patio out back.

Red Tea Box 696 Queen West, at Euclid, 416-203-8882. Featured in French fashion magazines before it had even opened, this luxe bake shop's tiny rear terrace and coach house are quite possibly Toronto's ultimate al fresco dining experience. Luxuriate under a picture-perfect pear tree while supping on sensational pan-Asian bento boxes and spectacular Pacific rim sandwich 'n' salad combos. Breathtaking desserts as well as pricey cups of estate teas make this downtown's most exclusive rendezvous. Warning: reservations are not taken, so if you manage to snag one of the three or so mismatched country-chic tables, consider yourself very lucky indeed. Unlicensed.

Le Select 328 Queen West, at Spadina, 416-596-6405. With the street-side terraces of the hipster Rivoli to the west and the rowdier 360 to the east, long-time fave Le Select is an oasis of Parisian calm on this otherwise riotous strip. Chic boulevardiers sip aperitifs before digging into such classic French fare as duck confit with creamy scalloped potatoes or hearty navy bean cassoulet with lamb sausage, followed by a superb Tarte aux Tatin for afters. Most opt for the house's nightly $29 three-course prix fixe. Bonus: most of the à la carte menu is available for weekend brunch. B

Terroni 720 Queen West, at Claremont, 416-504-0320. While salamis swing overhead indoors, one of Toronto's best thin-crust pizzas gets served amidst faux Roman ruins in this tucked-away backyard getaway. Pies artfully decorated with minimal yet full-strength sauce and cheese get maximum flavour from quality toppings: fresh basil, spicy Calabrese sausage, grilled peppers, arugula. These and designer summer salads and Italian cold cut panini make Terroni a definitive summer dining experience. Other patio location: 1 Balmoral, at Yonge, 416-925-4020. B

Ultra 314 Queen West, at Peter, 416-263-0330. Anyone still crying into their Red Stripe about the closing of the Bamboo's legendary rooftop revel should head back there toot sweet, because soon all of Toronto will be vying for a chaise on the swanky supper club's just-launched cedar-planked deck. Chef Paul Boemher even nods to the 'Boo in his exclusive patio menu with jerked bison ribs, and goes head-to-head with the Drake for title of best in town with his modestly handled Ultra Burger. Watch for regular lobster and oyster theme nights, too. Those looking for a somewhat more sedate scene can fashionably lounge in the über-boîte's shady inner courtyard.

Butler's Pantry 813 Queen West, at Manning, 416-203-0222. Formerly Citron, this popular backyard spot offers a similarly ecclectic lineup of veggie-friendly mains and starters.

Done Right Inn 861 Queen West, at Manning, 416-703-0405. If this backyard boîte were any more laid-back it'd be horizontal. A grungy grotto wreck room, all ratty couches, vintage arcade video games and outsider art.

Ho Su 254 Queen West, at John, 416-322-6860. Optimum optics and Korean sushi opposite the shenanigans at MuchMusic.

Java House 537 Queen West, at Augusta, 416-504-3025. Prime people-watching and cheap pseudo-Asian eats right on the main drag.

Liberty Street Cafe 25 Liberty, at Atlantic, 416-533-8828. Deep in the heart of the warehouse district, a trellised terrace for dot-commers and media crews.

Mitzi's 100 Sorauren, at Pearson, 416-588-1234. A quirky storefront luncheonette on a tree-lined side street in Parkdale, this brunch 'n' lunch resto serves formidable all-day noshes of thick, challah French toast topped with ripe strawberries and whipping cream, perfectly poached eggs on spinach, and maple-syruped lemon poppy-seed pancakes. Check out sibling spot Mitzi's Sister (1554 Queen West, 416-532-2570) and its backyard patio featuring 15 microbrews.

Shanghai Cowgirl 538 Queen West, at Bathurst, 416-203-6623. Fried food for a fried late-night clientele out back.

Squirly's 807A Queen West, at Manning, 416-703-0574. Shabby-chic terrace off the back laneway.

Vienna Home Bakery 626 Queen West, at Markham, 416-703-7278. With its secluded fenced-in back yard, Gay Couillard's (superstar Chef Greg's sis) 50s luncheonette-slash-bakery is always packed when the weather cooperates. Warning: weekend lineups. Unlicensed.