The historic neighbourhood of Gastown is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, meaning it’s always abuzz with lively locals and tourists alike searching for the best place to enjoy food and drink in the open air.
Whether you’re looking to grab a cheeky beer or enjoy a feast in the sunshine, Gastown has no shortage of outdoor spaces.
Here are some of the best patios in Gastown.
This will be your last year to enjoy the wonderfully sunny back alley patio at Tacofino Gastown. The eatery, known for popular Mexican-inspired fare, will be closing its doors this summer. This 16-seat patio is super cool and casual. Built with a two-way entrance, you can enter from either West Cordova Street, where the restaurant’s walk-up window Burrito Bar lays claim, or up through Blood Alley Square. Enjoy this spot while you still can.
Address: 15 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Phone: 604-899-7907
This patio faces Alexander and Water Street and is perfect for large groups on a sunny day to sit and people-watch in Gastown. Hit this patio for the food as well as the extensive beer and cocktail list.
Address: 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-737-4277
Water St. Cafe’s slender wraparound patio offers diners a killer view. Located directly across the street from the Gastown Steam Clock, the patio is not only the ideal place to indulge in delectable Pacific Northwest cuisine but also a fantastic spot to do some serious people-watching.
Address: 300 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-2832
Marco Ovies/Daily Hive
Small but mighty, this new French bistro offers a quaint sidewalk patio and an interior that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the South of France. Not to mention its menu full of delicious food.
Address: 216 Abbott Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-0033
The soul of Ireland is located in the heart of Gastown — if that’s not enough to get you onto their quaint patio for a pint, we don’t know what is.
Address: 216 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-687-4322
Just on the edge of Gastown, this microbrewery offers its own house beers with a range of tasty pub grub, but it also boasts a sizable patio with a retractable awning.
Address: 375 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-2739
A popular hangout for students and young travellers alike, thanks to the attached hostel, The Cambie Pub’s patio serves cheap beer and an eclectic social scene on picnic tables on its front outdoor patio.
Address: 300 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-9158
This back-alley taco shop has a back-alley patio that’s perfect for enjoying its signature tacos and margaritas.
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Situated in Waterfront Station, Rogue is a convenient spot for SkyTrain and SeaBus users. Not only is its proximity to transport a huge plus, but it also offers a welcoming wraparound patio.
Address: 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-678-8000
The Greek has a small but comfy patio at the entrance of its Gastown location.
Address: 221 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-423-3360
Alibi Room on Alexander Street is the perfect spot for throwing back a cold one or enjoying a casual weekend brunch in the sun. If you’re aiming to go into full-on food coma mode, we recommend the brunch burger.
Address: 157 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-623-3383
MeeT’s delicious vegetarian comfort eats taste even better on the Gastown location’s courtyard patio.
Address: 12 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-696-1111
The Birds and The Beets have cute little chairs and tables outside this location. You can sit and soak in the sunshine as you enjoy some of the items on the menu, including a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and different kinds of teas and coffees.
Address: 55 Powell Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-893-7832
Nemesis Coffee in Gastown has an outdoor patio where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a variety of pastries, such as croissants, cinnamon rolls, cruffins, and so much more, paired with a perfect cup of Nemesis coffee.
Address: 302 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Di Beppe is an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of pizzas, pasta, and other Italian food favourites.
Address: 8 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-559-1122
This Mexican restaurant features stunning interiors, but its outside patio is also a perfect spot to pull up for a margarita, some tostadas, and some primo people-watching.
Address: 181 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-569-2258
The British-style gastro-pub has a charming interior, but ask any local, and they’ll tell you its patio is where it’s at. We suggest ordering a platter of mussels and a Sir Pimms cocktail and enjoying the sunshine.
Address: 203 Carrall Street, Vancouver