After more than a month of less than ideal summer weather, at last temperatures are soaring in Vancouver. Just in time for July, patio season has arrived in Vancouver in full force. Whether during the scorching day or balmy night, there are few things better than relaxing in the company of good friends, dining al fresco. Vancouver has more than its fair share of great patios; here are a few favourites.
Local
The old Malone’s on Yew and Cornwall St, some of the best real estate in Vancouver may belong to Local. The large patio overlooks Kits Beach, with comfortable booths and a considerable outdoor pub area. The food is a slight step up from regular pub fare, with offerings such as fish tacos and grilled seared ahi tuna sandwiches.
Karv
This Kitsilano gem does not have the view that does Local, but the corner location just up Yew St. is equally good for people watching. The vibe is ultra casual, and the food and drinks are always fresh. Breakfast is served on the weekends, and on a sunny day it’s likely you’ll want to stay for lunch and dinner too.
The BoathouseWith locations on the water in Richmond, in Horseshoe Bay, English Bay, and right on Kits Beach, it would appear this chain restaurant has a monopoly on Vancouver waterfront real estate. The food is hit or miss, but the spectacular vistas make up for it. The fish and chips are excellent, and a substantial cocktail list promises to quench your thirst on a hot day.
The Pirate Pub
Under the Granville St. Bridge on the North side of False Creek, the Pirate Pub likely does not offer much in the way of pub food that you haven’t tasted before. It does, however, have some prime people watching real estate, situated literally right on the seawall.
C Restaurant
Just along the seawall from the Pirate Pub, C boasts similar real estate, with substantially fancier fare. C is one of the best seafood restaurants in the city, though a little less lively than some places – perfect for a quiet afternoon escape.
Brix
This hidden gem in Yaletown features a European style courtyard. Although this patio is not great for sunshine, it can be an enchanting place to stop in for a late-night bite.
Cardero’s and Sandbar
This patio, designed in the image of the deck of a ship, exists on stilts in the Coal 
Harbour Marina. Although Cardero’s is busy year-round, summer is really the time to sample the West Coast fusion cuisine – on a patio that gets sun all day long – surrounded by yachts and overlooking the North Shore Mountains. Its sister restaurant, the Sandbar on Granville Island, offers similar fare with a rooftop patio complete with fireplaces and leather armchairs, overlooking False Creek.
Provence
A summertime favourite, Provence offers some of the best brunch in Vancouver. Eggs Benedict on crab and shrimp cakes or baked Eggs Florentine are only made more enjoyable by the ideal location surveying the Yaletown Marina.
Havana
Located on Commercial Drive, the Havana patio does not have the views of some of the beachfront properties elsewhere in the city. It does, however, have exotic food and a relaxed atmosphere that will have you on island time before you can say “Mojito”.
Chill Winston
Perhaps the most desirable real estate in Gastown, this patio on Alexander is primed for people watching. On the weekends, street performers entertain as you sit with a cold beer and watch the world go by.
For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.
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