National
Each of the four National locations has a patio with its own unique attributes, but they all share the commonality of a wide selection of great beer and a full menu of souped-up bar fare. Share platters include the addictive grilled kielbasa board that comes with pickles, beer cheese spread, pretzels and ale mustard or the warm queso dip with tortilla chips. Order all both and munch away with friends for maximum patio enjoyment.
550 17 Ave. S.W.; 341 10 Ave. S.W.; 360, 240 8 Ave. S.W.; and 180 Stewart Green S.W., ntnl.ca
Palomino Smokehouse
Located off the back of one of the city’s most authentic Southern barbecue spots (which doubles as a live-music venue), the Palomino’s patio is surprisingly serene, considering the restaurant is located on a particularly busy stretch of the C-Train line. While away a weekend afternoon with friends, sharing a platter of barbecue nachos, chicken wings or the Fatass Platter, a medley of every barbecued meat and Southern-style side dish imaginable.
109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca
Wurst
The full Wurst menu is available on the restaurant’s roomy 60-seat patio (complete with a firepit), but communing with friends outside is the perfect excuse to order one of the German-inspired restaurant’s popular platters. The bratwurst platters come with three kinds of sausage, sauerkraut, German fried potatoes and a trio of mustards. More serious eaters can opt for Franzel’s Mixed Grill, which is a spectacular assortment of German delicacies, big enough to serve up to four people.
2437 4 St. S.W., 403-245-2345, wurst.ca