Vancouver Patio Guide 2023: Maxine’s Café & Bar

1325 Burrard St.

Dogs allowed: Yes
Coverage: Some
Afternoon sun: No
Patio Reservations: Yes, but not during weekend brunch

Maxine’s has truly mastered the art of casual elegance—you know, like that one friend who somehow looks chic in a bicycle helmet. This charming West End patio seats 25, and the unfussy but adorable cushioned benches and rattan chairs are the perfect spot to enjoy some crispy happy hour fried chicken ($14) with tabasco honey butter, or to indulge in the brunch favourite Dutch baby ($23—and don’t let the name fool you, this monstrous cast-iron pancake packed with ham and cheesy mornay sauce is an adult-sized spectacular that’s decadent enough to share).

Drinks-wise, the basil gin sour ($15, $12 at happy hour) is an artful twist on the classic gin-and-lemon combo—basil syrup and celery bitters give the drink an extra wow-factor. The blackberry margarita ($15, $2 off at happy hour) is another winner: it’s more on the tart side than a traditional marg, perfect for summer sipping. That said, this little piece of Parisian-esque paradise isn’t just a fair-weather destination—well-placed heaters make it a comfy go-to well into the fall.

Plus, the people-watching is supreme: chaotic family bike rides, hardcore morning joggers and impeccably dressed people walking impeccably dressed dogs are all easy gets on the Maxine’s bingo card. maxinescafebar.com

This story was originally published in the July/August 2023 print issue of Vancouver Magazine—find the digital issue here.