Calgary Journal Online

Summer can seem all too short in Alberta, but Calgarians are good at enjoying the brief time in the sunshine and warm weather. While the city lacks in beaches, it makes up for it in patios.  Here are some of the best.

Village Cantina Tropical Grill - Inglewood

Photo: Lauren Barr/Calgary Journal

Driving through Inglewood, you might see a brightly-coloured ceramic parrot outside of the Village Cantina Tropical Grill. This festive flavour continues into the restaurant and out onto the patio. Despite being on busy Ninth Avenue in Inglewood, the wooden deck seems secluded and cozy.

“The patio is a little tropical escape,” says Tracy MacLellan, general manager of Village Cantina. She describes the atmosphere as casual Mexican fusion.

MacLellan also claims that you can find the best margaritas in the city, or at the very least the most authentic at the cantina.

Dressed up in bold colours and beachy decorative touches like netting and shells, this patio seems like a nice getaway from the busy Calgary nightlife.

Location and hours: 1413 9 Ave SE. Open, weather permitting, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bonterra Trattoria– Downtown

Escape to the Italian countryside – or as close as you can get while still only blocks away from downtown Calgary.

“It feels like you’re miles and miles from downtown,” says Curtis Gallinger, general manager of Bonterra. The patio tries to recreate a little Tuscan escape, he says.

The intimate feeling at Bonterra comes from a virtual ceiling of plants hanging from wooden beams, terracotta tiles and rustic Italian art. Fireplaces throw a warm glow onto the patio.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a sultry evening with that special someone. It is also a lunch time favourite for the downtown crowd looking for a brief escape from the office.

Location and hours: 1016 8th St. SW. Open (weather permitting) for lunch Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Evenings Monday to Thursday 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.; Sundays 5 to 9:30 p.m.

O Restaurant and Lounge – Marda Loop

O sticks out a bit in its Marda Loop neighbourhood, as a sleek, metropolitan place to head for a patio experience. The patio garnishes the front of the modern building on both the ground and second floors. The urban feel is funky, and on a hot afternoon the cool vibe is refreshing.

The feeling is contemporary, says Randy Brook, managing partner at O Lounge. He says the patio is a great place to come to meet with friends, and have some quiet conversation.

When the patio is open, large windows along the front of the restaurant are opened, extending the patio feel into the interior of the space.

The drink menu offers more than just the standard list of cocktails – look for their different variations of sangria.

Also, keep in mind the patio is south-facing, so bring your sunscreen.

Location and hours: 2018 33 Ave SW. Open (weather permitting) 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., open to midnight Friday and Saturday

Vin Room – Mission

Vin Room patio is an oasis from the downtown core, located along Fourth Street in the southwest.

As you might pick up from the name, it’s all about wine.

“We cater to those who are enthusiastic about good wine and good food,” says Karen Kho, wine director of Vin Room.

Perch under the enormous umbrella on the second floor patio, and join the stylish crowd watching the flow of people in Mission beneath them.

Vin Room offers “flights” of wine – a selection of three two-ounce glasses of wine. There are sommeliers on hand to help you build a flight, or you can build your own.

Everything on the menu is designed for sharing, Kho says. The food is mainly hot and cold tapas, or you can choose from their cheese and charcuterie plates.

Location and hours: 2310 4th St. SW. Open (weather permitting) Sunday and Monday 4 to 10 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to midnight