Well, folks patio season is here. And while Vancouver’s rooftop patios are lacking they are some of the safest places to dine-in. So we hope this time inspires some new patio venues to open. But until then let’s explore our city’s limited selection of rooftop haunts.

Here are 10 of the best rooftop bars and patios in Vancouver.

Darby’s

darby's pub

A Kitsilano staple, the main draw of Darby’s is their rooftop patio. We think this is the spot to go when you have time for a pint in the middle of the afternoon because we hate waiting but love patios. Darby’s has the best beer selection on our Vancouver rooftop patio list and they just finished renovations.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am-1 am, Friday, 11 am-2 am, Saturday, 10 am-2 am and Sunday, 10 am-1 am
Where: 2001 MacDonald Street

The Wicklow

If you want drinks with views head to The Wicklow. This tavern is located on False Creek and has an upper back patio that will give you views of all things nautical. Not to mention you can kick back and relax in the open-air knowing you’re relatively COVID safe.

Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30-late, Saturday & Sunday 11 am-late
Where: 610 Stamps Landing, Vancouver

Guu Garden

guu garden

With a patio bigger than the restaurant itself, Guu Garden is great for entertaining large parties. Not to mention social distancing! The izakaya menu helps out as well since practically every dish is meant to be shared. We recommend trying anything that sounds good, we’ve yet to be disappointed.

Hours: Monday to Friday 5:30 pm-10 pm, Saturday & Sunday 5:30 pm-11 pm
Where: 888 Nelson Street

Joe Fortes

joe fortes

The quintessential spot for seafood in Vancouver also has a great rooftop patio. It’s the perfect place to kick your feet up after shopping on Robson or visiting the art gallery. All in all, it’s hard to deny that Forte’s has one of the best patios in Vancouver.

Hours: Daily, 11 am-11 pm
Where: 777 Thurlow

The Roof at Black + Blue

black and blue

Another Vancouver staple, and right down the street from Joe Fortes. Maybe your relatives are in town from the prairies, and they’re not super into eating a ton of seafood. No problem, just head for some high-quality steaks on a rooftop patio.

Hours: Daily 11:30-late
Where: 1032 Alberni Street

Vij’s

vijs

Located on Cambie street, the rooftop patio at Vij’s isn’t so much about the view. Instead, the draw is getting to eat the best Indian in Vancouver outside. However, we’ve got to say that the pink fencing does look pretty sweet. And what’s better than some fresh air?

Hours: Daily lunch 11:30-2:30, Dinner 5:30-late
Where: 3106 Cambie Street

Privé

This restaurant boasts a whopping 2,000 square feet of patio space. So if you’re looking to socially distance this place is probably it. Not to mention they also do Karaoke. So between food, drinks, and karaoke, this patio seems like the place to be.

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday by appointment, Thursday to Saturday 3 pm-late
Where: #200-1001 West Broadway

Lift Bar and Grill

lift bar and grill

Located on a pier in Coal Harbour, Lift might just have the best views on this entire list. Pacific Northwest cuisine dominates the menu, and their happy hour features buck a shuck oysters. The best spot for your upcoming date with a person that just moved to the city and wants to chill by the water.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 am-10 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 5 pm-10 pm
Where: 333 Menchion Mews

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

It’s classic food that you know and love. And you have to give them two thumbs up for consistency. But beyond the food, the Yaletown location just so happens to have one of the best patios in the city. So grab a friend or two and head over to the Keg.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 pm-11 am, Friday & Saturday 4 pm-12 am, Sunday 4 pm-11 pm
Where: 1011 Mainland Street

Ebisu on Robson

rooftop patios vancouver

If you’re in the mood for Japanese, Ebisu is a great choice. And they just so happen to have a patio. So you can enjoy your favorite Japanese eats by yourself or with some friends in the fresh air of the West End.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 pm-8:15 pm, Friday & Saturday 12 pm-9:15 pm, Sunday 3 pm-8:15 pm
Where: 827 Bute Street

And there’s our guide for the best rooftop patios in Vancouver! So if you’re planning on dining in be sure to give at least one of these spots a try. After all, they’re some of your best bets for staying COVID-19 safe.