There's still plenty of time to enjoy patio season here in Winnipeg (September is going to be a beauty too, we swear) so now's the time to get in all that al fresco action. (And by action, we mean chilling under an umbrella, on a rooftop, or at a table beside the water ).
This year's guide is all about neighbourhood hidden gems, riverside retreats and spots that flaunt city views. Plus, we can't forget about the pups, while some spots are even cat-friendly too!
For a full listing of the city’s patios, visit our Tourism Winnipeg Patio page.
Patio perches
The Roost on Corydon (651 Corydon Ave.)
This quaint, whimsical and utterly charming cocktail bar has been serving up unique concoctions since 2015 (over 500 creations to date!). Its menu is completely hand drawn by co-owner Elsa Taylor and features a wide range of flavourful seasonal beverages along with fun culinary creations that are often vegan and/or gluten-friendly. Its hip patio stretches out from the second level of a 110-year-old house right in Winnipeg’s little Italy, with string lights shinning overhead. Just one plum peach of a spot if there every was one.
Tavern United Downtown (345 Graham Ave.)
This rooftop patio is perfect when it comes to enjoying unfussy pub-style items from up high. Its menu features the bar staples like nachos, chicken fingers, fries, wings and burgs. From the Tavern rooftop, you can catch a killer view of Winnipeg’s downtown skyline and True North Square while enjoying dozens of premium beers--including many local favourites--and some pretty tidy cocktails too.
La Roca (155 Smith St.)
La Roca is the bumpin' spot to cure your tacos and margs fix. The upper-level patio looks out to its courtyard just steps below at lunch, while come night this place turns into a club with local DJs spinning every Thursday to Saturday. It's a good choice if you are looking to bust a move under the twinkling lights.
Confusion Corner Bar and Grill (500 Corydon Ave.)
There’s nothing confusing when it comes to how much fun this Corydon spot is in the summer. It has one patio located on its rooftop with plenty of space for larger tables, with a second patio extending into its parking lot with cargo boxes hosting pop-up bars serving local craft beers and fun cocktails. This corner is an ideal point to start a lively night experiencing the Corydon Strip.
Gusto North/Mottola Grocery (242 Hargrave St.)
Inspired by its OG location on Academy Road, Gusto North's menu features more high-end Italian dishes right in the centre of the city at True North Square. The patio stretches over Hargrave Street, providing the perfect view of downtown Winnipeg, while chewy, charred pizzas, luxurious arancini, a rich ricotta appetizer and a risotto with crispy octopus are all can't-miss dishes. Academy Hospitality also has a patio right on the ground floor of True North Square that services Mottola Grocery, often featuring fun bars slinging Italian staples like Aperol spritz. You won't want to miss this spot on the weekends, when super popular Salsa Sundays (featuring a live band and all) have become a real hit.
Pasquale's Italian Ristorante (109 Marion St.)
A classic above the streets of Saint-Boniface, Pasquale's is all about big bowls of pasta, calamari fritti, pizzas to share, and Nona's meatballs. It's been rocking since 1977 and is always a neighbourhood favourite.
Next to the water’s edge
529 Wellington Steakhouse (529 Wellington Cres.)
529 Wellington is a Winnipeg institution, setting the fine-dining bar with its white tablecloth service and phonebook-sized wine list. Its terrace sits behind the historic mansion, with two levels of decadent patio seating. Above your head are strings of romantic lights along with an enormous umbrella that manages to cover the entire first level of the patio. While seated next to the Assiniboine River you can enjoy pricy cuts of Canadian beef and large a la carte sides. Be sure to order an onion ring tower, a dirty martini or a glass of bubbly to start your night off right.
Cibo Waterfront Café (339 Waterfront Dr.)
Located on the banks of the Red River in The Exchange District, this repurposed industrial building is the spot for a relaxed dining experienced. Its patio sits facing Waterfront Drive with glass panels and no shortage of shaded umbrellas. Its Italian menu features pizzas, pastas and big salads, with the bruschetta being a popular choice to kick things off.
Buffalo Stone Café (1961 McCreary Rd.)
Right inside the Alloway Reception Centre at FortWhyte Alive lives Buffalo Stone Café. The café is run by
Community Living Interlake—a not-for-profit organization that serves and provides opportunities, programs and housing to Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. The café offers a relaxing environment with ample windows whereby you can watch the kayaks and small sailing boats floating by on the quaint. Its menu serves up everything from all-day breakfast options to heartier lunch items like the BBQ pulled pork, French onion soup, roasted veggies and colourful salads replete with goat cheese (the dairy flavour of summer). Fresh, local and ethically sourced ingredients are used in the dishes—many of which are grown on site at FortWhyte Farms—are also used by the same team behind SMITH at Inn at the Forks.
The Common (1 Forks Market Rd.)
This outdoor patio is one of Western Canada’s largest patios, seating 470 people! The scene is massive, with tons of shade courtesy of ash and elm trees plenty of places to sit right on the banks of the Assiniboine River at The Forks. The Common’s outdoor bar flaunts 20 wines and 20 beers on tap, all curated to ensure ever pour is anything but common. Be sure to accompany your bevy with items by local vendors right inside the Forks Market.
New spots on the block
James Avenue Pumphouse (109 James Ave.)
The Pumphouse is located inside a historic building that housed Winnipeg’s first high pressure water system right in the heart of The Exchange District. Inside you’ll note the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the century-old pumps and gears which we liken to an aquarium built for engineers. The Pumphouse patio sits right on James Avenue, with high and low seating tables built by local designers at Beard Brothers Woodworking. Its menu offers a world of options, including a giant hand-made perogy, dan dan noodles, Detroit-style pizza and Korean twice-fried chicken. The cocktail menu is sophisticated, with a twist of 90’s inspiration (you must try out the Tropic like it's Hot and the D.M.C.).
Bonnie Day (898 Westminster Ave.)
This cute Wolseley spot is a good idea for any occasion. Its patio is super charming, with overhead lights that stretch out onto the Westminster Ave sidewalk. With a focus on all things comfort food, a known favourite is their whipped feta dish, garnished with roasted tomatoes, herbs with toasted sourdough. You must also try out the roast half chicken and of course the selection of incredible pizzas. The staff and owners are also the
dictionary definition of affable.
one sixteen (116 Sherbrook St.)
This gathering space is built on collabs and the essence of community, and is home to the Good Neighbour Brewing Company Taproom and Two Hands Dining Room. The taproom menu offers an ever changing range of beers to suit all tastes from Good Neighbour, while the
Two Hands fellas have created a suitable menu of tasty snacks like the honey roasted nuts and marinated olives, and the show-stopping fried pickerel burger and whole chicken wings. The whole taproom menu is available on the courtyard patio, which is quaint and just off to the side of the neutral-toned and wood-designed interior. You can also have one of Winnipeg's best coffees on said patio too, for hours click here. The whole place is staffed by industry pros.
The Sunset Terrace + Bar at The Fort Garry Hotel (222 Broadway)
Pay a visit to the
Sunset Terrace + Bar at the beautiful Fort Garry Hotel. Its patio is decorated with ample plants, green walls that block out the bustle of Broadway and a container open-kitchen and bar. Its menu is calm cool and collected with items like frosé (slushie dry rosé), frozen margs and other slushie drinks from the mind of sommelier Christopher Sprague, along with snacks like the five-onion dip with chips and the cutest selection of decadent sandwiches. There are a total of 17 tables on the patio, accompanied with large white umbrellas. Its the perfect laid-back scene for a post-work escape or for the start of an exceptional afternoon. The staff uniforms are pitch-perfect too, while the staff themselves aren't afraid to have a little fun too. It's all round good times.
Hidden and street-straddling gems
Olympia Diner (3253 Portage Ave.)
This St. James favourite serves up all the Greek staples from gyros with creamy tzatziki, souvlaki galore, lemon potatoes, and of course saganaki lit tableside (opa!). The patio sits under string lights just behind the restaurant.
Langside Grocery (164 Langside St.)
This idyllic patio is hidden right in the heart of West Broadway, serving the intricately created cocktails in old teacups and chalices. Langside’s patio is located behind its heritage building setting, enclosed with red brick with trees growing right out of the dining area. It’s the perfect date spot or for a night out with the girls.
Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria (137 Bannatyne Ave.)
This Exchange District spot is what you wish for on a sunny afternoon. Its patio stretches out onto the sidewalk on McDermot with big orange and blue umbrellas, string lights overhead and a relaxing Argentinian menu featuring heavily cheesed pizzas and gorgeous flaky empanadas. It offers the most affordable and tasty lunch menu that couples those empanadas with fresh salads, along with Cuban melts and some seriously good soups. This patio is also pup and cat friendly!
Capital Grill and Bar (3116 Roblin Blvd., 275 Broadway)
Both locations offer a menu by Chef Wayne Martin that keeps us coming back for starters like airy popcorn shrimp, West Coast fish cooked just right, and burgers, ribs and local Walleye that are always on point. The Capital Broadway location has a spacious patio right on the bustle of Broadway, while the Roblin location (located so close to Assiniboine Park Zoo) boasts a west-facing patio made from rich brown wood that is hidden from the street. The pulled pork & slaw sandwich and the Dungeness crab bites (served with a mound of tasty green apple and parmesan salad) are a must try on any sunny day. Most of the beer is local, while co-owner Greg's wine list is always tight and tidy, with some great worldly bottles and a few choice options from BC.
Taverna Rodos (5114 Roblin Blvd.)
This hidden spot in Charleswood offers all things authentic Greek food, including gyros, feta-sprinkled Greek salad, ribs and of course the star-of-the-show lemon potatoes. The patio is enclosed with a black chain link fence with large trees and red umbrellas.
Tallest Poppy (103 Sherbrook St.)
The hip, West Broadway spot continues to kill it with its Jewish-meets-Southern US menu by owner/chef Talia Syrie. The Poppy looms over all else with its incredible chicken and waffles and other iconic menu items like the Northern fried tofu sandwich and the chicken and matzo ball soup. The patio sits right on Sherbrook Street, and wins for best urban design with the stunning mural by Gibril Bangura (shout-out to Synonym Art Consultation) and a blue pipe fence!!
InFerno's Bistro (312 Des Meurons St.)
This French-inspired restaurant is nestled right in Saint-Boniface, with a courtyard spotted from the street through its vine-encompassed entry way. The patio is spacious yet cozy, providing a fitting setting for items like the duck confit pot stickers and the comforting butternut squash ravioli. Be sure to grab a steaming serving of moules frites for the perfect Inferno's patio experience.
Marion Street Eatery (393 Marion St.)
Located in the Marion Hotel, this multiple award-winning eatery serves everything comfort and casual from the saucy spicy chicken wrap to the mushroom toast to a top-notch mac & cheese. This patio is made up of dark wood and hosts several tables, served by the seriously sweetest staff.
SMITH Restaurant (75 Forks Market Rd.)
SMITH Restaurant at the Inn at the Forks is the perfect spot for people watching while sipping craft cocktails and savouring meaty mains. SMITH has two patios, with one facing the Forks and one just east of the hotel’s entrance. The original west-facing patio is decorated with Hudson’s Bay Company pillows and throws and covered with multiple black umbrellas. SMITH offers Oyster Wednesdays at $2.50/shuck along with a glass (or bottle) of bubbly and live music every Friday and Saturday. We say this every time, but man, you gotta' order that pounded cheese with whatever sort of Old Fashion they are serving to start. It's a must.
Oxbow Natural Wine Bar (557 Osborne St). With a focus on using locally grown ingredients and natural wines, you’ll feel great when diving into classic Oxbow dishes like the patatas bravas (the potatoes are thrice-cooked and so damn crispy), Calabrian chili clams and oh my lord the gnocci cacio e pepe. Its courtyard patio sits behind the restaurant with white tables and overhead lights for added ambiance.
Tabula Rasa (725 Osborne St.) Sous Sol's sister restaurant on South Osborne has a nice little patio right on the sidewalk where you can get expertly created craft cocktails to accompany a menu that points to the Mediterranean. Share plates include charred octopus with romesco, house-made cavatelli, yellow fin tuna with ajo blanco and pickled grapes, and a number of vegetarian dishes that sing as loud as that fish. If someone says, 'let's go someplace cool' - this is your answer.
Soak up the sun at the pop-ups!
Cargo Bar & The Park Cafe (330 Assiniboine Park Dr.)
Nestled right in Assiniboine Park next to the Riley Family Duck Pond, Cargo Bar features a rotation of local craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails. This year, Cargo Bar is partnering with PoachT food truck, which specializes in creative plates topped off with a perfectly poached egg. This spot is always bustling, with giant umbrellas and string lights in the trees overhead. Just across from the pond is where you'll find the Park Cafe, located in the stylish Qualico Centre. The patio here is hidden behind the restaurant in its own little forested area. It's a beautiful setting to enjoy brunch, and is in fact one of the few spots in the city to have an al fresco breakfast.
Blue Note Park (220 Main St.)
Located downtown on Main Street, this colourful funky pop-up by the Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club hosts live all summer long while slinging local beer.
The Beer Can (1 Granite Way)
Just off Osborne, this spot has become the spot for summer with its massive patio space. The Beer Can is filled with wooden benches and tables with string lights galore. It also serves up more than just beer, with cider, wine and craft cocktails, not to mention a food menu that pays homage to the Southern US. The Beer Can has also recently installed its second location at the Gas Station Patio, serving up beer specials alongside food trucks and djs, with free treats for your pups and plenty of live music from local artists.
Le Patio 340 (340 Provencher Blvd.)
This charming Saint-Boniface patio is host to a vast space of tables and grassy seating, with a large stage for performances by local artists. Indulge in artisanal beer, wine and mocktails at this bilingual outdoor bar from Friday to Sunday with visual arts workshops and drink tastings.
A sweet shoutout to Old Market Square and our local breweries!
From King + Bann to Chosabi, to Peasant Cookery, Amsterdam Tea Room, Bronuts/Not a Bronut and Cordovas Tapas and Wine, nothing beats the variety and endless options for exceptional culinary creations in Old Market Square.
And we mustn’t forget about our lovely local breweries. Lake of the Woods Brewing Company has its west facing patio on the main floor of Hargrave Street Market; Kilter is nestled right in Saint-Boniface with the “best tree in Winnipeg” providing shade for those hot summer days; Nonsuch has its Lily Street patio scattered with wooden benches and black umbrellas; Torque has its newly installed parking lot patio as of last year; Barn Hammer’s west-facing patio sits on Wall Street and is close to Wall Street Slice should you be in the mood for a big slab to fold; Stone Angel's massive deck is right on South Pembina; One Great City has a nice pad; Brazen Hall has an impressive patio hidden just off Pembina; and Little Brown Jug's sunny patio has faux grass beneath your feet.
And as we stated in the lede, most of these patio spots welcome and encourage all to bring their pups to join in on the fun! So just check ahead before doing so.
