Guide to Patios 2013

Once again, dear reader, I am going to take my chances and allude to the fact that spring is here.  Hopefully these words will ring true and won’t jinx us anymore this year.  It is that time of year when (on some days) we can toy with the idea of enjoying some time on one of Kingston’s many beautiful patios, so we figured it was high time we update our guide.  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 Patios, 2013 edition.

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 new bistro seating area is hopefully just the start of things to come.
• Pan Chancho (44 Princess St): not your average bakery, with a fantastic menu and a hidden patio to boot.
• 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 and the Student Village.
• Starbucks (95 Princess St): a very small patio with about 8 seats, located on a busy downtown corner.
• Wolfe Island Bakery (311 Queen St): 12 seats, and fresh baked goodness that’s sure to impress.

Bars

• The Alehouse Canteen (393 Princess St): a prime stop in the Hub, with a deck-like patio that seats 30.
• Fanatics (371 Princess St): tucked away and shaded, this patio seats 30 an has big screen TVs.
• The Grad Club (162 Barrie St): with lots of seats on the porch and lawn, it’s a haven for those in the know.
• The Iron Duke (207 Wellington St): this trendy haunt has a small patio for 20 that fills up fast.
• Kingston Brewing Company (34 Clarence St): lots of seating for big crowds in the front and in the rear.
• The Mansion (506 Princess St): one of largest, also boasts a beach volleyball court and outdoor bar.
• Menchie’s (241 Princess St.): this small patio is a great place to stop for a froyo on a hot summer night.
  
• The Merchant (6 Princess St): at the foot of Princess, it’s a go-to for Kingstonians and tourists alike.
• Red House (369 King St. E.): a small side patio off the beaten path.
  
• Rhea’s (493 Princess St): located in a parking lot, this patio has a steady flow of regulars.
• Tir Na Nog (200 Ontario St): seating for 50 on the steps of City Hall, and a great view of our waterfront.
• The Toucan (76 Princess St): heated, covered and tucked away from the street.  Easily seats over 50.

Restaurants

• Amadeus (170 Princess St): Kingston’s best kept secret, seats 65 and is tucked away in the rear.
• Atomica (71 Brock St): 20 lucky souls can sit outside here and feast on the sun and gourmet pizza.
• Brandees (178 Ontario St): stunning views of City Hall, and a larger patio that easily seats 40.
• 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.
• Le Chien Noir (69 Brock St): a true gem with an amazing local menu, and front and rear patios.
• 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.
• The Grizzly Grill (395 Princess St): this patio seats 30 and has a prime view of the action in The Hub.
• Harper’s Burger Bar (93 Princess St.): a great place to grab a burger and a shake.  Small but mighty.
  
• The Keg (300 King St): a covered patio with seating for 40, just around the corner from Market Square.
• King Street Sizzle (285 King St): the Sheraton’s restaurant and patio have earned a solid reputation.
• Lone Star (172 Ontario St): voted #1 in a poll last year, it’s close to the water and includes chips and pico.
• Mio Yogi (344 Johnson St.): a great stop for students to stop for a froyo on the way to or from class.
  
• Olivea (39 Brock St): with Mojito Mondays, amazing views of the Market,  and at least 30 seats.
• 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.
• The Raging Bull (189 Ontario St): this steakhouse has a big patio located in the heart of tourist country.
• Stooley’s (118 Division St): not quite a patio, the picnic tables have their charm.
• Sir John’s Public House (343 King St. E.): close to the Market, a great place to stop for a meal or a pint.
  
• West Seventy6 Grill (7 Earl St.): the view and the great menu lets you forget you’re sitting on a parking lot.
• Wolfe Island Grill (1222 Hwy 96): by far one of the best lakefront patios.  Totally worth the ferry ride.
• Windmills (184 Princess St.): new last summer, this patio seats about 20.
• Woodenheads (192 Ontario St): lots of seating in the front, and out back. Reservations are a must!