Missing the warmth and vibrancy of a summer patio? Wishing you could sip your drink with unobstructed views of the city skyline? You can keep patio season going all year long with these cozy, rooftop spots.
Drake Sky Yard
Located on top of the Queen West favourite, The Drake Hotel, The Sky Bar is an airy oasis right in the heart of Toronto. In the winter, the spot sets up fire pits and small tents to keep patrons warm as they sip their drinks and take in the stunning views. While there’s no Christmas kitsch to be seen, you can still sip on something festive, like the Cinnamon Chai Espresso Martini or the Otono Sangria which features cloves, orange, honey, and ginger.
Where: 1150 Queen Street West
When: Monday – Thursday 8 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. & Friday – Saturday 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. & Sunday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Gusto 101
Italian favourite Gusto 101 lets you keep patio season going all year long. Enjoy house cocktails and a large selection of wines along with all your food menu faves this season. With a retractable roof, you’ll get the best of both worlds: staying warm while you watch the snow fall from inside.
Where: 101 Portland Street
When: Monday – Wednesday 11:30a.m. – 10:00p.m. & Thursday 11:30a.m. – 11:00p.m. & Friday 11:00p.m. – 12:00a.m. & Saturday 11:00p.m. – 1:00a.m. & Sunday 11:00p.m. – 10:00p.m.
Lavelle
Lavelle’s rooftop bar is a summertime staple located on trendy King West. But don’t let that fool you, this exclusive spot transforms itself in the winter, enclosing each pool area and setting up comfortable seating with heaters. Prefer to sit in the cabanas that line the perimeter of the rooftop? Those are chilly weather-proof, too, with Lavelle turning them into tiny cottages for a chic, après-ski vibe.
Where: 627 King Street West
When: Wed: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. / Thu: 6 p.m.-midnight / Fri: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. / Sat: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. / Sun: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. / Mon-Tue: closed
Harriet’s Rooftop
The holiday spirit is alive and well at Harriet’s Rooftop, located on top of 1 Hotel Toronto. Along with sweeping views of the city, you can enjoy the super cozy fireplace that’s turned on during the winter and the baby pine trees on the table that give off festive vibes. Harriet’s cocktail menu also gives a nod to the holiday season, with festive sips like the velvety smooth Holiday Espresso Martini fused with gingerbread simple syrup, garnished with a toasted marshmallow.
Where: 550 Wellington St. West
When: Wed. to Sat. 5 p.m. til 2 a.m.
The Broadview Hotel
Stunning city views and creative cocktails make the Broadview Hotel, with its indoor and outdoor terrace the ideal rooftop patio in the city’s east end. But as the weather cools, fear not! The bar stays open year-round, thanks to the 360 degrees of glass and a skylight, providing the same gorgeous skyline view you know and love.
Where: 106 Broadview Ave.
When: Every day 12:00 p.m. to late.
