Guide to Downtown Patios 2016

I can say with confidence that summer is here. Students are gone, construction is abundant and patios are full. In fact, it’s downright HOT outside! Since our last guide, there have been many changes downtown. Some establishments have come and gone, some have expanded, and some staples have remained our tried and true favourites. Here is our Guide to Downtown Patios, 2016 edition. TGIF!

Coffee, Tea, Etc…

• Coffee and Company (53 Princess St.): A very small patio on a busy corner. Great for people watching.
• David’s Tea (225 Princess St.): A cozy patio out back, away from downtown traffic.
  
• Market Square (Brock and King): The bistro seating gives us a place to hang on non-market days.
• Menchie’s (241 Princess St.): This small patio is a great place to stop for a froyo on a hot summer night.
  
• Old Farm Fine Foods (204 Barrie St.): Grab a quick local bite or a coffee and relax on this corner near Queen’s.
• Pan Chancho (44 Princess St.): A sweet little backyard patio for breakfast, lunch & Thursday music BBQs.
• Sipps (33 Brock St.): With approximately 16 seats, this quaint patio looks out onto Market Square.
• Starbucks (121 Division St.): A small(ish) patio within close proximity to Queen’s.
• Starbucks (95 Princess St.): A very small patio, located on a busy (& noisy this year) downtown corner.

Bars

• Kingston Brewing Company (34 Clarence St): Lots of seating for big crowds in the front as well as in the rear.
• Red House (396 Princess St.): The last Big Dig allowed for expansion from the side to a bigger front patio.
• The Alehouse Canteen (393 Princess St): A prime stop in the Hub, with a deck-like patio that seats 30.
• The Alibi (293 Princess St.): A tiny but quaint little hideaway in the rear.
• The Brooklyn (14 Garrett St.): All craft beer, all the time. Live music and Mission Street on Fridays.
• The Grad Club (162 Barrie St): Lots of seats out front & on the newly renovated porch. Great for lunch or a bev.
• The Iron Duke (207 Wellington St): A small patio that fills up fast. Construction may change the vibe this year.
• The Mansion (506 Princess St): One of largest, it also boasts a beach volleyball court and an outdoor bar.
  
• The Merchant (6 Princess St): At the foot of Princess, this patio is a go-to for Kingstonians and tourists alike.
• The Toucan (76 Princess St): Heated, covered and tucked away from the street. Easily seats over 50.
• Tir Na Nog (200 Ontario St): Seating for 50 on the steps of City Hall, and a great view of our waterfront.

Restaurants

• Aji Sai Sushi (178 Ontario St.): Enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi down by the lake.
• Amadeus (170 Princess St): Kingston’s best kept secret, seats 65 and is tucked away in the rear.
• Apsara Angkor (189 Ontario St.): Thai and Cambodian food close to the water.
• Atomica (71 Brock St): 20 lucky souls can sit outside here and feast on the sun and gourmet pizza.
• Blu Martini (178 Ontario St.): A mixed menu from tapas to pizza and pasta just across from the lake.
• Casa Domenico (35 Brock St): Fine Italian cuisine that’s served with a romantic view towards the Market.
• Chez Piggy (68-Rear Princess St): Hidden in a unique courtyard. Seating under the shade or stars.
• Dianne’s Fishbar (195 Ontario St.): A great waterfront to enjoy, steak, seafood or a great drink.
• Dox Restaurant: (2 Princess Street): Arguably the closest patio to our waterfront, with about 40 seats.
• Frankie Pesto’s (167 Ontario St): An old fave, with great Italian dishes. Frankie’s covered patio seats 40.
• Geneva Crêpe Café (297 Princess St.): A nice sized patio to enjoy a meal, a glass of wine or a latte.
• Harper’s Burger Bar (93 Princess St.): A great place to grab a burger and a shake. Small but mighty.
• Jack Astor’s (330 King St. E.): This franchise offers a sweet rooftop patio overlooking Market Square.
• King Street Sizzle (285 King St): The Sheraton’s restaurant and patio have earned a solid reputation.
• Le Chien Noir (69 Brock St): A true gem with an amazing local menu, and front and rear patios.
• Lone Star (172 Ontario St): Voted #1 in a 2012 poll, it’s close to the water and includes chips and pico.
  
• Milestones (27 Princess St.): Another franchise in the downtown core offers a small patio on Princess St.
• Olivea (39 Brock St): With Mojito Mondays, amazing views of the Market, and at least 30 seats.
• Sir John’s Public House (343 King St. E.): Close to the Market, a great place to stop for a meal or a pint.
• Stooley’s (118 Division St): Not quite a patio, the picnic tables have their charm.
• Tango Nuevo (331 King St. E.): Grab some delicious tapas or a bevvy close to Market Square.
• The Grizzly Grill (395 Princess St): This patio seats 30 and has a prime view of the action in The Hub.
• The Keg (300 King St): A covered patio with seating for 40, just around the corner from Market Square.
• The Pilot House (265 King St): Sheltered from the elements of the high seas, with seating for 20. Yarrrr!
• The Queen’s Inn (125 Brock St): An unpretentious patio, with 30 places to park yourself for an afternoon.
• Tommy’s (377 Princess St.): A great place to grab a bite or a beer, late night or otherwise.
• Windmills (184 Princess St.): New since the last Big Dig, this patio seats about 20.
• Woodenheads (192 Ontario St): Lots of seating in the front, and out back. Reservations are a must!