Patio Tour Part 2: 23 must-see spots for late summer outdoor drinks and dining in the Hamilton area
Patio season is still going strong in Hamilton. In fact, it might soon be more comfortable for a midday meal.
If you're done with the 22 early summer patio selection, set out on a late summer tour of 23 outdoor drinking and dining spots in the area.
Scout Cafe Restaurant
Grab a cevapi sandwich on a covered patio overlooking Battlefield Park. The Balkan restaurant, bar and cafe is on the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek.
100 King St. W., Stoney Creek
905-664-7124
Bar Sazerac
If you're looking for a creative and delicious cocktail, this is the place. It's a small bar - and a small patio - open late. If you can't find a spot, zip across the street to The Brain.
278 James St. N., Hamilton
905-869-1144
The Diner Bistro
An archetypal highway diner at the base of the Grimsby escarpment. Order breakfast early or a burger later and grab a seat outside.
310 Main St. W., Grimsby
289-235-8474
The Blue Collar Pub
A small Mountain pub with a big Hamilton heart. This hidden gem bar for the hard-working people" can be found behind a Stone Church Road and Redmond Drive plaza.
549 Stone Church Rd. E., #1B, Hamilton
905-574-9479
The Mule
A taqueria by The Other Bird in the heart of the Lake Erie beach town. Find familiar flavours, like its sister restaurant on King William Street; open late, with a small-town vibe.
2012 Park St., Port Dover
519-583-3338
The Side Door
There are plenty of patio activities at this new craft beer bar in west Hamilton, including trivia nights and a corgi meetup, but matched folks might want to skip speed-dating nights on Wednesdays.
1831 Main St. W., Unit C, Hamilton
905-522-3490
Isabelle Restaurant
Elegant but casual" is the word at the new restaurant at downtown Burlington's Pearle Hotel. Make a reservation for lakeside dining or cocktails on the patio.
3 Elizabeth St., Burlington
905-340-0590
Barangas
A family restaurant on the beach, Barangas boasts one of Ontario's largest lakefront patios." Find Greek food and big lake views on Van Wagners Beach.
380 Van Wagners Beach Rd., Hamilton
905-544-7122
Southcote 53
A huge patio in nearly-rural Ancaster with live music and DJs Thursdays to Sunday. Find pub fare and a wide variety of taps for lunch, dinner and drinks later.
534 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster
289-239-8888
Brewers Blackbird
A craft brewery with plenty of outdoor seating in old Ancaster. Formerly Rousseau House, a fine-dining restaurant, they now serve contemporary food and house-made beers.
375 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
905-648-8863
The Binbrook Grill
Find food, drinks and good times" at this local family favourite. They serve pub fare for lunch, dinner and drinks until late on the weekend.
3020 Binbrook Rd., Binbrook
905-692-0909
Healthy Rabbit
Healthy, sustainable eats in the heart of Brantford with a cute outdoor seating area. Find vegetarian and vegan options for lunch and dinner.
105 Brant Ave., Brantford
519-900-2912
Thai House
Boasting the most authentic Thai cuisine in southern Ontario," this restaurant is worth the drive to the tiny town. Thai House sits on the edge of Campbellville Conservation Area and can be found just south of Hwy. 401.
43 Main St. S., #3, Campbellville
905-854-2888
The Squire
Grab a drink and pub-style fare at this Hamilton chain spot. Formerly Mattson And Co., the new spot, on the corner of Alexander Street, has a wraparound patio perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of Locke Street.
225 Locke St. S., Hamilton
905-525-0225
Moodys/Amigos
Tacos and pizza together at last - side by side anyway. Find two large, tiered patios in Hess Village; there's no better place to enjoy a margarita. Open late.
107 George St., Hamilton
moodyshamilton.ca and amigoshamilton.com
289-309-6449 and 905-267-1532
Mosaic
Trivia nights, board games and craft beers can be found at this Barton East spot. Grab a flight of beer and a seat in their alley patio.
431 Barton St. E., Hamilton
289-700-2337
Rapscallion
Adventurous diners can get a true Rapscallion experience" at the second iteration of The Other Bird restaurant. You would never know this big James North back patio is there, unless you ask.
178 James St. N., Hamilton
905-522-0088
Phoenix
If you don't mind going on campus, there is a big patio with a great view. In the back of McMaster's Refectory building, the Phoenix patio looks on to Royal Botanical Gardens' Cootes Paradise lands.
1280 Main St. W., Hamilton
905-525-9140, ext. 24405
Collins Brewhouse
A beer bar in the heart of Dundas, the Collins has been a watering hole for over a century. Find pub food and pints late into the night on their big side patio.
33 King St. W., Dundas
905-628-9995
Lake House
It's the restaurant you always drive by; now it's time to stop. Find European Mediterranean cuisine" at this Jordan Harbour spot on a patio overlooking Lake Ontario. Reservations are possible, but not for outdoor seating.
3100 North Service Rd., Vineland Station
905-562-6777
Peninsula Ridge
Peninsula Ridge serves more than just wines. Find patio seating outside their Victorian mansion restaurant with "breathtaking views of the escarpment, lake and winery.
5600 King St., Beamsville
905-563-0900, ext. 35
Cafe Limoncello
A jewel on Ottawa Street, Cafe Limoncello offers Italian cuisine that you can definitely eat outside. Have a calzone on their covered patio.
226 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
905-549-3556
Radius
There is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy at the corner of James and Augusta streets. Radius and its multiple levels of patios are open late. Large groups can reserve a space.
151 James St. S., Hamilton
905-393-1658
Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com