Patio season is finally here and many of Hamilton’s best restaurants are waiting to serve you, outdoors.
We’re sharing some of the city’s best destination patios to help you plan a season’s worth of outdoor dining.
*For a chance to be featured, share your own photos with us.
Downtown
Must Visit
King William Street
When the weather turns warm, Hamilton’s “Restaurant Row” gets a big makeover. The cobblestoned downtown street off James Street North is a foodie destination year-round. But come summer, the stretch really comes to life when the umbrellas and outdoor seating come out with some of the best drinks, eats, and people-watching in town.
Enjoy delectable small plates and creative cocktails from the West Coast-inspired, Berkeley North restaurant.
Say ‘oui’ to the delicious bistro food and drink menu at The French.
Dive into familiar dishes with a unique spin at UNDefined.
Enjoy the neon lights and playful menu at the 1980s-inspired Electric Diner.
And cool off with a cold brew and snack from RELAY Coffee Roasters or a perfect cappuccino and croissant from Mezza Cafe.
Find more outdoor seating at The Diplomat, servicng globally inspired plates, The Mule with its creative tacos and Mexican-inspired cocktails, Mystic Ramen for a perfectly crafted bowl of Ramen, or try HAMBRGR’s famous burgers and gram-worthy drinks.
Also nearby are, Capri Restaurant, and more!
More to Love
Anchor Bar
Order a pound (or two!) from the creators of the original Buffalo chicken wings, washed down with a pint on their large rooftop patio at Jackson Square or street-level patio.
Martello
Chill over great Italian food and cocktails on this laid-back patio tucked behind the restaurant under twinkling string lights and an epic brick wall mural.
Collective Arts
This craft brewery in Hamilton’s industrial north end features a front patio and back beer garden surrounded by colourful murals.
Shakespeare’s
Keep it classy on the pretty patio at this iconic local steak and seafood restaurant. Enjoy a fine dining experience outdoors with crisp white table cloths and twinkling patio lights.
Rapscallion & Co
This beloved local restaurant has been reimagined and relocated to James Street North and now boasts a beautiful courtyard patio out back.
Mulberry Coffeehouse
Chill out on the patio attached to the historic building of one of Hamilton’s first independent coffee shops. Sip on fair-trade coffee, Italian sodas and grilled paninis while people watching.
MERIT Brewing
Visit the popular James Street North brewers, kitchen and bottle shop for their famous sausages washed down with a cool ale on the cozy back patio’s picnic-style tables.
The Ship
Enjoy some of the city’s best burgers and brews on the back patio (front patio is also available). Picnic tables give it a cozy, backyard feel and you’re just a hop away from other Augusta Street’s famous pubs.
The Casbah
Enjoy food from neighbouring La Luna restaurant, full bar service and great music on the heated patio of one of Hamilton’s favourite live music venues.
Redchurch Cafe & Gallery
People watch in Gore Park as you sip on great coffee or even prosecco and enjoy a fresh menu.
Hess Village
Must Visit
Gown & Gavel
Hamilton’s largest single patio, set between two adjoining Victorian-style homes, is the perfect setting for summer hangs (feat. sangria pitchers) in Hess Village.
More to Love
Electric Diner
Indulge in all-day breakfast, burgers and shakes on the patio of this neon-lit 80s-inspired diner.
Radius
Enjoy a fresh menu including a perfect steak and wine pairing under twinkling lights in this cobblestoned bar and restaurant district.
Locke Street
Must Visits
West Town Bar & Grill
For more than 30 years this local bar and restaurant has welcomed locals and visitors alike earning it the nickname “Locke Street’s living room”. This summer, pull up a seat on their large and welcoming patio.
More to Love
Cima Enoteca
Traditional Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh-made pasta done right is what you can expect at this modern and beautiful Italian eatery.
Pub On Locke: Ye Old Squire
Enjoy great people-watching from this gorgeous wrap-around patio overlooking Locke Street over drinks and creative pub food.
West Hamilton
Must Visit
Westdale Dining District
You can now grab an outdoor table in Westdale’s New Outdoor Dining District (on King Street West between Bond and Sterling) packed with local favourites.
The university hangout and popular date spot, Bean Bar, has been around for more than 25 years. Count on this Westdale Village mainstay for a late night menu and huge cake selection.
Revv up your taste buds at the fast-casual Nannaa Persian Eatery. Order a family platter al fresco for an unforgettable, flavourful meal.
For a pub-menu, Snooty Fox is the place to be. Craving a burger? Hit up Delirious Burger for a juicy smash-style burger. For more-than-your-average soup, Burnt Tongue is a must-try.
For coffee-lovers, Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery offers organic, fair-trade coffee, plus craft beers, sandwiches and homemade baked goods on the front patio. Mikel Coffee offers your regular brews plus special treats like a milkshake, granita, or a “Mikeloccino” latte with ice cream.
More to Love
Aberdeen Tavern
While the former bank building’s interior is stunning, the outdoor patio is just as lovely. Upscale comfort food, vintage cocktails, a large selection of wine, and dreamy brunch options await.
Victoria’s
Mark a special occasion with a fancy steak and seafood dinner at Victoria’s, a beautifully-designed new restaurant from the owner of Caro Restaurant. Their patio overlooks Victoria Park in the Strathcona neighbourhood.
Grain & Grit
This west end beer garden is both quality-obsessed and fun. In addition to its thoughtful beer list, this family run brewery has a packed event schedule that includes family game nights and food truck pop ups.
Fairweather Brewing Company
Visitors have tough choice choosing between favourites like American Oat Porter and High Grade American IPA on this patio that lets you bring your own food even welcomes pups.
Dundas
Must Visits
Quatrefoil
Savour an elegant dining experience on the patio of this nationally acclaimed restaurant, set in the garden of a beautifully restored heritage home.
Shy’s Place
Pull up a seat on the sunny patio outside this historic home turned restaurant serving up classic comfort food and a great brunch. Cooler evenings offer heaters, fire pits and blankets.
More to Love
Detour Cafe
This sheltered patio offers a pretty and cozy oasis in the heart of downtown Dundas. Enjoy a cup of in-house roasted coffee and an excellent sandwich here outside.
Bangkok Spoon
The spacious patio is the perfect spot to dig into Thai dishes like tamarind pork ribs and house pad thai noodles. Loyal diners and authentic cuisine have helped this restaurant win multiple awards.
Thirsty Cactus
Cocktails, cider and a range of brews pair well with Tex-Mex dishes at this local watering hole with a back patio.
Collins Brewhouse
The Collins family settled in Dundas from Ireland and established a saloon and hotel almost 200 years ago. Today, their lovely patio is a popular neighbourhood meeting spot in the summer.
East Hamilton
Must Visit
Barangas on the Beach
A romantic Mediterranean dinner with a view on one of Ontario’s largest waterfront patios is just steps away from Van Wagners Beach. String Lights, beautiful scenery, sangria and bustling patio? Yes, please.
More to Love Ottawa Street
Caro
The sunny and spacious patio at this popular Italian eatery is the perfect spot to tuck into generous portions of Italian cuisine with a twist.
Merk Snack Bar
Snag a seat on the cool allery patio of this casual eatery, to enjoy fun tapas like Korean Fried Chicken, Stuffed Jamaican Patties and Tater Tot poutine.
HAMBRGR
This insanely popular local burger franchise puts out a pop-up patio at its Crown Point location, famous not only for its incredible burgers but also its epic shakes.
Cafe Limoncello
Order a glass of chilled limoncello and reminisce about the Amalfi Coast on this airey side patio.
More to Love Barton Street
Mosaic
The alley patio on Barton Street is a relaxing spot to enjoy local craft beer and yummy cocktails – plus it’s dog friendly!
Motel
Step into Miami with the blush pink and mint green hues of this retro east end spot. There’s even a view of a palm tree on the patio – but the real star is the menu (hello champagne pancakes).
Bernie’s Tavern
Grab a picnic table on this sunny patio serving up classic comfort food like brisket sandwiches, BBQ platters, and fresh from the oven Shorty’s Pan Pizza, famous in the Crown Point neighbourhood and way beyond.
Stoney Creek and Winona
Must Visit
Edgewater Manor
The award-winning restaurant offers a breathtaking backdrop to your fine-dining occasion, with a Great-Gatsby-like manor on one side and views of Lake Ontario on the other.
More to Love
The Powerhouse
Set in a historic, repurposed power station, diners love the mid-week specials like Monday burgers and Wednesday wings, on the spacious front patio.
Ridge Road Winery
Perched on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, this beautiful winery offers picture perfect views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline from its back patio as well as plenty of picnic table and muskoka chair seating.
Limani at 50
Watch the boats drift by from the large patio of this Mediterranean restaurant, overlooking the shores of Lake Ontario inside of Fifty Point Conservation Area.
Waterdown
Must Visit
Mill St & 5 American House
Choose from three different patios – including a cozy heated patio equipped with a tv, an open-air patio and a front patio – to enjoy pub classics and comfort food like burritos, bacon burger poutine, wings, and burgers.
More to Love
Kamoosh Bistro
With ingredients sourced from local farms and a menu featuring risotto, pizza, pasta, meaty mains and tapas, this bistro has earned a reputation for expertly prepared Italian cuisine with a lush and cozy patio.
Royal Coachman
Set in a Victorian-era mansion dating back to the late 1800s, this pub feels authentic. Each night has a daily food special (tacos, burgers, rib, prime rib, etc.) In summer, its patio is the place to be.
Ancaster & Mountain
Must Visit
Coach & Lantern
The beautiful cobblestoned courtyard of this British pub feels like a European hideaway – just the spot for easy conversation over a pint and a great meal.
Brewers Blackbird
Wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads and craft beer are all on the menu on the patio of this heritage-home-turned-restaurant, featuring beautiful 1837 limestone and spacious seating.
Dirty South
This food truck favourite with two local restaurant locations is welcoming fans of its famous fried chicken waffles and pulled pork tacos to its spacious patio on Concession street.
Sasso Pizza Market and Bar
Enjoy a menu shaped by seasonal ingredients on the heated patio at this relaxed resto, serving modern Italian cuisine on Hamilton Mountain.
Cause & Effect
Find daily specials, happy hour deals and epic cocktails at this large patio on Hamilton’s mountain.
Travel like a local.
Insider takes on the best of the city – by Amanda Stancati