Allen’s
Drinking on the patio at Allen’s feels like going to a friend’s backyard bash—if your friend served over 100 types of beer, premium scotch and capon wings, among other delicacies. Giant willow trees provide some welcome shade from the sunny glare of the Danforth strip. Nightly barbecue specials Tuesday through Saturday.

Bistro Bakery Thuet
Dine on the patio at Thuet and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a bustling terrasse in the heart of France (although streetcars and views of Susur and the Spoke Club will jolt you back to reality). The food is, of course, fabulous: hearty Alsatian comfort cuisine (perfect cassoulet, for instance). In the warm months, the outdoor dining area, which feels private in spite of being smack dab in the middle of things in front of the bistro, is a lovely place to linger over a meal. It is a particularly nice spot to camp out during a summer rain (a thick awning overhead protects carefully coiffed patrons) with a soothing bowl of the bistro’s excellent take on French onion soup.

Black Bull
A few decades back, Black Bull was biker central. And its patio was a prime spot for watching punks parade along Queen West. These days, it’s not so edgy (the bikers are disappearing; the punks have been replaced by Le Château shoppers), yet the giant patio remains a classic downtown drinking spot. If you’re not careful, a quick pint in the afternoon sun can easily extend into the late evening—the beer list is impressive. In good weather, you’ll be rubbing elbows with an eclectic mix of tourists, shoppers and the odd biker, plus a devoted crowd of aging hipsters.

The Boiler House
Overlooking cobblestone streets and old brick warehouses, the patio at this Distillery District bar is a romanticized slice of Dickens. Victorian-era workers would be bemused by all the gallery hopping, wine drinking and live jazz (Thursday through Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons). Mill Street ale from the adjacent brewery is also served.

Brassaii
Sleek and minimalist, this hidden courtyard is a good place to show off your designer duds before hitting the King West clubs. Pick your poison from the extensive wine list and sip to the sounds of mid-century crooners. Weekend brunches attract families who dress their babies in Burberry. Planters of tall grasses provide the ideal setting for drinking and lunching incognito.

Drake Hotel
Arguably the city’s most popular, or at the very least, most coveted, rooftop patio. Open year-round, the Moroccan-themed oasis proffers plenty of room for lounging, except of course during peak mingling hours, when it’s standing room only. The Drake’s raw bar menu is available for those looking for a little unagi with their mojito.

Il Gatto Nero
Though Café Diplomatico is the most popular people-watching spot on College Street, chances are you’ll have to queue up. This classy 40-year-old joint has fewer crowds—and just as much history. Grab a wrought iron table on one of the two patios and soak up the buzzy atmosphere. The food is light and delicious; wash it down with a good wine and some of the city’s best coffee.

Kensington Kitchen
The second-floor deck at this Annex institution is like a kid’s tree house, only with a decent wine selection. A canopy of leaves provides privacy and welcome shade from the sun’s blistering rays. If intentions are amorous, Kensington’s patio is a tucked-away spot for a romantic dinner or conversation over a shared bottle. Casanovas are advised, though, to stray from the more garlic-laden dishes on the restaurant’s Middle Eastern menu.

Ki
With its elegant granite bar, sofa-style seating and marble pillars, this Bay Street patio brings luxury to the sidewalk. A crowd of suits sips premium sake and pricey cocktails; the Japanese tasting menu hits the spot. This summer’s downtown destination for serious after-work fun.

Langolino Wine Bar & Grill
Perhaps because it’s not actually on College Street, but rather 15 paces north, the terrace at Langolino has never had the same cachet as a Café Diplomatico or newcomer Cucina. And yet it maintains all the charm of trendier Little Italy restos with a lot less ’tude. An expansive street-level patio is a fine venue for a relaxed meal and people-watching from a distance.
50C Clinton Ave., 416-530-4710.

Last Temptation
In the heart of Kensington Market, where the scent of incense and certain illegal substances hangs in the air, this rickety streetfront patio is boho central. Given the location, the service is appropriately spacey. Courage My Love is right next door, should you want to dress the part. Despite the lovey-dovey atmosphere, competition for one of the nine outdoor tables is fierce.
12 Kensington Ave. (at Dundas St. W.), 416-599-2551.