Things warmed up fast this year and I’m not complaining. Patio season is here and that sometimes means a shift in priorities. On any given day I’ll almost always choose food over ambiance, but when the sun is out we should take advantage. We see enough rain throughout the year.
When it comes to patio dining it really depends on what you’re looking for. Comfort? View of nature? Vibe? People watching? There are many factors that make for excellent patio dining, and different patios serve different purposes.
Here are some key characteristics (listed in no particular order) for excellent al fresco dining in the city.
View
It might not be first priority, but if you’re dining outdoors, don’t you want to see the outdoors? You’re in a city where you get trees, water, and mountains all at once – take advantage of it. On the other hand, maybe nature isn’t your thing, but you like to people watch? Or see the city skyline? Regardless, a patio needs a view.
Tents/Umbrellas
First, wear sunscreen. Yes, the point is to soak up the sun, but those rays are dangerous. So unless you want to look 50 at 30, be aware of how much you’re soaking in. Those shaded areas still have fresh air and those umbrellas are there for sporadic rain as well as protection from too much sun.
Heaters
So this applies to evening dining and maybe more for the ladies. You’re in Vancouver, not Miami, it gets cold. Heat lamps, fireplaces, and blankets are always things I ask about if the forecast shows a chilly night.
Drink list
I appreciate a list of seasonal cocktails, crisp and refreshing white wines, and carefully selected beers. Ingredients and dishes change with the seasons, so why shouldn’t drinks? Shout out to staff that make sure their customers are well hydrated with water as well. Bonus points to evening patios that managed to get extended liquor licenses too.
Snacks/Lounge Food
A list of share plates and snacks is smart, especially alongside those anticipated summer drinks. This doesn’t apply to me, but I know a lot of people who lose their appetite on hot days. Grazing is preferred, so a patio menu featuring a variety of tapas works well. It’s not just any tapas either, but a decent selection of food that can sit out in the sun and isn’t as temperature sensitive is nice.
Vibe/Music/Entertainment
You get a feel of the vibe before you even sit down. Are you looking for a romantic, chill or lively atmosphere? Call ahead of time if it’s a restaurant patio you’ve never visited and ask about the ambiance.
Comfortable furniture
If you plan on relaxing and enjoying, make sure you check out the chairs. Are they inviting you to stay? There are 30-minute chairs and two-hour chairs… your bum will tell you immediately.
Insect Deterrents
I haven’t encountered much of a problem with them in Vancouver, besides the occasional mosquitoes, but it’s nice if they have unnoticeable bug repellent. Just keep an eye out for those uninvited guests, especially wasps; I’m speaking from experience.
Happy Hour
The city still has a weak happy hour overall, but who doesn’t like happy hour? It’s called happy hour for a reason, and it’s nice when a patio offers some sort of happy hour or “post-work” perk.
Design/décor
As contradicting as this may sound, sometimes el fresco dining has nothing to do with being outdoors. Sometimes it’s about the design and décor of the patio itself. If it’s an enclosed patio or a patio without a view, then it better make up in other ways.
• Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
