5 of Saskatchewan’s Best Summer Patios
August 8, 2018
It’s been a smokin’ summer in Saskatchewan this year. Unsurprisingly, heatwaves with temperature and humidity over thirty degrees Celsius can make a person thirsty.
Thankfully, a cold beverage and a delicious meal on an outdoor patio can make even the hottest day much more bearable.
I’ve got you covered and have personally visited each of these restaurants and patios to share which ones around the province offer something special.
Here are five patios perfect for any day or night out during a Saskatchewan summer.
Bodega’s patio is no joke. There are three levels across the converted house-turned-restaurant. They claim they’re the only location in Regina with patios made of brick, stone and cedar. Which makes it ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper or drinks – essentially any time of day. But what really stands out are the large trees in the front yard that shade the restaurant’s patios and reduce the noise from Albert Street. Focusing on international tapas, their specialty is seafood. The crab nachos and fresh oysters with mignonette sauce are always a sure thing. Their signature cocktails also offer a nice change up from the usual. Enjoy a pineapple cinnamon negroni or keep it simple with a local beer on tap.
Bodega Tapas Bar
2. Rawhides Bistro and Saloon, Stenen
Rawhides offers such a variety of experiences it’s hard to fit it all into one paragraph. The feel is distinctly wild west and pioneer theme. The food is hearty Western cuisine prepared by international chefs from around the world. But the highlight of this bistro and saloon is the outdoor patio complete with five natural gas fireplaces and an outdoor stage for performances – all adorned with wagon wheels, cream cans and wooden casks. (Not to mention a nearby beach volleyball court, events centre and on-site campground). The most surprising fact though, is that the restaurant is housed in a converted brick schoolhouse.
The view from the the Harbour Golf Club and Resort might be one of the best in the province from a patio perspective. The club’s bar and grill is situated at the start of the Elbow marina, at the mouth of Lake Diefenbaker. Stretching along the coulee that makes up the marina is a neat row of sailboats – a fairly unexpected site to see in Saskatchewan. Adirondack chairs set above the viewpoint make it perfect to walk to after drink or meal on the outdoor patio of the resort. There is even a little hiking trail along the edge of the valley. Bonus if you love to golf as the resort is home to a championship 18-hole golf course.
Elbow Marina
It’s a small-town patio on Centre street in Shaunavan with big city dining. Harvest Eatery and Fresh Market serves some of the best food in the entire province. Which is no surprise considering Chef Rusty Thienes is a Gold Medal Plate Regina winner. The talented chef has created a menu that’s absolutely delectable. The gourmet comfort food includes smoked pork ravioli and a slow-roasted brisket as well as the number one burger in Saskatchewan as voted by CBC followers – their ever-famous Harvest Burger. Don’t miss Swift Current’s Black Bridge Brewery Common on tap.
Harvest Eatery
Una’s patio has a distinctly modern-European vibe which sets it apart from the usual go-to patios in Saskatoon like O’Shea’s, Winston’s or the Yard and Flagon (always great classic choices for patio beers in the city). The narrow alleyway patio down the side of the restaurant dampens the street traffic noise off Broadway and makes for a more intimate setting. Food is a mash-up of local ingredients with a Californian influence focusing on pizza. Their drink specialty is in their wines which showcases a selection of small producers all focused on quality not quantity.
Una Pizza & Wine
There are dozens of fantastic patios across the province perfect for enjoying a Saskatchewan summer. For a creative idea, consider trying a “patio crawl” and sampling a drink and menu item at several locations over an afternoon and evening.
Searching out other excellent patio locations? Check out Mysask411 online or download the app to find them all from your smartphone.
– Ashlyn George is a travel blogger extraordinaire and former Saskatchewanderer.