BARRINGTON
Mediterraneo1571 Barrington Street, 423-440312 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
NicheMaritime Centre, 1505 Barrington Street, 423-6632, www.nichelounge.com120 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Umbrellas
Pogue Fado/The Frigate1581 Barrington Street, 429-6222www.poguefado.com10 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Tribeca Bistro & Bar1588 Granville Street, 492-403620 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk,Water View
BEDFORD / LOWER SACKVILLE
Cellar Bar & Grill Bedford1516 Bedford Highway, 835-1592www.decorestaurant.ca32 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Chickenburger1531 Bedford Highway, 835-6565www.thechickenburger.com16 seats, Full Sun, Umbrellas
China Town Restaurant381 Bedford Highway, 443-2444www.chinatownrestaurant.ca24 seats, Water View
Dr. Sharp’s Route 2 RoadhouseMill Cove Plaza, 961 Bedford Highway, 835-3336, www.drsharps.com20 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Finbar’s Irish PubSunnyside Mall, 1595 Bedford Highway, 832-9170, www.finbars.ca35 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Jim’s Pizza House243 Bedford Highway, 443-611250 seats, Water View, Licensed, Umbrellas
Key Largo’s Margaritaville Dining Room & Lounge70 First Lake Drive, Sackville, 864-5126www.keylargos.ca20 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Riverside Pub1552 Bedford Highway (above Smitty’s), 835-164830 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
DARTMOUTH
Big Leagues Dining Room & Lounge4 Forest Hills Parkway, 462-2721www.bigleagues.ca24 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
Boomerang’s Steakhouse/Ned Kelly’s Pub590 Portland Street, 457-8325www.boomerangs.ca30 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Umbrellas
Boondock’s Dining Room & Lounge6 Government Wharf Road, Eastern Passage, 465-3474www.boondocksDining.ca200 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters
Brewdebaker’s Tap & Grill612 Windmill Road, 468-1059www.sasrestaurants.com32 seats, Water View, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Cafe Michele972 Cole Harbour Road, 434-2585www.cafemichele.ca8 seats, Dining, Licensed
Celtic Corner Public House69 Alderney Drive, 464-0764www.celticcorner.caA perfect Dartmouth Saturday? A ferry ride or a short car trip will take you to the farmers’ market in Alderney Landing. Stop for a couple of Mrs. Ali’s samosas and a conversation. Then stuff your bags full of hipster threads at Value Village (42 Canal) before heading over to Celtic Corner for a few pints, pub grub and if you’re lucky, maritime music—perfect for satisfying your out-of-town visitors’ requests for a traditional Nova Scotian experience. If it’s a nice day, don’t forgo the chance to sit on the Corner’s rooftop patio and take in its view of the harbour. 60 seats, Water View, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Rooftop, Umbrellas
Ducky’s on the WaterfrontAlderney Landing, 464-382540 seats, Water View, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed
Favorites20 Highfield Park Drive, 466-4001www.favoritescuisine.com40 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Garden View Restaurant174 Main Street, 435-7777www.gardenviewrestaurant.com24 seats, Dining, Licensed
Hamachi Grill & Sushi House644 Portland Street, 444-4688www.hamachihouse.com110 seats, Dining, Licensed
Hungry Jack’s725 Main Street, 434-582416 seats, Water View, Dining, Licensed
John’s Lunch352 Pleasant Street, 469-3074www.johnslunch.com10 SEATS
MacAskill’s88 Alderney Drive, 466-3100www.macaskills.ns.ca16-20 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
Old Port Pub & Grill900 Windmill Road, 404-7678www.oldportpub.ca52 seats, Full Sun, Dining, Licensed
Plaza Nightclub120 Main Street, 462-6111www.plazawebsite.com20 seats, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Queen of Cups Teahouse & Restaurant44 Ochterloney Street, 463-1983www.queenofcups.ca13 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Rodeo Lounge121 Ilsley Avenue, 468-6666www.rodeolounge.comDining, Licensed
Sandtrap Bar & Grill613 Main Street, 434-4653Dining, Licensed
Smokey’s Restaurant81 Wright Avenue, 468-5505Dining, Licensed
Starr’s Bakery and Dessert Cafe55 Portland Street, 461-45356 seats, Sidewalk
Whiskey’s Lounge27 Portland Street, 469-774316 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
DOWNTOWN
Argyle Bar & Grill1575 Argyle Street, 492-8844www.theargyle.caIf there’s one vote we can count on, it’s Argyle Bar & Grill winning Best Patio in our annual readers’ survey. The coiffed mobs line up every weekend to secure their place on the Sidewalk patio, for pizza, martinis and a street-side view of Argyle’s party life. Upstairs, the old-school large rooftop patio becomes a sandless Kokomo, thanks to beer-sponsored umbrellas, a beach-hut bar and hot-tub nights. And if clamouring crowds on hot Sidewalks make you queasy, Argyle’s rooftop is the perfect sunny weekend afternoon escape. 150 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Rooftop, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Bitter End1572 Argyle Street, 425-303955 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters
Bubbles mansion5287 Prince Street, 405-4505100 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Rooftop, umbrellas, Outdoor Heaters
Cheers Bar & Grill1743 Grafton Street, 421-1655www.thedome.ca/cheers56 seats, Licensed, Umbrellas
Coconut Grove1567 Grafton Street, 444-0887130 seats, Dining, Licensed, Rooftop, umbrellas, Outdoor Heaters
Dharma Sushi1576 Argyle Street, 425-778513 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
The Dome1726 Argyle Street, 422-6907www.thedome.ca40 seats, Licensed, Sidewalk
Economy Shoe Shop1663 Argyle Street, 423-7463www.economyshoeshop.ca40 seats, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Sidewalk
French Quarter171 Market Street, 425-2988www.frenchquarternightclub.comBlender Drinks, Dining, Licensed
Halifax Alehouse1717 Brunswick Street, 423-611390 seats, Licensed, Rooftop, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Little Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar1740 Argyle Street, 425-4025www.littlefishrestaurant.ca45 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Mercury Lounge5221 Sackville Street, 425-7673www.themercuryclub.net22 seats, Licensed
Mosaic Social Dining Lounge1584 Argyle Street, 405-4700www.mosaicsocialDining.com40 seats, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Sidewalk, Outdoor Heaters
New Palace Cabaret1721 Brunswick Street, 420-0015www.thenewpalace.com100 seats. Blender Drinks, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Rooftop
Opa! Greek Taverna1565 Argyle Street, 492-7999www.opataverna.com25 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed
Piccolo Mondo1580 Argyle Street, 429-008035 seats, Licensed, Dining, Sidewalk
Pita Pit1586 Argyle Street, 429-808010 seats, Dining, Sidewalk
Press Gang5218 Prince Street, 423-8816www.thepressgang.ca12 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Satisfaction Feast1581 Grafton Street, 422-3540www.satisfactionfeast.com8 seats, Dining, Sidewalk
Seven Wine Bar & Restaurant1579 Grafton Street, 444-4777www.sevenwinebar.comGuaranteed to make anyone look hot, this upscale beautiful-people hang offers one of the prettiest and most sophisticated patios around. This Grafton Street location is a welcome diversion from Argyle’s madness and shields you from some of the passerby gawking as you enjoy Seven’s small plates—for a twist on the ordinary, try the foie gras poutine or tamarind-braised duck wings. But the real star here is the robust sommelier-picked wine list and premium cocktail menu.30 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Outdoor Heaters
Soho Bar & Grill1667 Argyle Street, 423-3049www.c-level.com/soho25 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Uncommon GroundsCorner of Sackville and Argyle Street, 446-9115, www.coffeesoldhere.com16 seats, Sidewalk, Full Sun
Wooden Monkey1685 Argyle Street, 444-3844www.thewoodenmonkey.ca30 seats, Blender Drinks, Licensed
FAIRVIEW / CLAYTON PARK
Issa’s Saj House Lebanese Restaurant19 Alma Crescent, 446-3646Dining
Nenagh Bar & Grill30 Farnham Gate Road, 446-305020 SEATS, Dining, Licensed
NORTH END
Alteregos Coffee House2193 Gottingen Street, 431-317016 seats, Full Sun, Licensed, Sidewalk
Bach’s Cafe2622 Agricola Street, 455-40994 seats
Epicurious Morsels5529 Young Street, 455-0955www.epicuriousmorsels.com8 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Julien’s Pastry Shop5517 Young Street, 455-9717www.juliens.caIf you’re a sucker for those home design shows where they create impossibly chic gardens with the flick of a zen-inspired wrist, or if your own patch of greenery consists of fuzz growing inside the vegetable keeper, try Julien’s for a croissant and a quiet backyard respite. The Hydrostone cafe’s side patio opens into the outdoor shop area for the gardening boutique Topiary, where you can enjoy plants, birds and burbling fountains in peace, without lifting a finger. Don’t forget to take home a loaf of Julien’s sourdough bread.18 seats, Full Sun, Sidewalk
Lion’s Head Tavern5833 Sullivan Street, 455-0181www.lionsheadtavern.com70 seats, Dining, Licensed
Menz Bar2104 Gottingen Street, 446-6969www.menzbar.ca16 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Rooftop
Mollyz Diner2104 Gottingen Street, 405-3376www.mollyzdiner.ca30 seats, Full Sun, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Rooftop, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
One World Cafe2412 Agricola Street, 404-7378www.oneworldcafe.ca15 seats, Full Sun
Whet Cafe2606 Agricola Street, 455-943810 seats, Full Sun, Licensed, Sidewalk
QUINPOOL
Carlitos Cafe6220 Quinpool Road, 444-75556 seats, Full Sun, Sidewalk
Freeman’s Little New York6092 Quinpool Road, 429-0241www.freemanslittleny.comAlthough Quinpool Road might be considered Greektown or Middle-Eastern Row, thanks to its preponderance of Mediterranean-style restaurants, Freeman’s adds a slice of Italian New York to the mix. In a neighbourhood sorely lacking in pub life, Freeman’s, in the ‘hood since 1956, is the local watering hole.You’re in luck if you score one of the limited seats on its modest street-side patio, dressed up with pretty flower boxes. But Freeman’s doesn’t take its loyal customers for granted —the service is always friendly, the pizza hot and the drinks cold. And it’s open daily until 5am.12 seats, Blender Drinks, Full Sun, Dining, Licensed
Perks Coffee6100 Quinpool Road, 429-1856www.perkscoffee.ca16 seats, Full Sun
SOUTH ENDAlexandra’s Pizza1263 Queen Street, 425-1900www.alexandraspizza.com25 seats, Dining
Cafe Chianti6165 South Street, 423-7471www.cafechianti.ca35 seats, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Sidewalk
Darrell’s5576 Fenwick Street, 492-2344www.darrellsrestaurants.com35 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters
Hamachi House5190 Morris Street, 425-7711www.hamachihouse.com16 seats, Water View, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Sidewalk
Stories 5184 Morris Street, 444-4400www.thehalliburton.com/Dining_at_stories/24 seats, Dining, Licensed
Taj Mahal Restaurant5175 South Street, 492-8251www.tajmahal7wonders.com25 seats, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Dining, Full Sun
Thai Chin5175 South Street, 492-8424www.tajmahal7wonders.com25 seats, Water View, Licensed, Dining, Full Sun, Rooftop
Tarboosh Lebanese Cuisine5566 Fenwick Street, 405-40008 seats, Dining, Full Sun
Tomasino’s Cellar RistorantE5173 South Street, 422-9757www.tomavinos.ca30 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
SPRING GARDEN
Anatolia Turkish Cuisine1518 Dresden Row, 492-4568www.anatoliahalifax.com8 seats, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Annie’s Place Cafe1513 Birmingham Street, 420-00988 seats, Sidewalk
Baan Thai Restaurant1569 Dresden Row, 446-4301www.baanthai.ca20 seats, Dining, Licensed, Rooftop
Brazilia CafE1526 Dresden Row, 423-974210 seats
Coburg Coffee House6085 Coburg Road, 429-2326www.coburgcoffee.com8 seats
Fiasco Restaurant1463 Brenton Street, 429-3499www.fiascorestaurant.com8 seats, Dining, Licensed
Fireside1500 Brunswick Street, 423-599536 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Gatsby’s Pub & Eatery5679 Spring Garden Road, 429-999916 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Italian Gourmet5431 Doyle Street, 423-7880www.italiangourmet.ca12 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
JON ALAN’S LUXX5657 Spring Garden Road, 405-406050 seats, Dining, Licensed, Full Sun, Umbrellas
Mexicali Rosa’s5680 Spring Garden Road, 422-7672www.mexicalirosas.com20 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Umbrellas
Rogue’s Roost5435 Spring Garden Road, 492-233718 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Sidewalk
Steve-O-Reno’s Cappuccino1536 Brunswick Street, 429-30346 seats, Sidewalk
Thirsty Duck5472 Spring Garden Road, 422-1548www.thethirstyduck.ca140 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Rooftop, Umbrellas
Tom’s Little Havana CafE5428 Doyle Street, 423-866719 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Trinity RestaurantPark Victoria, 1333 South Park Street, 423-842816 seats, Licensed, Umbrellas
Victory Arms PubLord Nelson Hotel, 1515 South Park Street,420-9781, www.rcr.caWe hate to give this Lord Nelson hotel pub kudos because we want to keep it all to ourselves. A proper pub that gives us the respect we deserve, thanks to the uniformed doormen and slow-poured pints of Guinness. Sip a glass of wine or one of 11 draught beers, along with your bangers and mash—or for a special occasion, try one of the entrees (avg. $18). The edging-on-masculine interior is perfect for conducting secret affairs or business, but for people-watching, the streetside terrace overlooking the Public Gardens is the place to be.20 seats, Blender Drinks, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
Your Father’s Moustache5686 Spring Garden Road, 423-6766www.yourfathersmoustache.ca120 seats, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Rooftop, Umbrellas
WATERFRONT
44 North Seafood Co.1919 Upper Water Street, 428-7852www.marriott.com60 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed
Bish World CuisineBishop’s Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street, 425-7993, bish.ca40 seats, Water View, Dining, Licensed
Bluenose II Restaurant1824 Hollis Street, 425-509220 seats, Sidewalk, Licensed
Cabin Coffee1554 Hollis Street, 422-813010 seats, Water View, Dining, Sidewalk, Umbrellas
Caffe RistrettoBishop’s Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street, 425-3087Water View, Umbrellas
Darrell’s Restaurant and Sports Cafe1865 Hollis Street, 421-748210 seats, Sidewalk
Fife & Drum Pub & EateryHalifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, 428-7805100 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Hamachi Steak HouseBishop’s Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street, 422-1600www.hamachihouse.com50 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters
Harbourside MarketHistoric Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street, 422-3077, www.historicproperties.caDuring the 1960s, the Historic Properties buildings could feel the breath of a bulldozer on their backsides, thanks to the genius thinking developers call “urban renewal.” A group of forward-thinking Haligonians fought to restore the buildings, which is lucky for waterfront patio-lovers—the Harbourside Market is one of the best places in the city to catch some UV-protected sun and Dartmouth views. With tons of seats, a variety of food stands and the Shipwreck Pub, the bustling and often loud market is an inexpensive option that should please all tastes. 200 seats, Water View, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
Lower Deck/The Beer MarketHistoric Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street, 425-1501, www.lowerdeck.ca150 seats, Water View, Dining, Licensed
McKelvie’s1680 Lower Water Street, 421-6161www.mckelvies.com40 seats, Dining, Licensed, Umbrellas
Mu Lan Tea House & Restaurant1360 Lower Water Street, 420-1994www.mulan.ca10 seats, Sidewalk, Dining, Waterview
Murphy’s RestaurantCable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, 420-1015, www.murphysonthewater.com150 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Full Sun
Old Triangle Irish Ale House5136 Prince Street, 492-4900www.oldtriangle.com75 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
Peddler’s Pub1890 Granville Mall, 423-5033www.peddlerspub.com120 seats, Dining, Licensed
Perks Coffee1781 Lower Water Street, 429-9386www.perkscoffee.ca16 seats, Water View
Red Pepper RestaurantPurdy’s Wharf pedway, 1949 Upper Water Street, 421-124860 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Full Sun, Licensed, Umbrellas
RED Stag TavernBrewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street, 422-0275www.lowerdeck.ca75 seats, Water View, Dining, Rooftop
Salty’s1869 Upper Water Street, 423-6818www.saltys.ca200 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Full Sun, Umbrellas
Sam’s Macchiato1903 Barrington Street, 420-290022 seats, Dining, Full Sun, Sidewalk
Shiraz1240 Hollis Street, 404-330010 seats, Full Sun, Sidewalk
Split Crow Pub1855 Granville st, 422-4366www.splitcrow.com55 seats, Licensed, Full Sun
Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill5075 George St, 492-1800140 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Sidewalk
Sweet Basil Bistro1866 Upper Water Street, 425-2133www.scanwaycatering.com30 seats, Licensed, Dining
Trapeze RestaurantCasino NS, 1983 Upper Water Street, 496-4690www.casinonovascotia.com60 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Dining, Licensed, Outdoor Heaters, Umbrellas
Tug’s Pub/ Waterfront Warehouse1549 Lower Water Street, 425-7610, rcr.ca80 seats, Water View, Blender Drinks, Licensed, Full Sun
Uncommon Grounds1801 Hollis Street, 404-3117www.coffeesoldhere.com24 seats
WEST END
Fries & Co.2603 Connolly Street, 455-525016 seats, Dining
Diner House rules
It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. Summing up the city’s bustling patio scene is a challenging feat, so we devised a few rules before heading out, sunglasses in hand.
– Patios must have six seats or more.- Locally owned businesses or chains are represented. National chains are not. – The Dining category refers to restaurants where full service is available.- Establishments currently closed for renovations were not listed.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the snazzy umbrella icons. Those denote our favourite patio picks.
Don’t forget our online Food & Drink Guide for more info on just about every restaurant and bar in the HRM.
This article appears in Jun 14-20, 2007.