The sun is setting over downtown Guelph. The sound of passing traffic fades, and the heat of the day dissipates. A still faint, but growing medley of chatter and laughter rises, accompanied by an ensemble of clinking glasses and forks on platters.
You notice something striking about Guelph – its overwhelming amount of beautiful, flower-laden patios where locals and travelers alike gather to share tales of the day, and food and drink of the evening. Boasting 15 on-street patios and a dozen more hidden terraces in the downtown core and around the city, Guelph truly comes alive with excellent locally crafted cuisine and beverages.
With so many patios to choose from, where will you and your friends gather? All are great options, but let us suggest a few…
One option is Atmosphere Café + Etc’s flower-clad patio that sits cooly in front of the picturesque, limestone City Hall. The patio is a great place to enjoy a coffee-Bailey’s creme brûlée and French farmhouse inspired cuisine. Their famous Braised Lamb Shank is especially good!
Sitting calmly under the serene Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Jimmy Jazz is home not only to a stunning view, but also near-nightly live music. Enjoy their famous Roy’s Pizza, a favourite whose pizzas boast comical names, but come packed with some serious flavour.
For a more secluded, private dining experience, visit Miijidaa Café + Bistro’s ivied back patio, whose menu is a modern take on Ontario’s northern gastronomic history, celebrating a number of cuisines inspired by the tapestry of our culinary landscape.
Another great option: Bardō Gordon St. Guelph, where a covered (and heated) patio offers an oasis in the greenery and placidity of Royal City Park, accompanied by an amazing selection of delicious pizzas, vibrant salads and delicious burgers.
Looking to enjoy a craft beverage? Brothers Brewing Co. has a lovely patio right in the heart of downtown, serving delicious craft beverages. They also allow the convenience of bringing your own food (BYOF). Equally as good, enjoying brews at Sleeman Retail Store and Taproom, Fixed Gear Brewing Co., Royal City Brewing Co., and Wellington Brewery, which all boast beautiful patios.
Other great patio options include Crafty Ramen, Bobby O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Diana Downtown, Two Faces Bar, Taste with Andy, La Reina, McCabe’s Irish Pub and Grill, NV Kitchen + Bar, Royal Electric Bar and Public Eatery, 1881 Steakhouse & Burger Bar, La Cucina Pizzeria and La Cucina Ristorante, The Wooly Pub, Borealis Guelph, Baker Street Station, The Shakespeare Arms, Bar Mason Restaurant, and the Boathouse Tea Room.
Now that you’ve spent an amazing night in Guelph, why not see what the morning has to offer? Stay at the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre or Western Hotel & Executive Suites and enjoy breakfast or brunch at Rise and Shine or Sunny Morning Breakfast and Lunch before you continue exploring the wonders of our charming city. Where will you gather this August?
