9 Best Rooftop Patios in Vancouver

This summer, we’re looking up (way, way up!) to find the city’s best patios.

With the sun beating down on Vancouver, it’s the ideal time to step outside. But soaking up the sun is even better when you’re munching on delicious food and sippin’ cool bevvies at the same time. Herewith, our favourite rooftop patios in Vancouver where you can kick back and relax (while taking advantage of some great happy hour deals).

1. Joe Fortes

Joe Fortes’s rooftop patio is one of Vancouver’s most sought after spots—and its not hard to see why. Between the cozy outdoor fireplace (for when the night turns cool), living green wall, and buzzing horseshoe bar, there’s a lot to love. Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m., during which time patrons can get pints of Molson, glasses of wine and highballs for only $5. 777 Thurlow St., joefortes.ca

2. The Keg Steakhouse

Overlooking the cosmopolitan Yaletown neighbourhood, the Keg is one of the few rooftop patios in Vancouver that’s open year-round (it’s heated during the winter months). But in the summer, it’s perfect for warm, romantic evenings, during which you can enjoy lobster, steak and a selection of classic cocktails. 1011 Mainland St., kegsteakhouse.com 

3. Reflections

Though not technically a rooftop (it’s on the fourth floor), Reflections is a sophisticated outdoor bar and lounge serving an assortment of wine and delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine. Reflections also provides warm blankets to those wanting to stay outdoors on chilly evenings. 801 W Georgia St., rosewoodhotels.com 

4. Vij’s Restaurant

Vikram Vij has a monopoly on the Best Indian food in Vancouver—his restaurants took Gold, Silver and Bronze at our 2017 Restaurant Awards—and now he’s getting in on the patio game, too. His newest room has a gorgeous rooftop setting with views of the North Shore Mountains, but you’ll to need to line up early if you want to see them: he doesn’t take reservations. 3106 Cambie St., vijsrestaurant.ca

5. The Roof at Black and Blue

Perched atop Black and Blue steakhouse, the Roof is an elegant lounge where you can enjoy a couple drinks and snacks (oysters, kale and artichoke dip, jerk chicken flatbread) after a long day at work. Bonus: their Cocktail Hour list, available from 2:30 to 6 p.m., is chock-full of $5 drink specials. 1032 Alberni St., glowbalgroup.com

---

READ MORE3 Summer Cocktail Recipes to Try Right Now

---

 6. Lift Bar and Grill

The view from Lift Bar and Grill’s rooftop patio is nothing short of breathtaking. Situated in the middle of Coal Harbour, it’s easy to appreciate the atmosphere by the nearby water. On top of its ambiance, the Lift Bar and Grill also serves sushi, steak and seafood. 333 Menchion Mews, liftbarandgrill.com

7. Joey on Broadway

The South Granville hideaway has a partially covered rooftop patio that’s perfect for when you want to relax on a sunny day. The inviting space, warm ambiance, and fresh air is an urban oasis where you can escape from the sights and sounds of the city. 1424 W Broadway, joeyrestaurants.com

8. Darby’s Public House

Darby’s is a traditional pub with an amazing selection of beers on tap—and they host a ton of fun events. But if you’re not in the mood to sing karaoke or to test your wits at trivia, you’ll want to find a spot on the rooftop patio, where you can take in scenic views of the North Shore Mountains. 2001 Macdonald St., darbys.pub 

9. Red Robin

Not many Robson-Street restaurants boast a full-sized patio, but Red Robin has that, bottomless fries, mouthwatering burgers and cheekily named cocktails like the Freckled Lemonade (vodka, lemonade and strawberries) and Sand in Your Shorts (vodka, melon liqueur and peach schnapps mixed with cranberry and orange juices). 803 Thurlow St., redrobincanada.com

For more on our fave bars and restaurants in Vancouver, subscribe to the Vancouver Insider!