Pipa
1685 Argyle Street, 407-7472
A sunny addition to this Brazilian and Portuguese restaurant, Pipa’s new patio is in the prime location to catch rays all day, and into the evening, thanks to a certain empty block across the street. Make like you’re in Brazil by sipping on Caipirinhas (two-for-one on Mondays), savouring a pitcher of Sangria or perhaps treating your taste buds to the Brazilian national dish, Feijoada (served Saturdays). For those of you rain-fearing folk made of sugar, fear not...Pipa has just opened its atrium, where you can enjoy as much natural light as the patio and dodge Halifax’s fickle weather. Buses 1, 7, 9, 10, 14, 80 to Barrington and Prince Streets
Pilot’s Pub
10 Atlantic Street, 461-4300
Here’s your chance to eat some quality pub food and see Halifax from its best angle. Though it’s been open awhile, it’s new to us, nestled behind the Woodside Ferry terminal and boasts a patio with a view fit for a postcard. Cool off with your favourite beer and a panoramic backdrop that manager Sharon Playter calls “the best view in Dartmouth.” She says regulars keep the place busy filling their bellies with seafood chowder, wings (Wednesdays) and ribs (Thursdays) and feasting their eyes on the action in the harbour. See the sights, skip the tourists---this patio will be in full force once weather permits.
Coming from Halifax, hop on the Woodside ferry and get doorside service. From Dartmouth, buses 60 and 63 to Pleasant and Atlantic Streets.
Panini Kabob Restaurant
2736 Robie Street, 462-5555
Just when you thought Robie Street was lacking in the outdoor eats department, Panini Kabob pops up with a pretty sizeable deck given the busy city block it’s on. Located across from Coastal Coffee, the restaurant has moved its focus mainly to authentic middle eastern (and halal-friendly) food rather than hot beverages. New owner Salah Al Enizy hopes to have his addition to the patio scene up and running in the next few weeks so you can enjoy a lamb burger outside, just in time for summer.
Buses 7, 80, 81 to Robie and Almon Streets
Caribbean Twist
3081 Gottingen Street, 404-3855
A mouthful of jerk chicken, the sun on your face and island music in your ears: Close your eyes and picture yourself in Jamaica. Okay, so it’s not that hot on the corner of Gottingen and Kaye, but Caribbean Twist is doing its darndest to heat things up with a little sidewalk seating. Whether you’re cooling off with a Ting (carbonated grapefruit drink) or testing the curry chicken roti, the flavour is enough to tone down the passing traffic. The Jamaican restaurant gets direct sun just in time for lunch and if you’re lucky enough to land a spot outside, consider yourself a VIP---there’s only a handful of tables. Bus 7 to Gottingen and Kaye Streets
Hydrostone Cafe
5530 Kaye Street, 802-7470
Your friendly neighbourhood coffee shop is about to get friendlier. As summer creeps in, this cozy cafe will offer some outdoor seating for your morning cup of locally roasted joe. Pull up a chair either in front of the cafe, or on the little stone patio tucked on the right of the building. And since the sun is on its side in the afternoon, you might as well stop by for a home-style lunch, sit back and enjoy the perfect perch for people-watching. Bus 7 to Gottingen and Kaye Streets or 80 to Robie and Young Streets
Q Smokehouse
1580 Argyle Street, 407-4006
This summer at Q Smokehouse the hot sauce won’t be the only thing causing you to break into a sweat. Nothing says Southern barbeque like indulging in finger-lickin’ delicacies out in the sun and this newbie restaurant is inviting you to its front yard. Lined with flower baskets, the street level patio is a step up from a backyard picnic offering a rather spacious seating area but maintaining the same relaxed and rustic feel you’ll find indoors. With the few summery days we’ve seen so far as a preview, manager Peter Goneau predicts a very busy season thanks to Halifax’s meat lovers. Buses 1, 7, 10, 14, 80 to Barrington and Blowers Streets.
Chez Tess
5687 Charles Street, 406-3133
Tucked away just off Agricola Street, enjoying a tasty sweet or savoury crepe on this patio will be just like having breakfast on your own front porch. Chez Tess has already been treating sun-seekers well on summer-like days, says friendly server Dale, and they get prime sun just in time to sit back and dig in to a midday brunch (served 9:30am-3pm on weekends). Also check out this cute new patio for after-work drinks during its happy hour (4:30pm-6:30pm daily), and choose from the bar menu of crepe-inspired appies and snacks. C’est magnifique! Hop off the bus on Robie (7, 18, 42, 80, 81), Gottingen (1, 10, 7) or North (2, 4, 52) Streets and make your way to Charles.
Cafe Chianti
1241 Barrington Street, 423-7471
After suffering major damage during a fire in January at its former South Street locale, Cafe Chianti has settled into a new home, with plenty of patio. A quaint sidewalk patio seating about 15 is kept separate from foot traffic with iron fencing and greenery providing a European terrace feel to match the menu. Outdoor capacity will soon be doubled when a second patio opens behind the restaurant, offering a roomier and more private area. Both patios have a lounge licence meaning you can drink without eating, but really, could you resist? Buses 7, 9 to Barrington and South Streets
Mexicali Rosa’s
5472 Spring Garden Road, 422-7672
The best thing about Mexi’s new digs is the major patio upgrade that came with the move. The Spring Garden staple is now located in the former home of Minstrels and the Thirsty Duck---a venue with a rooftop patio holding bragging rights as one of the biggest in the city. While not much has changed on the roof (there’s still a full-service bar and washrooms) it’s been fiesta-fied with a new, very bright, paint job and Corona umbrellas to keep you from getting too caliente. Buses 1, 10, 14, 20, 80 to Spring Garden Road
