Need a vacation from the hustle and bustle of the city? The Beach — or The Beaches, depending on whom you ask — is the perfect destination if dress codes and house beats aren’t your scene. Take the streetcar down Queen East and you’ll find a neighbourhood with a small-town vibe and a variety of charming bistros and pubs.
OLD STANDBYS If you’re looking for four floors of kilts, traditional Irish jigs and the perfect pint of Guinness, head to Murphy’s Law (1702 Queen E., 416-690-5516). The sizeable rooftop and front patios tend to initiate quite the party. While you’re there, try one of the signature menu items they claim “keep the Irish smiling,” like Me Ma’s Stuffed Meatloaf.
Formerly a bank, Lion on the Beach (1958 Queen E., 416-690-1984) is a traditional pub where you can shoot the shit about current events with locals while perusing the newspapers scattered along the bar. There’s also a large patio perfect for lazy lounging.
Michelle's Beach House (1955 Queen E., 416-693-4454) delivers sleek decor, with a black and white photo gallery and teak and birch furnishings. The back garden patio, enclosed by a wall of ivy, is ideal for quiet chit-chat over one of the many signature cocktails.
Hit the Gull and the Firkin (1943 Queen E., 416-693-9337) for oysters and all-you-can-eat mussels for $9.95 on Wednesdays on their sizeable shaded patio.
The patio at Quigley’s (2232 Queen E., 416-699-9998) seats just under 100 people and is one block from the boardwalk. If your burn is beginning to peel, hide out on the three-tier patio, which offers shade courtesy of an 80-some-odd-year-old maple tree. There’s live music every Friday and Saturday night beginning at 10pm.
TIRED OF HEARING SPIRIT OF THE WEST? Take a break from pub life and try the side patio at Nevada Steakhouse (1963 Queen E., 416-691-8462), which is great for people-watching. They announce a different prix fixe dinner every Friday and there’s a new cocktail to try every Tuesday.
If you’re looking for carbs and a little fresh air, hit the patio at Whitlock’s Restaurant (1961 Queen E., 416-691-8784) for their pasta bar every Monday.