Best Patio's in Niagara

By Gabrielle Tieman-Lee

Niagara is home to a number of the most breathtaking natural backdrops in Canada – from the thundering waters of Niagara Falls to the forest lined Niagara River, and the vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see to preserved green space and historic architecture. It would be a pity if we had to always eat inside wouldn’t it? Thankfully, Niagara’s culinary scene is rich with a network of breathtaking patios which allow foodies to escape the recycled air conditioning and enjoy their meal al fresco, surrounded by the best views in the province. And isn’t there something about eating outside that just makes food taste better?

Photos courtesy of Mick & Angelo's Kitchen + Bar and Johnny Rocco's Italian Grill.

Mick and Angelo’s

Mick and Angelo’s is Niagara Falls' premier sports bar and restaurant. Catering to all appetites and ages, the freshly renovated restaurant features a delicious combination of popular pub fare and classic Italian favourites, and the perfect atmosphere for any occasion whether it be a family dinner or a night out.

Although their modern dining room, rustic-chic bar and private party room (coined The Shed) are cool spaces to watch the game and enjoy some wings, their open air patio is the place to be during the summer months. Seating you right in the summer action of Niagara, the lively patio is closed in by a glass border so you don’t miss a second of the action while modern wood touches, large umbrellas and greenery flock the table-filled deck. It is the perfect spot to enjoy free live music and a fresh made specialty pizza or one of their signature dishes prepared for you by their local chefs.

Johnny Rocco’s Niagara Falls

Johnny Rocco’s is a modern twist on the classic family-friendly Italian restaurant. This restaurant is dedicated to serving timeless Italian classics that are freshly cooked with only the finest local ingredients. Johnny Rocco's dedicates themselves to consistently providing the ideal atmosphere and service standards that are sure to impress.

Their expansive, wrap-around patio mirrors Johnny Rocco’s high-end yet homey interior style, combining plush lounge chair seating with traditional patio tables, casually clustered under oversized umbrellas for a lounge style vibe. Although it is located on a busy street, the comfortable patio’s fun, family-friendly atmosphere manages to outshine the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls traffic with ease. Live music is played nightly during the summer to make any night out an enjoyable, and memorable experience.

Oast House

Founded in 2012, Oast House Brewers’ craft brewery has taken beer enjoyment to a new level. Drawing inspiration from both its European hops kiln namesake and the local Niagara farming community, Oast House has evolved their brews into an elevated flavour experience, profiling the unique produce of the region in their seasonal brews.

Tucked away behind the Niagara brewery, the double decker Pati’Oast and outdoor bar awaits. With the ability to transport you away from Niagara-on-the-Lake traffic and into a sit back and relax atmosphere, Oast’s patio is a favourite for those looking to spend a leisurely day in the sun enjoying upscale backyard barbeque from the popular Brushfire Smoke BBQ , live music and great beer.

Photo courtesy of Oast House Brewers

Photo courtesy of Oast House Brewers

“(The Patio) is sustainably constructed from re-purposed sea containers and the full-service main bar is equipped with TVs and sound system. We also have one of the Region’s most stunning vineyard views located above on the top level,” said owner Cian MacNeill.

Pop-up events and entertainment also occur regularly throughout the season – with one staple being live music on the flatbed stage (coined The Federal) every Wednesday and Friday adjacent to the patio.

Top: Lock Street Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Tieman-Lee. Middle and Bottom: Photos courtesy of Oast House Brewers.

Two Sisters Vineyard

Be transported right into old world Europe at the breathtakingly beautiful Two Sisters Vineyard.

Owned and operated by sisters Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, the sprawling Palladio style estate winery rests stately in Niagara-on-the-Lake, awaiting visitors to pass through its grand doors ready to discover an authentic Italian dining experience.

The winery was inspired by Venetian architecture, with floor to ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings, gothic lighting and the pièce de résistance – their open-air patio which runs the length of the building.

This patio is one you will never forget! Featuring sky high columns, delicate wrought iron furniture and panoramic views of over 76 acres of vineyard, it is the perfect backdrop for a wood oven pizza lunch or formal celebratory dinner.

Corks Winebar and Eatery

The answer to the annual question, “Is it warm enough to eat on a patio yet?”: Corks Winebar and Eatery!

With a heated and air conditioned indoor/outdoor patio, European pub inspired menu and 32 local Niagara wines available and 21 beers on tap, Corks provides a perfect atmosphere for dining and enjoying all year long – no matter what the temperature may be.

Their four seasons patio faces the famous Queen Street in historical Niagara-on-the-Lake, giving diners a front row seat to watch the world go by in the picture-perfect town. The open air patio has an enclosed roof, allowing you to enjoy al fresco dining even on the crummiest of days.

Lock Street Brewing Company

Dedicated to making authentic beers and ales in the heart of the old Port Dalhousie Heritage District, Lock Street Brewing has one simple philosophy when crafting brews: we take our time, so you can enjoy yours.

Their patio reflects this relaxed way of living and enjoying. With a secret garden in an urban setting vibe, their Biergarten is tucked behind the brewery and surrounded by trailing ivy, hop plants and greenery that provide plenty of shade on a hot day.

“We have a variety of different spaces here that can reflect any type of occasion,” says Chelsea Pihach, the Program Manager at Lock Street. “We boast a second floor lounge with a variety of couches and tables for a more informal feel; a second floor balcony that overlooks the goings-on on Lock Street below and views of Lake Ontario. There is a tasting room on the ground level for a more bar-style atmosphere and a large backyard Biergarten that feels like relaxing in a friend’s backyard.”

In the traditional Biergarten style, seating is casual and is comprised of Muskoka chairs, picnic tables and family style tables which encourage mingling.

“We are a completely family-friendly and dog-friendly brewery, so not only do we allow but we encourage our customers to bring the whole family along to enjoy the atmospheres we have available,” said Pihach.

Palmwood Waterfront Eating and Patio Bar

Slightly off the beaten path, the Palmwood Waterfront Eating and Patio Bar in Crystal Beach is a hidden gem in Niagara. Their wrap around waterfront patio which reaches out towards Lake Erie is the closest you can get to feeling like you’re on the ocean without the price of a flight.

With vintage beach house vibes, insanely cheap daily specials and the best fish and chips off the coast, Palmwood is the summer getaway you’ve been searching for. Sitting right at the edge of the popular beach, the patio is a party during the summer, but open year round. TM