It’s hard to deny that Summer 2018 is in full swing! That sweet smell in the morning air, leafy trees and pretty flowers all around, forever clear blue skies, and a big beautiful sun dressed up bright for the occasion.
The opportunity to eat outdoors is one of the great joys of summer. Gastown was made for dining out and with the lazy, soft summer breeze that’s blowing through the neighbourhood right now, a patio is the place to be.
We cater to all tastes and with so many options available, this is truly a foodie’s paradise. Each part of the neighbourhood has it’s own unique “flavour” of ambiance and atmosphere.
We invite you to relax at one of your favourite haunts or go further throughout Gastown and explore our little outdoor world of happiness and harmony.
Local Public Eatery boasts the largest patio in the neighbourhood. Situated in Maple Tree Square, the seating is casual and open, with room for all your friends. Here you can kick back, relax and enjoy watching life go by. And as the heart of Gastown, Maple Tree Square has a history and resonance that dates back to origins of Vancouver. Local serves a wide variety of craft beers with West Coast inspired pub fare.
Nelson The Seagull feels more like your best friends kitchen than a city coffee shop. The atmosphere is warm, industrious and serene. Fresh sourdough is baked daily in-house by the owner and fans of the café flock here to peck at Nelson’s popular avocado and toast. The patio is street side with a few small tables, perfect for playing scrabble, reading a book or enjoying a good conversation with a friend.
The Birds & Beets. One of Gastown’s most loved cafe’s; the exposed brick, wide open windows and little floral shop beckon you in off Powell Street. Get a nice coffee or house made kombucha along with a fresh sandwich and sit at the patio looking onto the street. The sun hits the area just right and invites you soak up the rays like a sleepy afternoon window cat.
Tacofino is quite possibly one of Gastown’s most frequented Mexican restaurants. Entering via the Burrito Bar on Cordova Street is only the beginning as you make your way through the lively communal themed dining room and beyond to the back door patio (also accessed via Blood Alley). This outdoor space is magical and creates a feeling of being at a garden party! Awesome fresh Mexican cuisine – tacos, burritos, churros, Margarita’s – Oh mi!
Bauhaus has an intimate outdoor setting with a few nice tables on Carrall Street. This is modern German cuisine served impeccably well.
Vera’s Burgers has more selection and varieties between two buns than anyone else. There are almost 20 different burger varieties to choose from and their patio looks out to Carrall with a nice view of Maple Tree Square.
Six Acres is a popular spot even on a rainy day. With their patio now open, this Western themed pub just got awesomer! They specialize in craft beers and the patio is classic with its coloured vintage bulb lights.
Just round the corner, resides Peckinpah – the neighbourhood’s finest Southern BBQ joint. Their patio is half of Six Acres so there’s plenty to opportunity to get to know your neighbours.
The Blarney Stone – Vancouver’s longest running Irish Pub – pours a lovely pint of Guinness and hosts live music every weekend. The patio looks onto Carrall Street and gets a good amount of sun.
Walk through the open arch of the Water Street Garage Building and you’ll find Meet Restaurant. Meet is a fully vegetarian restaurant serving delicious comfort food like corn fritters, chilli cheez fries and a loaded double ‘bacon’ – double cheez burger. The patio is located right in the atrium and gets some nice dappled sunlight.
Abbott Street is home to a number of fine patios. Both The Lamplighter Pub
and Jules Bistro allow guests to nestle in comfortably amidst a canopy of swaying trees, glowing fairy lights and abundant umbrellas. Lamplighter serves excellent pub fare and cocktails and Jules is known for their authentic French cuisine.
There are a few ‘pigs’ in Gastown – The Flying Pig and The Greedy Pig. Both patios are street side and while small, they offer wonderful people watching opportunities.
There’s a big patio at The Old Spaghetti Factory on Water Street. Food portions are also sizable and there’s a completely separate menu dedicated to gluten free options.
Check out 131 Water Street for their street side patio. Choose a fun board game from their mountainous stack of over 100 and play and eat till late!
The Water Street Cafe is iconic. It is as much Gastown as the Steamclock. Their patio is situated both on Cambie and Water and service here is as exceptional as is the quality and plating of the food.
Smartmouth Café just nearby, serves smooth coffee and made to order sandwiches with the option to take it out on the street and soak up some rays while sitting at vintage tables and chairs.
Steamworks brew their own craft beer using, you guessed it, steam! Their patio has views to the North Shore Mountains and is sheltered to allow for uninterrupted outdoor feasting and drinking.
The Cambie Pub is often lively and best enjoyed with a large group of friends. The patio has enough space for everyone and seems to be open in fair weather or foul, pretty much all year round.
Bambo Café is a Gastown favourite, warmly serving the neighbourhood for years. The cafe is south facing and on a clear day, becomes drenched in sunlight. A European styled eatery with round tables along the sidewalk – perfect to sit and write, read, tan or just be.
Brioche is European inspired with everything freshly made in house. Sit street side and soak up some rays while enjoying an espresso and a croissant.
Look for the original Woodwards ‘W’ and you’ll find the patio at The Charles Bar. Nestled in at the foot of the towering Woodward’s Building, The Charles Bar is the perfect place to watch the game and enjoy some quality patio time with friends.
Every patio is open right now and Gastown is the place to be today and throughout the May long long weekend.