IN Toronto magazine

We’ll take a plastic chair in front of a donut shop… just because Torontonians will sit on any patio during our all too brief summer doesn’t mean we have to. Here’s a guide to the best spots to see and be seen and get a proper cocktail in the city.

Amber

119 Yorkville Ave
(416) 926-9037
Amber is the small downstairs spot on Yorkville Ave that has the most gorgeous patio out back filled to the brim with the city’s who’s who of fashion and film. The patio is classic white — it’s always been pure white, but has recently had a Golden Girls make- over to make it more Miami white with wicker and green leaf accents. The bartenders are sociable and can make one hell of a summer crisp martini. They always know who’s partying where and take good care of regulars. Open daily from 5pm to last call.

The Drake

1150 Queen St W
(416) 531-5042
The Drake patio is an ephemeral thing. On the one hand, it’s the new Hemingway’s where all the cool suits mingle after work for drinks and nosh; on the other, it’s filled with the west-end pretty young things looking to party. The best time to go is for late eats and early drinks on Friday night, that way you get the best of the business set, but you get out before it becomes a nightclub. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the odd celeb in the know like Drew or Benicio. Sit at the tiki bar if you can, it’s got the best sightlines.

Thompson Hotel Rooftop

550 Wellington St W
(416) 640-7778
The Thompson rooftop patio is one of the best spots for mixed-bag people-watching in the city right now. It’s a lot like the Drake Hotel when it first opened, or Yorkville a hundred years ago. If you want to see Drake (the singer, not the hotel) mingling with the society girls accompanied by the DJ styling of a young art curator from Parkdale, then the Thompson rooftop is the only spot for you. It’s also got a good day vibe with an infinity pool that gets some of the best views this city has to offer.

Fuzion

580 Church St
(416) 944-9888
As far as the Church Street strip is concerned, Fuzion offers the nicest patio with its garden-inspired oasis on a corner lot. It’s one part nightclub, one part patio that always enthralls passersby. It has a secluded vibe that makes it feel homey and exclusive all at once. This is one of the best places to catch up over cocktails in the sun or chat into the wee hours with old friends on the strip. (The owner also took over the neighbouring Voglie, now called Alto, so expect the upscale vibe to spread.)

Boutique

506 Church St
(647) 705-0006
On a street known for rainbow banners and trinket shops, Boutique stands out as a streamlined small space with black umbrellas and decidedly little glitz. It’s a blink-and-you-might-miss-it spot sandwiched between Crews and Play. There is a sexy, secret vibe to it all too — great for a quiet after-work cocktail, a second date, or the perfect place on Church to meet up for a drink before the bar/club. They have deals on martini’s ($6) all night on Tuesdays, and there always seems to be just enough room to hang with a friend and have a conversation without it feeling too tight or dead. Almost hidden from the street, it’s the perfect perch to see without being seen.