Count on the Drake Hotel to always bring the fun to the
Sky Yard. This summer, the hotel’s rooftop deck has
been transformed into a kitschy, beachy lido, complete
with atomic-era wallpaper and a diving board. Look east
and gaze upon a dove-covered, Prince-inspired mural,
INSA’s I Would Die 4 U. Download the artist’s app to see
the doves move.
SKY YARD @ DRAKE HOTEL
1150 QUEEN W. TORONTO
This Bloordale bar’s back patio is one of the neighbour-
hood’s worst-kept secrets (and we’re sorry for the part
we’ve played in ruining it). But it’s too cute and chill to
not talk about: the lovingly slapdash, backyard-barbecue
vibe; the wood-burning stone oven; the roster of craft
beers and laid-back eats (try the mussels special if you’re
feeling fancy) and the strings of patio lights that create
the perfect setting for low-key date nights.
THE I 3 SPEED
1163 BLOOR W. TORONTO
Jen Agg’s new Montreal spot, Agrikol, is regrettably not
within shuffling distance of our homes. Instead, head on
down to her tried-and-true Dundas cocktail spot, where
the raised, sheltered side patio just got a brand new mu-
ral featuring a smattering of island-inspired palm fronds.
The drinks, as ever, change seasonally, leading to a slate
of summer-ready concoctions like the Absinthe Whip
(coconut, absinthe, orange, pistachio).
COCKTAIL BAR
923 DUNDAS W. TORONTO
If you haven’t yet visited the massive collection of Is-
lamic art at the Aga Khan Museum, patio season might
give you a great excuse. The outdoor seating area at the
Mark McEwan-run Diwan overlooks the museum’s gor-
geous grounds, complete with reflecting pools and lush
gardens – plus, a just-added outdoor grill lends flame-
kissed flavour to Middle Eastern mains.
DIWAN
26
4GUYS.CA
77 WYNFORD, TORONTO