Windsor-Essex’s famous summer weather is finally here! We’ve compiled a list of some of the regions best restaurants to enjoy a meal and a drink:
Jack’s Gastropub (Kingsville, Ontario)
Located in the core of Kingsville, Ontario, Jack’s Gastropub is just around the corner from the main strip, giving it enough distance to be relaxing yet close enough to be in the middle of everything. The decor is comfortable and stylish and the plants and landscape add a nice touch. A beautiful, mature tree smack dab in the middle also provides share great shade on a sunny day.
Via Italia (Windsor, Ontario)
With the recent streetscaping completed on Erie Street, Windsor’s Via Italia, there are many options to enjoy an evening people watching and enjoying great food and drinks. From Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge‘s modern feel and La Zingara‘s beautiful classic feel, to La Contessa‘s patio which wraps around the front of the building on Erie Street all around to the side of the building on Marentette there are a number of options for outdoor dining. Don’t forget further east on Via Italia corridor is Enzo‘s large patio.
Mazaar (Downtown Windsor, Ontario)
Downtown Windsor is always a great place to enjoy a patio. Being right on the main strip and in the middle of all the action can make it that much more enjoyable. Along with some amazing Lebanese cuisine, Mazaar provides a great opportunity to enjoy the city core.
Mettawas Station (Kingsville, Ontario)
Located right on the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail, patio living doesn’t get any better than Mettawas Station. Located in an historic structure that was once the town’s train station, you can enjoy a drink and bite to eat while cycling along one of this region’s best trails.
Billy’s Pub and Grill (Essex, Ontario)
Billy’s is a fixture in Essex and boasts not one, but two patios. It also hosts beach volleyball leagues on not one, but their two courts. Add the fact they have a fantastic craft beer menu and they’re a perfect spot to soak in the rays, some sports and some great brews.
The City Grill (Downtown Windsor, Ontario)
Recent renovations to the patio at The City Grill have really kicked it up notch. A beautiful and relaxing setup, TCG’s patio offers you the opportunity to both enjoy a gourmet meal and stay afterwards for post dinner cocktails.
Bull N Barrel (Downtown Windsor, Ontario)
Enjoy an evening of Southern cuisine or drinks on Windsor’s largest patio at Bull N Barrel, which also sports an outdoor bar. Heck, they even have a mechanical bull should you want to try your luck!
Lilly Kazzilly’s (East Windsor, Ontario)
Love a view of the water? Look no further than Lilly Kazzilly’s. This east Windsor institution is one of the very few restaurants dedicated to seafood in Windsor-Essex. Right on the Detroit River shoreline at the mouth of Lake St. Clair, it’s a waterfront view that is hard to beat. It’s also a perfect spot to dine and view the dozens of bald eagles nesting on Peche Island.
Rino’s Kitchen (Downtown Windsor, Ontario)
Rino’s Kitchen, set in a century old home, uses the property’s garden for it’s patio. Guests can either sit on the deck or within the garden itself in a peaceful setting just off the beaten path. Located just on the outskirts of downtown Windsor, we recommend enjoying the Pulled Pork & Waffles.
The Willistead (Old Walkerville, Windsor, Ontario)
In the centre of the Old Walkerville commercial district, The Willistead‘s patio overlooks some great architecture, including the historic Bank of Montreal building which houses Gourmet Emporium (which has it’s own great patio) and is a hot spot among locals during the spring and summer. Whether enjoying the restaurants locally sourced menu, some of the craft beers on tap or a glass of their locally focused wine list, it’s a great location to relax in one of the regions most popular neighbourhoods.
Thai Palace (East End, Windsor, Ontario)
Near the end of 2012, Thai Palace moved to a new, spacious location with plenty of property. This year, they’re making good use of it with a beautifully designed patio with plenty of seating. Perfect setting to eat some of the best peanut sauce you’ll ever have.
Squirrel Cage (Downtown, Windsor, Ontario)
The stylish Squirrel Cage is located in downtown Windsor, on an almost exclusively pedestrian thoroughfare. The popular establishment has recently installed a draught beer system, making it that much more of an attractive patio location.
Do you have a favourite patio? Tell us in the comments below!
