Winnipeg patio guide
The Peg loves a patio, and we put them everywhere.
Streetside people-watching perches, rooftop retreats, waterside sanctuaries, and hidden courtyards – we have them all, with great dishes and local drinks to boot.
Here’s some of the city’s top al fresco destinations.
Hit the streets
Bar Accanto (opens in new window) &Nola (opens in new window) (300 Tache Ave.) – Executive chef Emily Butcher’s acclaimed cuisine is now available for both lunch and dinner on this shared patio that straddles Tache Avenue. At lunch, you’ll find dishes from Nola, which sits at #86 on the Canada’s 100 best restaurant list in 2025 and #88 (opens in new window) in 2026. Butcher –– who’s accolades also include finishing third at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2020, and an impressive run on Top Chef Canada –– also the exec chef role at Bar Accanto, Nola’s sister wine bar, which takes over the patio at night with a new menu featuring items like the smoked duck breast salad with miso baba ghanoush, and a dreamy roasted turnip and squash agnolotti with lap cheong sausage and dashi cream sauce. Both restaurants boast full vegetarian menus that are the city’s best.
529 Uptown (opens in new window) (201 Portage Ave.) – The centre of the universe (Portage and Main, which you can cross at your leisure!) has a new patio, and it sits right within the 201 Plaza. Given its “business lunch” status, do the power move and get the wagyu pastrami (honestly great for sharing, and wow that brisket is tender), a tower of onion rings and Rosie’s salad for you and your companion. But first, browse the menu of 30+ wines by the glass, where ultimate power brokers can splurge on exceptional Canadian wines like Vieux Pin’s Ava 2022, or big European reds like the Luca Marenco 2019 Barolo. Given that there are plenty of public seats available in the plaza, you can also go casual and get takeout from 529 Burger (the walleye is so crispy, and the regular Nashville is a jaunty little smash burger) to eat outside too.
James Avenue Pumphouse (opens in new window) (109 James Ave.) – The East Exchange is brimming with patios, with this newer number being one of the most stylish. It hugs the building’s historic facade along James and Waterfront, with views of heritage buildings on the one side, and the Red River and Mere Hotel in the other direction. The menu has a little bit of something for everyone, and they’ve really been tuning up that drink program as of late.
Bonnie Day (opens in new window) (898 Westminster Ave.) – This cute Wolseley spot is a good idea for any occasion. Its courtyard-like patio is super charming; spilling out onto the Westminster Ave sidewalk with overhead string lights and ever-climbing vines. With a focus on all things comfort food, a favourite remains the whipped feta garnished with roasted tomatoes, herbs with toasted sourdough, while you must also start with Persian olives. The staff and owners are the dictionary definition of affable, the craft cocktails are fabulous, and there will probably be cute dogs and friendly people to talk to at other tables as you dine.
Tabula Rasa (opens in new window) (725 Osborne St.) – Sous Sol’s sister restaurant on South Osborne has a nice little dog-friendly patio with the most delightful pink and blue netting above for shade. On it, sip expertly created craft cocktails (the menu shows what kind of glass it will come in, which is fun) to accompany a menu by chef Graham Peltier that travels the western Mediterranean. If someone says, ‘let’s go someplace cool!’ This is your answer.
Capital Grill and Bar (opens in new window) (275 Broadway) – Chef Wayne Martin keeps us coming back for starters like airy popcorn shrimp, West Coast fish cooked just right, and local walleye made even more summery with its accompaniment of ricotta gnocchi, grilled corn and lemon-thyme butter sauce. Its patio is right on the bustle of Broadway, making for a great spot to do some people watching in the afternoon sunshine.
Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria (opens in new window) (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 an 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!
SMITH Restaurant (opens in new window) (75 Forks Market Rd.) – If you like chill spots to perhaps do a bit of people watching while drinking craft cocktails, this is it kids. SMITH’s west-facing patio overlooks a bustling area of The Forks and is awash in greens from all the plants and surrounding trees. New tables and chairs have been added for summer, plus this is one of the few spots where you can get breakfast through late night –– all al fresco. If you’re doing drinks, you must order the pounded cheese for the table, it’s a classic.
Above the city
The Roost (opens in new window) (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. The patio stretches out from the second level of a 110-year-old house, with string lights shinning overhead. Just one plum peach of a spot if there ever was one.
La Roca (opens in new window) (155 Smith St.) – This bumpin’ downtown spot is always ready to cure your cravings for tacos and margs. It has both a ground floor courtyard patio that seats 110 and a rooftop patio above it for 55 people. Come night, this place turns into a club with local DJs spinning or live music every Friday and Saturday. It’s a good choice if you are looking to bust a move under the twinkling lights, plus the whole scene is surrounded by some of the city’s tallest buildings, giving it a real urban flair.
Confusion Corner Bar and Grill (opens in new window) (500 Corydon Ave.) – There’s nothing confusing when it comes to how much fun this Corydon spot is in the summer. It has one very chic, semi-covered and heated patio located on its rooftop that is sure to please, making it an ideal point to start a fun night experiencing the Corydon Strip after having some tacos, pizza or share plates.
Gusto North (opens in new window) (242 Hargrave St.) – Inspired by its OG location on Academy Road (which too has a lovely patio), Gusto North’s menu features high-end Italian dishes right in the centre of the city at True North Square. The patio stretches over Hargrave Street, providing views of downtown Winnipeg to savour alongside chewy, charred-just-right pizzas, crunchy and creamy arancini, and luxurious pastas.
Pasquale’s Italian Ristorante (opens in new window) (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 remains a neighbourhood favourite.
Santa Lucia on St. Mary’s (opens in new window) (4 St Mary’s Rd.) – Grab a north-facing seat on this second storey patio and you’ll be treated to views of the downtown skyline to accompany your classic cheese loaded pizzas and Greek dishes. With plenty of umbrellas, along with glass walls that keep out the noise from St. Mary’s traffic (all while letting the sun in), it’s little wonder that this Norwood perch is one of the city’s most popular patios.
Seasonal popular pop-ups and breweries, all of which are dog-friendly
Cargo Bar (opens in new window) (Assiniboine Park) – Straddling the Riley Family Duck Pond and the vast field in front of the Lyric Theatre, Cargo Bar (opens in new window) provides such a nice environment to spend an afternoon or evening for both people and dogs (opens in new window). Most of the seating is located under trees for ample shade (plus there are umbrellas at larger tables), and everything comes from a shipping container replete with a rooftop patio. On the menu, you’ll find craft cocktails, a nice selection of local beers, wine and plenty of mocktails. For food this year, Cargo Bar has street tacos, small tapas, and mini charcuterie boxes. For entertainment, singer-songwriters and live performances are often on nightly.
Blue Note Park (opens in new window) (220 Main St.) – Located downtown on Main Street, this colourful funky pop-up by the Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club hosts live music all summer long while slinging local beer. This summer’s ridiculously good lineup (opens in new window) features all the top local acts you could ask for.
The Beer Can (opens in new window) (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 featuring spicii fried chicken, loaded tots and impressive salads from local legends Kosmo’s (Hoagie Boyz (opens in new window), Next Door (opens in new window)). Ample seating available, with both a shaded tree-covered area, and an open area featuring plenty of additional bench seating. Super friendly hip staff and live DJs, dance performances from Royal Winnipeg Ballet members and great vibes make visiting this spot a must.
Le Patio 340 (opens in new window) (340 Provencher Blvd.) – This enchanting Saint-Boniface patio features plenty of tables and a large stage for performances by local artists. The bilingual bar serves artisanal beer, Canadian wines and mocktails at this bilingual outdoor bar from Thursday to Sunday, where visual arts workshops, drink tastings and performances are a regular occurrence.
Hidden gems
Oxbow Natural Wine Bar (opens in new window) (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 gnocchi cacio e pepe. Its courtyard patio sits behind the restaurant with white tables and overhead lights for added ambiance. Lots of gluten-friendly dishes too, plus this summer they are hosting guest chef pop-up nights and fun parties on the patio. Find the announcements on Instagram.
Langside Grocery (opens in new window) (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 friends.
Olympia Diner (opens in new window) (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!). All these come courtesy of Red Seal chef Dexter Vlahos (whose family hails from Livadeia, Greece), while his Italian wife Franca amiably runs the front of house. The patio sits under string lights just behind the restaurant offering an oasis away from the bustle of Portage Ave.
Small Mercies (opens in new window) (111 Osborne St.) -Not only is Small Mercies one of the best stores for jewellery, flowers, decor, ceramics and stationery – it’s also home to Saint’s Cafe (opens in new window). After shopping, get a coffee then head out into its hidden courtyard area; it’s like entering a magical little world that wouldn’t feel out of place within the winding alleyways of Tangiers.
Next Door at Good Neighbour Brewing Co. (opens in new window) (116 Sherbrook St.) – There’s something about laneway patios that call out to you, particularly this one where every hour you are treated to chimes from Westminster Church, which is located just across the street. The food from Next Door comes from Kosmo’s (note they also do the food at the Beer Can, and own/operate Hoagie Boyz), featuring super delicious burgers, wings replete with a sauce cart, salads, a few share plates, and the city’s best kids’ menu (so says my eight-year-old). They’ve also added a second area behind the main patio, with a counter service bar (you can order the whole food menu), and games like cornhole and massive connect four that you can play on the artificial grass. It’s a vibe.
Sunset Terrace at Fort Garry Hotel (opens in new window) (222 Broadway) – This très chic patio is decorated with ample plants, green walls that block out the bustle of Broadway, and two shipping containers –– one for the bar, one for performances –– that frame it all in. The 2024 menu by Oval Room Brasserie’s chef de cuisine Kyle Lew and Vida Cucina Italia’s resident chef Fabrizio Rossi boasts new signature pizzas (learn more here (opens in new window)), plus colourful salads, share plates and burgers. For drinks, hotel wine director Christopher Sprague has created super fun popsicle-cocktail fusions, a full roster of margaritas, and a wine list that is sure to please. There are a total of 17 tables on the patio, large white umbrellas for shade, plus live music almost every night. What a scene!
Patent 5 Distillery and Tasting Room (opens in new window) (108 Alexander Ave.) – Turning the corner on Alexander Ave to discover Patent 5’s cozy wooden patio in the Theatre District is a delightful surprise. As you approach, a large overhead door rolls up to reveal the charming decor from the old St. Regis Hotel, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces. Their creative menus (which change seasonally) add to the allure, making every visit a fresh experience. As one of only two distilleries in the city, Patent 5 stands out not only for its ambiance but also for its locally crafted spirits like its ultra smooth gin and vodka, and their new rum and whisky.
Sit riverside
529 Wellington Steakhouse (opens in new window) (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.
Cibo Waterfront Café (opens in new window) (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 has pizzas, pastas and big salads, with the bruschetta being a popular choice to kick things off.
Juneberry (opens in new window) (531 St Mary’s Rd.) – One of the city’s best brunch spots flaunts a patio that looks right down the Red River. Stradling the sidewalk on St. Mary’s Road, here you can dine on divine egg dishes like short rib hash and souffle pancakes as you watch the waters head toward downtown.
Pony Corral Pier 7 (opens in new window) (1700 Pembina Hwy.) – Boating to dine al fresco is about as mint as it gets. At Pony Corral’s Pembina spot, find docks and an expansive patio serviced by a tiki bar, all overlooking the Red River.
The Common at The Forks (opens in new window) (1 Forks Market Rd.) – A few years ago, The Forks added one of Western Canada’s largest patios to its offerings, along with an outdoor version of The Common whereby you can get up to 20 unique wines, beers and ciders by the glass. For food, you have your choice of all the inside kiosks, while the views of boats going up and down the Assiniboine are postcard perfect.
It also makes sense here to direct you to our breweries, the majority of which have pup-friendly patios that are perfect for introducing you to our craft beer scene.
Low Life Barrel House (opens in new window) (398 Daly St.) has one of those garage door facades that opens the tap room to the outside, while there are several tables roped in and boarded by barrels so you can sip on natural wines (made onsite) and super interesting beers in the sunshine.
Nonsuch Brewery (opens in new window) (125 Pacific Ave.) has a north-facing patio that looks out on the Theatre District, whereby you can savour the legendary Le Burger (with a colourful salad or onion rings on the side) and wash it down with strawberry Kölsch. Kilter Brewing (opens in new window) (450 Rue Deschambault) has a fantastic patio just steps from the Seine River in Saint-Boniface, along with so many events and pop-ups to attend.
There’s also Little Brown Jug (opens in new window) (336 William Ave.), which has one of the city’s best patios with its built-in wood booths and fake grass underfoot. Lake of the Woods Brew Co. has a beachy number on the bottom floor of Hargrave Street Market