By this time last year most of us that enjoy the outdoor dining experience had already had the opportunity to spend at least one afternoon outside, Mother Nature has decidedly not been so kind this year. With nice weather allegedly approaching it may now be time to confidentially plan a get together on one of Toronto's many patios.
So where to go? In regards to this there are definitely more than a few choices. On Queen West you have the infamous Black Bull or the ever popular Rivoli, in Yorkville you have Hemingway's or a quick 51 floor elevator ride to the 180 Panorama at the Manulife Centre (complete with a stunning view!), in Leslieville you have the always entertaining (inside or out!) Ceili Cottage or the relaxation of Joy Bistro, on the Danforth you have the patios at the Globe Bistro or Allen's that with their seclusion from the street make you forget you're still in the city, in the Beach area you have Murphy's Law (which believe it or not is where I asked my wife to marry me) or the two patios of the Lion on the Beach and on King West you have the Foggy Dew (sister pub to Murhpy's Law), Fynn's of Temple Bar or the Bier Mark't.
Definitely you have options. I've only mentioned a handful of the many places you can go to and haven't even touched on some of my patio favourites like The Café Diplomatico on College Street, Cadillac Lounge on Queen West or Betty's on King East. I'm also not a restaurant critic so I thought it might be best to supply you with a few links to reviews of some of the patios around.
http://www.nowtoronto.com/food/restaurants/guides/patio/2011/index.cfm
http://www.toronto.com/guide/patios
http://www.dine.to/toronto_patios_patio.php
One piece of advice for your patio adventure…plan ahead! With limited space outdoors a lot of patio's in the city don't take reservations and with this year's particularily slow start to the experience it's worth making sure that you arrive at your destination in lots of time to secure your spot.