Best Winnipeg Patio Restaurants
Best Winnipeg patio restaurants, patio restaurants in Winnipeg.
There are restaurants that stick a few tables and chairs out on the sidewalk or build a deck and add a picnic table or two and call it a patio.
Yes, we have those here, but Winnipeg also has something much better to offer for your leisurely afternoons or evenings in summer -- restaurants that make drinking and dining outside something really special.
Best Winnipeg patio restaurants downtown
Tavern United is a Winnipeg chain of sports bars, most with patios at their locations inside Canad Inns motels.
This one isn't in a motel, and it literally takes patio to another level.
Tavern United is on the main floor of a historic building (all that is left of the late, great Eaton’s department store) the former Eaton’s power-plant, just behind MTS Centre and close to Radisson Winnipeg (which has the same owner as the Canad Inns).
It’s a fun sports bar, and a good place to take in the game (on TV) on hot afternoons.
But take the elevator up to the roof for a real surprise. You’ll find yourself in a spacious roof garden that looks more like a luxe penthouse with a spectacular view of the city and great seats to enjoy it.
This is the kind of place where the girls can get together for a drink.
I've also seen small wedding parties here for a restaurant reception.
Nice place for a drink, if you'd rather avoid the nightclub vibe.
The food and drink are the same as the other Tavern Uniteds – good, particularly the Hali-bites (bite-sized breaded and fried halibut) and the sliders (mini-burgers) – though (to my taste) a bit on the salty side. But they also offer salads, and a few more adventurous Asian-inspired dishes on the changing menu.
Go here for the lush garden patio, good drinks, good service, great ambiance and the spectacular view.
260 Hargrave, across from MTS Centre.
One of the best Winnipeg patio restaurants is at the centre of the city -- Earls on Main
Earls is a local chain of casual contemporary restaurants, very metro-modern and popular with business people for lunch, couples for dinner and, later in the evening, with a 20s-30s crowd.
They often have live entertainment on the patio in the evening.
They are also known for hiring strikingly attractive young staff and giving them what might be the most thorough training of any North American restaurant. Go ahead, ask them anything about their menu offerings. You won’t stump them.
You get very good, polished and professional service here, good food, generous portions and an attractive city-centre patio.
The food is satisfying (though not distinctive), the mood friendly, the patio pretty and the view is the city, near Portage and Main, and it is also a 5-minute stroll to
The Forks.
Earls Restaurant is at 191 Main Street.
Best Winnipeg patio restaurant for art lovers -- Storm at Winnipeg Art Gallery
Discover the classy patio at Storm at Winnipeg Art Gallery.
This is a newer rooftop restaurant, with a small but interesting menu, known for catering groups in winter; the indoor restaurant is open year-round.
The great pleasure here is sitting on the WAG rooftop amidst its sculpture garden. This is a changing exhibit of a number of works by a featured (usually Canadian) artist.
Though the WAG’s rooftop was designed to be a sculpture garden, it was only in 2009 that it actually became one.
Recently, the works were striking pieces by noted Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard.
An extra benefit is that on some evenings, there are jazz concerts and BBQ buffets on the roof.
Storm at Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd.
Popular street-level patio next to the Convention Centre - Elephant & Castle
The recently-renovated Elephant & Castle patio at the Delta Hotel, next to Winnipeg Convention Centre gets my vote for most pleasant place to read the paper with breakfast on the patio.
Also popular with the office crowd for lunch and dinner during the week.
Best Winnipeg Patio Restaurants
in Corydon Village
For European-style outdoor dining, head to Winnipeg’s Little Italy, Corydon Village, traditionally the home of Winnipeg patios and still the street with the most patio restaurant options.
Among them:
Bar Italia at 737 Corydon Ave. which is like going to a semi-public social club. Popular with students and people in their 20s.
Call (204) 452-1929.
Monviso at 637 Corydon Ave. Particularly good here are the calamari and the pizza. 287-8807.
Saffron’s at 681 Corydon Ave. They are known for tender bison ribs, crisp calamari and attentive drink service. 284-2602.
Best Winnipeg Patio Restaurants
in Winnipeg's French Quarter, St. Boniface
Don’t worry, be happy at Deens Caribbean Restaurant & Patio
It doesn’t look like much – just an old house with the entire front yard turned into a patio.
And the view? There’s a tall hedge, so the view is your companions and fellow diners/drinkers.
That improves as the sun goes down and the little patio lights come on.
But the roti is outstanding, you get that warm island welcome and there are island beats with live entertainment on weekends.
At 205 Marion in Saint Boniface.
Another place for wonderful Italian is Pasquales Ristorante Italiano.
This small, friendly family-place has a street view from the upper storey rooftop patio.
Wonderful pastas, excellent pizza, good wine list and martinis.
You usually need reservations for lunch or on weekends; less busy weekday nights.
109 Marion Street, 231-1403.
Best Winnipeg Patio Restaurants
on Academy Road
As more boutiques and a few restaurants have moved to Academy Road, it was inevitable that at least one would have a patio.
J. Fox Restaurant and Pub has a small sidewalk patio, but the largest and best-patio-on-Academy award goes to Pizzeria Gusto with its attractive corner patio.
This restaurant has racked up awards and glowing recommendations in national magazines as well as The Globe & Mail, and I think you will enjoy finding out why.
The pizza is incredible here, and so are the salads and panini. Good wine list, too. And charming, attentive service.
404 Academy Rd. Reservations: 944-8786.
More Best Winnipeg patio restaurants to enjoy:
FUDE in Osborne Village, has a tiny patio, but sit here and you get a terrific view of Osborne Village. This is one of the best places to experience Manitoba cuisine; wonderful wine list too and creative desserts.
There are four patio restaurants at The Forks. The Beachcomber has a large patio, good food, and is the best viewing point if you want to see The Canadian pull into Winnipeg - and pass through on the overhead bridge.
Muddy Waters is closest to the river and where you get the best views of the boats.
Original Pancake House serves a very good breakfast and spectacular pancakes outdoors.
The King’s Head in The Exchange District is known for its beer choices on tap (ask your server to list them all). They have a small sidewalk patio that gives you an almost front-row seat when there’s a concert at Market Square.
The Line Up, also in The Exchange, where you have to try the beer-battered chicken fingers.
The Line Up is at 97 Albert St. in the heart of The Exchange District.
Glass Onion also in Exchange next to Market Square, for burgers, sandwiches and ice cream.
Open weekdays only at 131 Albert St.
Want a seat in the sun with a beer, a smokie and a view of the boys of summer, hard at work?
Take in a Goldeyes game.
The stadium is just north of The Forks.
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