We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the end is in sight for summer 2018 in Edmonton. We’ve got a handful of good weekends left though, so we thought we’d share some of our favourite patios in Edmonton to soak up the last few warm summer evenings.
EDMONTON’S BEST PATIOS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)
1. BODEGA ON 124th STREET
Photo credit: Bodega 124
Location: 12417 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton
The patio here is a bit of a hidden gem, like a secret garden. Bodega is great for tapas and drinks, either with friends or for date night. The food is great, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled on something special when you arrive.
What to try: Bacon-wrapped dates
What to wear: Bodega is classy but a little quirky, so you can follow their lead when it comes to your style. Choose a sport jacket that’s a bit more unique than your standard grey or navy, like this burgundy windowpane jacket from Luigi Bianchi.
2. TZIN
Photo credit: Tzin
Location: 10115 104 Street
Tzin is such a classic in Edmonton, and though the patio is small, it’s worth it if you can snag a spot. The food and the team here are phenomenal, with some of the best service we’ve ever had in the city. If you’re overwhelmed by the wine list, they are more than happy to recommend the perfect pairing(s) for your evening. Make a reservation, because this intimate space fills up quickly.
What to try: Bacon (seriously, try the bacon)
What to wear: Tzin is practically our neighbour on 104 street, so we like to see a well-dressed guy on their patio. Choose a classy sport jacket in a navy or dark grey like this one and wear it with a sleek dress pant or a distressed pair of jeans like these ones from Brunello Cucinelli, depending on your personal style.
3. THE NEXT ACT
Photo credit: The Next Act
Location: 8224 104 Street, Edmonton
The Next Act is a summertime staple. We love stopping in here for lunch or dinner when we’re spending the day on Whyte Ave. Great food, good beer, and nothing pretentious about it. The patio is right on Gateway Boulevard north of Whyte Ave, so there is always heavy foot traffic going by as you enjoy your meal, but that adds to the experience. It’s a great way to take in Whyte.
What to try: The Cameo Burger
What to wear: The Next Act is where you want to look your casual best. Choose a good pair of jeans, like these grey ones from Frame, and wear them with a henley shirt and a lightweight coat, like this navy harrington jacket.
4. THE CONFEDERATION LOUNGE
Photo credit: Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
Location: 10065 100th Street
If you’re looking for unbelievable River Valley views, the patio at the Hotel MacDonald is on the top of the list. We like to visit this historical lounge for after-dinner drinks. This is one of the few spots in Edmonton with a dress code, which is Smart Casual, though you won’t ever feel overdressed here.
What to try: Smoked Black Manhattan
What to wear: If you’ve got an item that you’ve been looking for an excuse to wear, this is the place to do it. We suggest the Brunello Cucinelli double breasted pinstripe sport jacket with a light blue dress shirt and contrasting tie.
5. CAFE BICYCLETTE
Photo credit: Meghan Skelton
Location: 8627 91 Street
Cafe Bicyclette has the quaint charm you’d expect from a restaurant in Edmonton’s French Quarter. Fresh vegetables and herbs line the patio, along with vintage windows that are suspended from rustic pillars. Cafe Bicyclette gives off an elevated French picnic vibe, and they even have an outdoor fireplace if the temperature starts to dip.
What to try: Poutine Bicyclette or their daily special
What to wear: For the classy al fresco look, wear a lighter jacket, like one with a light blue railroad stripe.
6. BOTTEGA 104
Location: 10181 104 Street, Edmonton
The patio at Bottega 104 is as close to the action as it gets, with tables right on the promenade. Dining outdoors here really makes you feel connected to 104th Street. Even though you’re right in the middle of the street, it is one of the most relaxing patio experiences we’ve had downtown.
What to try: Pesci Fritti
What to wear: You’re sort of on display when you sit at the Bottega patio downtown, so it’s a great time to show off your personal style. Wear what makes YOU feel good. A patterned sport shirt with rolled sleeves would look super sharp, like this floral pattern from Stenstroms.
7. EL CORTEZ
Photo credit: El Cortez
Location: 8230 Gateway Boulevard
El Cortez has one of the most happenin’ patios in the city, with events and concerts here all the time. Most notably, they were part of a successful crowdfunding effort to have Okuda San Miguel paint a giant, colourful wall mural on their patio. Be sure to check it out at this dog-friendly patio.
What to try: Queso Fundito
What to wear: El Cortez has a fun, laid-back vibe that allows you to experiment a bit with your attire, with bold patterns and bright colours. A sport shirt with a floral pattern worn with a leather jacket fits the bill.
8. CAVERN
Location: #2, 10169 104 street nw
If snacking on charcuterie and sipping champagne sounds like a good way to spend an early evening to you, Cavern is an excellent choice. They’ve got an incredible selection of cheeses, and the quaint patio on 104th street feels very European.
What to try: Their signature cheese board
What to wear: A sport jacket with a looser construction is a great choice here. Look for one with softer shoulders that is partially lined or unlined, like this blue check jacket from Luigi Bianchi.
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Now, don’t mind us as we eat and drink our way through the city over these next few weeks.
We know there are tons of amazing patios in the city, so hit us up on Instagram to let us know what your favourite is!
