Tucked up in St. Johns, the casual cocktail bar Leisure Public House didn’t need to change much to provide a comfortable dining experience outside during the pandemic. In warmer weather, the assorted picnic tables and new sidewalk seating out front are perfectly serviceable, but when it’s cooler, the back patio provides a respite, with partial cover, heat, and tables well spread out. There’s even screens out there for sporting events and other programs.

Primarily a beer bar and taphouse, Tiny Bubble Room is relatively new to the scene, having opened in fall of 2020. Its spacious patio is decked out with picnic tables with tented roofs, along with individual pods in storage containers so diners can enjoy the Southern food, impressive tap list, and cocktails outside year-round. 

Aside from a killer smash burger and a fun takeout drink program, this top-notch cocktail bar disguised as a neighborhood haunt also sports a lovely back patio. Fully enclosed and partially covered, the patio is cozy in all weather, and is spacious enough for comfort. Order the smash burger and some cocktails and enjoy the sunny weather. 

Radio Room broke a years-long record of days open when it was forced to close temporarily due to the pandemic. And with current scheduling, it’s no longer open seven days a week, instead closing Tuesdays. However, other days have brunch and lunch options, happy hour, and a full dinner menu. It’s always sported one of the best patios on Alberta, with multiple levels, coverings, heaters, and plantlife. It’s a lovely space to watch a sunset.

The famously dog-friendly, vegan-friendly cocktail bar Victoria already had a pretty sizeable patio, and managed to provide a welcome respite for socially-distanced imbibing during the summer time. This last year, though, it has upped its game even more, adding additional tables, covers, and a new front patio seating area.

A Southern-tinged neighborhood bar with relaxed party vibes, the Rambler has always drawn in diners to the patios and yards that stretch from the front to the back of the old craftsman-style building it’s housed in. It made some pandemic-era upgrades, though, by spacing tables out more, investing in heat lamps and roofs, and adding some additional seating along the side of the building. Even on a busy weekend night, it’s possible to find some secluded seating for socially-distant, comfortable outdoor drinking.

A popular watering hole in the Beaumont and Roseway communities for those in the know, Mad Hanna rocks an awesome back lawn. A partially covered space provides protection from any wayward rain drops, and the rest is devoted to casual seating with a welcoming thrown-together vibe. The bar even hosts DJs and occasionally masseuses, and has a tendency to throw the occasional barbecue. Drinks are straightforward — nothing too fancy, nor too expensive. 

Bar West temporarily shuttered in the fall, but reopened with a glorious new patio in spring. The elegant wood structure is almost as stylish as the breezy, bright interior. Cafe tables are strewn throughout, and one fenced side is devoted to bar seating. A wooden cover with heaters provides some safety from the weather, though the entirely open sides mean it’s best enjoyed on sunny days, especially with a glass of local rosé or one of the photogenic cocktails from the bar. 

Chic cocktail bar Botanist spent some time closed during the confusing closings and reopenings of the city’s bars, but it’s back and fully operational. It boasts one of the largest patios in town, and definitely the largest rooftop patio, with dozens of tables under strings of lights. Many nights see musical acts, while weekend brunch is often accompanied by drag performances. More than just a sweet patio, Botanist also serves sophisticated and creative cocktails, often incorporating kitchen ingredients and local honeys.

At Tropicale, Portland’s first dedicated piña colada bar, it feels like summertime all year round. This is partially thanks to its front patio—decked out with umbrellas and a partial roof cover—where folk sip boozy and non-alcoholic drinks out of whole pineapple shells and dine on Caribbean tacos and ceviche. 

The sibling bar to Prost, Stammtisch’s patio was originally more for block parties and other summertime events, but the team weatherized it for this winter, adding tented booths, covered tables, and heat lamps. On sunny days it’s all about a crisp German lager, and in cooler weather, diners can relax and warm up with some gluhwein.

Fine dining restaurant Castagna may be closed for onsite dining, but fans of chef Justin Woodward’s cooking can order a weekend dinner from Castagna or dine out on OK Omens’ patio. Lined with umbrellas and string lights, the stone patio serves as the setting where diners can sample the incredible wine selection along with cheesy beignets, fried chicken salad, and a pretty immaculate burger.

One of Portland’s best daiquiri bars, Palomar’s breezy interior is closed for dining, but it’s taken over the rooftop for reservation-only partying. Up there, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the city, its river, and bridges while snacking on Cuban treats and imbibing some rum-based cocktails. It’s a bit more weather-dependent than other places, but some umbrellas protect diners from moderate inclement weather. On sunny days, it’s perfect. 

Cozy, snug, intimate: the fantastically vintage Bible Club’s interior is everything that doesn’t work during today’s pandemic. Luckily, the outside back patio — though normally only open in the spring and summer — now stays open for fall and winter with extra covering and heating. There’s even the occasional live music performance, and all of Bible Club’s well-crafted Prohibition-era drinks and French wines.