There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot and sticky Toronto night than dining and drinking by the lake. Here are some places to cool off in style.
OLD STANDBYS The Polson Pier has go-carting, rock-climbing, mini golf, a swimming pool and more! After taking part in all that activity, hit the Sound Academy (11 Polson, 416-469-5655) for welcome refreshment, live bands, a kick-ass sound system and a gigantic patio that’s super-close to the lake.
The recently renovated Guvernment (132 Queens Quay E., 416-869-0387) — with its jaw-dropping lights and sound, top shelf DJs, and multiple rooms including the Skybar patio that looks out over the waterfront — is the undisputed king of the big-room dance music jungle.
Three restaurants at the Queens Quay Terminal (207 Queens Quay W.) have patios with lake views: The BoatHouse Grill (416-203-6300), Il Fornello (416-861-1028) and Lusso (416-848-0005).
Farther west is the Pier 4 Storehouse (245 Queens Quay W., 416-203-1440) with a ship-themed interior, a seafood focus and room for about 200 guests outside — including a brand new 50-seat lakeview patio.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Crêpe du Soleil (at Lakeside Eats, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-952-8674) is not a prediction about the state of your skin at the end of the summer — so long as you use sunscreen liberally. It’s an outdoor, waterside crêperie just west of the Queens Quay Terminal.
BEST HIDDEN GEM WITH A CHANNEL VIEW On three acres of grounds below the bridge at Cherry and Lakeshore is the Keating Channel Pub & Grill (2 Villiers, 416-572-0030). This fun and unpretentious establishment has 6,000 square feet of indoor space plus a 275-seat waterfront patio. Sweet!