There’s something for everyone in Greektown, whether it’s the Taste of the Danforth festival, the Thrill of the Grill competition, or the weekly farmers’ markets. But when the weather’s nice, patio season takes over and the jockeying begins to get that prime sidewalk seating. Check out these perfect patios for people-watching.
They have some prime frontage with a patio that runs the length of the storefront all the way to the sidewalk on Eaton Avenue. The horizontal wooden planks on the wrought-iron railing add a low-key, slightly rustic feel, while umbrellas offer shade on sunnier days. With live country music every Friday and Saturday, and a great variety of beer, you’ll be tempted to make 701 Danforth your new address.
It’s not often you see a saloon-style place amidst all the Greek diners, but The Wren does things a little differently. They’ve got a cozy little south-facing patio set up at street level, but due to its size and popularity, you’ll want to arrive early to stake out your spot. The beer selection is among the city’s best and they change the rotation regularly so there’s always something new on tap.
This place has plenty of old world charm, with the titular frappe beverage as its centerpiece. The patio faces east onto Fenwick Avenue with plenty of umbrellas for when the sun gets strong. It’s as authentic as it gets on the Danforth, with most of the conversation flowing in Greek.
This patio is tops when it comes to world-class sophistication. The space is meticulously arranged, with tables set up for parties of one, two or four, with or without an umbrella overhead. The street-front patio has an assortment of hanging baskets and potted plants to give it a tranquil feel amidst the bustle of the city. The cuisine is predominantly Greek and brunch is offered on weekends.
A prime location on the corner of Danforth and Monarch offers diners one of the best patios for relaxing while they eat. It’s decorated almost entirely in black, but there are umbrellas and an awning for protection from the summer heat. Stay cool with the awesome selection of draft and bottled beers from around the world. When you get hungry, take a look at their brunch menu, which is available until 4 p.m.
The rooftop patio is a mini oasis with its potted ferns, natural shade, rich wood décor and elegant monochromatic colour scheme. It’s an atmosphere that makes everything on the menu taste better, whether you’re indulging in a plate of oysters or filling up on roast elk loin. For diners who prefer a street-level view, Globe also has a cozy patio out front with a couple of tables under an awning.