Patio Patter: Rev Up The Season BACK

Ultra Supper Club

Break out the cocktail umbrellas, slip on the shades: Summer’s here and the entertaining is patio-easy

Who doesn’t love a sun-kissed or star-lit event? Al fresco dos are magical and, at the first whiff of warm weather, the invites coveted by vitamin D-deprived attendees eager to leave four walls behind them.

Easy on the budget are built-in views, while planning logistics pare down thanks to in-house dining and bar services offered by most licensed terraces.

But before you parlay the company’s cocktail reception into a fresh-air soiree, there are a few things to take into account.

Noise is a definite factor, both from the street and your event. For a true gauge of how loud the ambient sounds, schedule a site inspection at your event’s proposed time and inquire about any area construction that could jackhammer your gathering into disaster. Also ask about neighbourhood noise by-laws to ensure the plug isn’t pulled on your hired entertainment.

Patios are people-watching places so to protect your event from the curiosity of the masses cordon off the function space, hire security and take it from street level to rooftop or enclosed terrace.

Of course, rain’s a major party pooper; plan B is essential. And, to avoid goose-pimpled flesh being the dress de rigueur, advise just-in case sweater protection and pad the rental budget for outdoor heaters if necessary.

Nightclubs reign supreme with many of the city’s fab outdoor spaces. While offering guests great post-event diversions, flexibility on dates and timing is necessary or prepare to pony up the bucks if patio exclusivity is important. Avoid invoicing surprises; ask if bottle-service kicks in at a certain time.

Sunnyside Pavilion Courtyard

Here are just a few of our patio faves (standing capacities given):

Bird’s Eye View: From two patio walkouts on the 51st floor of the Manulife Building, the cityscape spreads out before you at Panorama Restaurant & Lounge. Bare bones modernistic, the narrow terraces hold up to 80 each and can be set for dining or lounging. Tenting is an option.

Be Roofless!: Weather be damned, it’s the year of retractable glass roofs. Both The Docks and Lot 332, a new Richmond Street nightclub (the district is teeming with happening patios!), have installed the overhead trick to bringing the outside in, just in case. The Docks adds to its skyline-viewing patio real estate with the Next Level, a spacious rooftop area for 450 with moveable glass roof and walls, double-sided fireplaces and two private, outdoor, heated patios. At Lot 332, it’s open air over the palm-tree lined main dance floor with the flick of a switch. Built-in heating makes the space a year-round novelty. Equipped with all things plasma and projection and with room for 800.

Waterfront Gem:  From black tie to beachwear, the palatial Sunnyside Pavilion offers it all on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. In the main Courtyard, elegant pillars, archways, lush botanicals and gorgeous fountains set the scene for gatherings of up to 2,000. Break out smaller events, up to 450, under the partially sheltered Back Courtyard, adjacent the Sunnyside Café and beach. Upstairs, up to 800 can enjoy sweeping lake views through the grand open-air windows of the covered Observation Terrace.

South Beach Groove: Oh what a view, and a vibe, when you sink into one of the cool, white banquettes atop the roof of the Ultra Supper Club. Cedar planking and long bars evoke the hip Miami scene, with wall sconce mood lighting at night. Main patio is ideal for 150 with an intimate cabana area for eight VIPs. Downstairs courtyard seats 24 with walk-out from restaurant.

Historical Chic:  Follow the old brick road to three happening patio areas operated by the restaurants at The Distillery District. Each a blank canvas for custom designing, the largest, by Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill, holds up to 1,000 and offers a tented stage area. Old barrels line the terrace tucked around The Boiler House perimeter for wining and dining up to 500 people. The Distillery Canteen offers a smaller, slightly less public space for up to 250.