22 must-see patios in the Hamilton area
Coach & Lantern
Grab a British pub-style pint and eats at this gem of a restaurant in old Ancaster. Built in the 1820s, the Coach & Lantern features a courtyard-style outdoor space that feels like you're sitting in local history.
384 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
905-304-7822
Maccheroni Cucina Alfresco
A classic Italian restaurant with a small alley-like patio, this little spot will not disappoint. Make sure you reserve a spot for old country pizza and pasta.
1560 Main St. W., Hamilton
905-527-6422
The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.
It's called The Good Earth" but city dwellers may think they are on another planet at this fine dining spot in a Beamsville farm. Reserve a table and sit so close to fruit trees that you can smell them.
4556 Lincoln Ave., Beamsville
905-563-6333
The Judge
An old Hamilton beer bar with new owners and a fantastic back patio. There is a front patio too, but the back patio is better. If you can't find a spot at The Judge, check out one of several other outdoor spots on Augusta Street.
25 Augusta St., Hamilton
905-524-5626
Lang On The Water
The view at this little Vietnamese restaurant is Ph real. Enjoy authentic family recipes right on the Grimsby shoreline of Lake Ontario.
33 Place Polonaise Dr., Grimsby
289-235-9399
Stillwaters
Diners seated on the large rooftop patio at Stillwaters are graced with outstanding river views. Enjoy pub-style fare at the Grand River restaurant and make sure you reserve a spot for waterside dining.
61 Grand River St. N., Paris
519-302-3000
Honest Lawyer
There's plenty of restaurantainment" available at this longtime east Mountain spot. Head to the Fennell and Upper Ottawa corner patio for big pub-food portions and stay for the inexpensive late-night drinks.
1115 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton
289-674-1080
Thirsty Cactus
Tons of taps and late-night eats at this Southwest-style eatery in the heart of Dundas. The unique Thirsty Cactus patio has an industrial look with a small-town vibe.
2 King St. E., Dundas
905-627-8488
Royal Coachman
Sit down for a British pub-style dinner at the historic former hotel in the heart of Waterdown. The Royal Coachman's large, tree-covered patio is a perfect spot for a pint.
1 Main St. N., Waterdown
905-689-5952
Shoeless Joe's Sports Grill
There's no better spot for watching summer sports than outdoors, and Shoeless Joe's upper deck patio is that spot. Catch the game and expansive menu - with appy" hour prices early and late.
1183 Upper James St., Hamilton
905-383-5637
Fairweather Brewing Company
Hop on a bike and ride to Fairweather, a stop along the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail. Or stop by to fill your growler and try a flight of beer on their patio.
5 Ofield Rd., Unit 1, Hamilton
905-570-0606
Aberdeen Tavern
On this quaint and classy Kirkendall neighbourhood patio, enjoy fine dining food with a casual feel. Reserve a spot for dinner and cocktails or fixed-price weekend brunch.
432 Aberdeen Ave., Hamilton
905-523-7707
Doors Pub
Grab a can of craft beer and a taco from this historic Hamilton basement bar and head outside. It will be loud. It will be metal. If there is a show happening, it will be even louder and more metal.
56 Hess St. S., Hamilton
905-540-8888
Buddy's Roadhouse
An east Hamilton treat, Buddy's is the place for an after-work beer with the buds. There's nothing fancy about this spot. But you can find bar food and suds in a shaded, secret garden-like patio.
1360 King St. E., Hamilton
905-545-1456
The Powerhouse
A historic power station-turned-pub in the centre of Stoney Creek, The Powerhouse has plenty of seating options including an expansive patio. They have a big, family friendly menu and plenty of beers on tap.
21 Jones St., Stoney Creek
905-930-7381
Cascata Bistro
This little Italian bistro is closer than you think," their website says. And after dining on their farm-to-table fare in nearly rural Flamborough, you'll wish it was even closer.
281 Carlisle Rd., Carlisle
289-895-7986
Loch Side
Watch over Spencer Smith Park and Lake Ontario at your Loch Side patio table. The downtown Burlington spot has an elegant but casual quality.
1455 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
289-337-3344
Beertown Public House
The title seems straightforward enough, but finding a beer hall with such diverse fare is rare. Head to this patio for an expansive drink and food menu, including impressive vegetarian options.
2050 Appleby Line, Unit K, Burlington
905-332-7722
The Beach House
This place brings back memories of hot, lazy days sitting in the sand under a palm tree - but in Port Dover. Formerly Callahan's, now Beach House, find plenty of perch on the menu at this Lake Erie shoreline restaurant.
2 Walker St., Port Dover
facebook.com/thebeachhouseindover
519-583-0880
Lancaster Eatery
Golf or no golf, you can't beat the view on the patio of the Chedoke clubhouse restaurant. Sitting midway up the escarpment, overlooking the city, one might yell fore!" before popping a french fry in your mouth.
140 Beddoe Dr., Hamilton
905-609-0837
Redstone
Get ready to wine, dine and take a look at the summer concert schedule at Redstone Winery & Restaurant. They offer to surpass guest expectations" on their contemporary and fancy patio. Guests should expect to reserve tables far in advance.
4245 King St., Beamsville
905-563-9463
Farside
This hip James Street North spot with a back-alley patio is newer than most on the list. Farside bar is open until 2 a.m. daily and features craft beer, cocktails, wine by the bottle and a hotdog heavy snack menu.
288 James St. N., Hamilton
905-777-0447
Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com