The top 10 winter patios in Toronto

Patio season in Toronto is all too short but if you haven't yet had your fill then there's still some off-season fun to be had. These terraces operate year-round, and while some will test your resilience al fresco, others are fully enclosed and pretty cozy.

Here are my picks for the top patios in Toronto that are open all winter.

Big Crow

Anthony Rose's backyard BBQ joint on Dupont has been fully winterized this season, with under-seat and overhead heaters warming up the enclosed, cabin-like dining hall. The banquettes have been wrapped in cowhide, and blankets are on offer should guests want to cozy up while dining on coal-baked brie at brunch or baby back ribs at dinner.

Valdez

The heated rooftop patio is open year round thanks to a retractable glass roof that keeps this Latin street party going strong even in the depths of winter. Margaritas spiked with hot sauce help, too.

Gusto 101

The stylish rooftop space at this Italian eatery boasts a retractable cover that keeps this patio populated year round with patrons looking for hearty comfort foods like pumpkin agnolotti in sage butter.

Drake Sky Yard

Partially sheltered and outfitted with heat lamps, the top floor of The Drake Hotel is has been converted into a Newfoundland ice fishing scene this year complete with ice hut replicas and blankets to keep warm.

Mill St. Beer Hall

Heat lamps keep diners toasty on this sprawling patio in the Distillery District, but it's the cushy seats huddled around two outdoor fireplaces that are in highest demand.

Bellwoods Brewery

Embrace the cold weather and slide into a picnic table under the radiating heat lamps at this brewpub on Ossington Ave. You'll have to keep your coat on, but it's proved a popular pick for resilient True North-types.

The Fifth Grill

The terrace is open year-round at this fifth floor steakhouse where the enclosed space is temperature controlled and the skyline view is stunning.

3 Speed

There's no service on this Bloordale patio, but it's partially covered and there's a big forno oven to keep guests toasty while sipping beers and mixed drinks.

Jazz Bistro

It might be freezing outside but things are just heating up on this fully-enclosed rooftop terrace. The third-floor venue plays host to live music and is buzzing year round with jovial diners and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Cold Tea

It's bare bones and still a little chilly, but the back patio at Cold Tea is fully enclosed and heated. This is great news for cocktail fiends and means that pop-ups and winter BBQs are not out of the question.

What did I miss? Add your favourite winter patio to the comments.

Photo from The Drake Sky Yard

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO