12 Hidden Patios You Didn't Know Existed in Downtown Kingston
By Tianna Edwards
Downtown Kingston really comes alive in the summer time and part of that vibrancy is the packed patios that fill with warm-weather enthusiasts sipping ice cold cocktails and sharing mouth-watering appetizers. Meeting a friend for a coffee, drink or bite on a patio is a popular pastime once the temps hit the teens.
Many of my favourite downtown patios are hidden. If you’re not a local, it’s easy to miss these gems that are tucked away from plain sight. Keep reading if you enjoy dining al fresco in the summer sun, I am sharing the hidden patios that you don’t want to miss in downtown Kingston.
44 Princess Street
This bakery has everything you need if you love fresh baked goods, brunch and great coffee. The icing on the cake is their patio located right behind the building. A great way to have a slow start to a summer day is brunch on the Pan Chancho patio.
Food notes: Curry eggs are the best!
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1 Johnson Street
AquaTerra is known for their next-level fine-dining menu indoors, but if you walk all the way down Clarence toward the back of the Delta hotel, you will see a stretch of adirondack chairs and lots of tables right across from the waterfront. That’s when you know you’ve hit the “Patio at AquaTerra.” At night they light the firetables and it makes for a very romantic date night!
Food notes: Great seafood and shareable plates.
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69 Brock Street
Black Dog Tavern has a small patio out front and if you walk by, you might assume that’s all they have for outdoor seating. However, they have a spacious patio directly behind the restaurant that offers an ample amount of shade which is perfect for when the temps hit the high 20s.
Food notes: You’ll find elevated pub food here. The french onion soup is my favourite.
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68 Princess Street
Sister to Pan Chancho, Chez Piggy is known for a quality fine-dining experience. It can be enjoyed on their stone patio tucked away from Princess Street.
Food notes: My most recent favourite is the Korean Fried chicken thigh sandwich! But if you like ice cold oysters in the heat of the summer, this is the place for you.
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34 Clarence Street
This is my family’s go-to in the summertime. They have a front patio. But I love the spacious back patio that can be found at the end of a re-bricked alley.
Food notes: The KBC Royale smash burger is always great!
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170 Princess Street
This hidden patio is truly the most discreet on the list. If you go through the main entrance off of Princess and walk directly to the back of the restaurant, you will find their sprawling patio. Well shaded and a great spot to enjoy a pretzel and pint!
Food notes: Get ready to enjoy authentic German dishes like schnitzel, sausage and pretzels.
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281 Princess Street
You can peep this patio a little bit from Princess street behind a fence and greenery. Located right beside the restaurant, this patio offers the same great vibes as indoors. Lots of luscious plants and flowers, beautiful umbrellas and great food.
Food notes: I’ve never met a dish at Northside that I didn’t love but they do fresh veg and salads really well, the Avocado Smash is a go-to for many and the eggs benedict is always amazing.
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73 Brock Street
If you love live music and whiskey, this is the spot for you! Musiikki is known for their coffee, cocktails and soulful performances. Sit back with a drink and take in a local band. This is the ultimate downtown Kingston summer experience.
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192 Ontario Street
If you’re strolling by Woodenheads, it may look like their patio is packed but always double check with the staff because there is a spacious and shaded patio right behind the restaurant.
Food notes: They are known for their wood-fired, gourmet pizzas. My personal go-tos are the lumpia and coco shrimp.
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253 Ontario Street
This Mexican-inspired restaurant is tucked away off of Ontario street and the patio is right behind. The proximity to the waterfront allows guests to catch a bit of the breeze!
Food notes: The coastal is my favourite cocktail (can be done as a mocktail as well!) and the tuna tostada is my go-to order.
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251 Ontario Street
I admittedly don’t visit chains very often but the Lonestar patio, hidden at the back of the restaurant, gives perfect summer vibes and is very large with generous shade coverages.
Food notes: The complimentary chips and salsa paired with ice cold margaritas is what summer dreams are made of!
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197 Wellington Street
This English style tea room is quaint and known for offering a whimsical experience. Just behind their shop, you can enjoy your tea on the bright and cheerful patio.
Food notes: They are known for their homemade soups and sandwiches.
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Tianna Edwards
Tianna is a wife and mom of two young kids with a day job as an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Coordinator at Queen's. She takes pride in living in Kingston and loves celebrating all things local (mostly food related!) through her blog, Keep up with Kingston. Follow Tianna's blog for more local food, culture and shop inspo. Get the latest from her over on instagram.
