5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
21 must-see patios in the Hamilton area
Hot days and warm nights have finally arrived, bringing the season of outdoor dinning.
The Hamilton area is packed with unique and delightful patio options. Whether you're looking for lakeside Burlington hot spots, a rural Brant oasis, brunch in Beamsville or a cider house in Freelton, there's something for everyone — or try to visit them all.
Here are 21 patios to try this summer.
If you like wings, nachos and live music, this is the place. The large, multi-level patio on Hess Village's George Street is a good spot for a dinner stop or late evening fun. Try the Daddy Mac nachos — plus lots of options for vegetarians.
107 George St.
A garden oasis on Upper Wellington Street, Shady Grove Lukaya Café's patio feels like a cosy backyard. Grab a house brand tea or locally-roasted coffee and stay for backyard open mic nights on Tuesdays.
592 Upper Wellington St.
Fine dining for two, the whole family, or a gazebo experience for 60, Risposta Ristorante offers unique outdoor eating in Campbellville. Focusing on 'sustainable on-site farming, preparing, and harvesting,' diners can find tasting menus, hand-crafted pasta, a premium 'Wagyu experience' and more. Dine on one of several all-weather outdoor patios and gazebos available for rent. Reservations are required.
24 Crawford Cres., Campbellville
Head to MacTini Bar for a glass of wine and mac and cheese. The new Ottawa Street eatery is 100 per cent gluten free, including several varieties of the cheesy pasta dish. Their alleyway patio is a pleasant spot to stop for a cocktail.
Brewers Blackbird patio on Wilson Street in Ancaster.
Downtown Ancaster brew pub Brewer's Blackbird is the place to be for lunch and dinner five days a week (they're closed on Monday and only open for dinner on taco Tuesday). Grab something off the food menu or have a flight of their house beer varieties.
375 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
Longtime Hamilton Beach Greek eatery with a beach bar, Barangas is the wine and dine place to be at the west end of Lake Ontario. Their patio view is crashing waves, and the moussaka house specialty.
380 Van Wagners Beach Rd.
Another Lake Ontario shoreline spot for Greek food is Burlington's Nisi. Their Lakeshore Boulevard patio is steps away from Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier. Their Mediterranean-inspired signature cocktails, such as Santorini Spritz, are like a splash of the Aegean Sea.
1455 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
With on-street and back-alley patios, the Brain has spots for everyone. Find a large selection of rotating craft beers and ciders at the hip James Street North spot that stays open late every day of the year.
199 James St. N.
Grab a picnic table or bring a blanket to sit in the grass at this Freelton cidery or enjoy their 'meadow lounge.' West Avenue's rotating menu offers wood-fired pizzas — including a weekday half pizza and salad deal — and a wide variety of hard ciders.
84 Concession Rd. 8 E., Freelton
The pizza is Detroit style at Bernie's. Head out back and grab a picnic table on their outdoor patio. Try one of the daily food specials or weekend brunch at the Cannon Street East pub.
1103 Cannon St. E.
Find this spacious pet-friendly beer garden on Burlington Street at Hamilton's Collective Arts Brewery. The popular craft brewery offers a large collection of beers, ciders, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic options to try.
207 Burlington St. E.
Burlington's Culaccino boasts 100 beers from 70 breweries, but the choices don't end there. Grab some pizza or fresh made pasta on their Brant Street patio.
527 Brant St., Burlington
There's no outdoor dining experience in Hamilton quite like the waterfall side patio at Ancaster Mill.
There's no outdoor dining experience in Hamilton quite like the waterfall side patio at Ancaster Mill. The renovated, two-century-old mill offers fine dining for lunch, dinner and a famous Sunday brunch buffet. Reservations are required.
548 Old Dundas Rd., Ancaster
This Augusta Street staple is always there for fans of big burgers. There are lots of spots on two outdoor patios, but the back is the place to be. The Big Pickle burger is this reporter's pick. Bonus points for vegan cheeseburger.
23 Augusta St.
Brunch in Beamsville is best served outdoors this summer at August Restaurant. Find interesting treats — such as lobster tater tots or breakfast gnocchi — on a chill covered patio.
5204 King St., Beamsville
The menu at this local chain is versatile with something for everyone. Try a 'chicken naanwich' on The Squire's Locke Street South patio or share their won ton chip nachos.
225 Locke St. S.
A historic former hotel and saloon, Dundas' Collins Brewhouse is one of the city's oldest watering holes.
A historic former hotel and saloon, Dundas' Collins is one of the city's oldest watering holes. Find pub food and pints on their large side patio. Monday is burger day, but everyday is Pabst Blue Ribbon day.
33 King St. W., Dundas
Sit down for a British pub-style dinner at the historic former hotel in the heart of Waterdown. The Royal Coachman's large, tree-covered patio is a perfect spot for a pint.
1 Main St. N., Waterdown
You don't need to leave Hamilton for a Mule taco, but a watermelon tequila margarita on the Port Dover patio is the vibe. If you'd rather have sand in your taco, take them to go and stroll over to the beach.
2012 Park St., Port Dover
Have a cocktail and a bite to eat seven storeys above Augusta Street on Plank's rooftop patio. The elevated Thursday to Sunday spot offers a smaller menu than the restaurant below, but the downtown patio is on another level.
18 Augusta St.
Views of wilderness and rolling farmland at Flux's pond-side patio are a reminder that city life is worth escaping. Find the Brant brewery and seacan kitchen just west of Six Nations, right next to the perfect sunset.
185 Oakland Rd., Scotland
