Oh Waterloo, you less exciting version of Mississauga, you win this round! You have Ethel’s, the Duke, Rude Native, Morty’s, Fox and Fiddle, McMullan’s, and all sorts of awesome summer patios. Kitchener may have Bobby O’Briens, but it’s facing the wrong way! 5 PM beers with a slight shadow aren’t what I’m looking for on St. Patrick’s Day.

Help Me Help You! (by finding patio bars)

If anyone knows of any sweet, underrated patios between downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo, please share! I will update this list as I find awesome places.  They will be in my unscientific order of preference.

Kitchener Patios

  • Bobby O’Briens – Large patio right dowtown, complete with beach volleyball court and a bar right there on the deck. Good lunch specials.
  • One Eyed Jacks – Sketchy and cheap, convenient location, inexpensive deliciously greasy food.  Great for after-softball.  Opens for the summer season only.
  • City Cafe Bakery – Small, quaint, and super busy on nice Saturday afternoons.

Waterloo Patios

  • Ethel’s Lounge – Great patio with questionable service. Taco Tuesday is the best day ever, weekly. The long patio season and a diverse crowd make for a local success!
  • Heuther Hotel – 2nd Floor – The serious local favourite.  (Thanks CJ)
  • Symposium Cafe – Out the back of the cafe, which has great breakfast and fancy coffee.
  • University Plaza – McGinnis Front Row, Mongolian Grill all have fun patios. (Thanks Dave)
  • The Bombshelter – On campus but still a great patio (Thanks Dave)