Most would consider the ideal patio day to be one that’s cloudless, where the temperature soars above 30°C. But let’s be honest — patio season in Calgary can mean rain, wind and cooler temperatures. But rain doesn’t have to mean sitting indoors, staring longingly at an empty, rain-soaked patio.
If you visit one of these five restaurants, you’ll still be able to make the most of the patio. (As long as it isn’t raining too hard, that is.)
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
Just because diners don’t sit out on this patio while it’s rainy very often doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done at all. Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant’s large, wraparound veranda is still open on rainy days. (There aren’t heaters, though, so come prepared.) Enjoy the ambience of the Victorian-style mansion and the views of Fish Creek Park — a little rain won’t dampen that view — while sharing the charcuterie board.
15979 Bow Bottom Tr. S.E., 403-476-1310, bvrrestaurant.com
Cleaver
It’s easy to stay cozy under this patio. Cleaver’s patio has a large, retractable awning and it’s heated, so you can still watch the bustle along 17th Avenue while sipping on a cocktail on a grey, drizzly day. Try to visit this restaurant on a rainy Monday. Buy the plank to share for $35 on Plank Monday, roll the dice, and if you roll evens, the plank is on the house. This patio seats 30.
524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-1211, cleavercalgary.com
Kensington Pub
There are two big umbrellas on this upper-level patio, so as long as there isn’t a torrential downpour, you’re still able to sit outside here with your pint and your English-style roast beef dinner. There aren’t heaters out here, but its small size means that it can still be cozy — there are only four tables and the patio seats 16 at most.
207 10A St. N.W., 403-270-4505, kensingtonpub.com
Oolong Tea House
This east-facing, covered patio is a gem if you’re looking to enjoy the sound and smell of the summer rain while at the same time enjoying a mug of hot tea. (There are more than 150 different types of loose-leaf tea on the menu here.) The patio is situated behind the cafe, away from the buzz of the main roads. This patio can seat approximately 15, but you’ll probably get it to yourself on a rainy day.
110 10 St. N.W., 403-457-5450, oolongteashop.ca
Salt and Pepper Bowness
If you want to take advantage of one of Salt and Pepper’s daily specials and it’s only drizzling outside, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t sit under this covered patio. (It might be good to note that this patio also has heaters, an important addition when it’s overcast.) The colourful lanterns here add to this patio’s overall ambience.
6515 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-247-4402, saltnpepper.ca