The days are longer, the temperatures are soaring, and we’re eager to soak it all up. After a dark, cold winter nothing feels better than grabbing a bite to eat and sipping a drink on a patio where we can enjoy the beautiful weather while experiencing the energy of the neighbourhood. There is no better place to do that than right in your own backyard. Be sure to check out these local eateries this summer.

Handy Bakery

Located on the corner of 86 Street and 118 Avenue, Handy Bakery is an Avenue staple. Offering a variety of freshly baked items such as Portugese tarts and coffee and tea basics, this is a great place to stop for a sip and a snack. Located just outside the doors facing 86 Street, the patio is on the sparse side, but boasts a great shady stop on a sunny day. 

Handy Bakery (8660 118 Ave)
Tues-Sat, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Sun and Mon

Green Onion Cake Man

The legend! The Green Onion Cake Man is the latest incarnation of Edmonton’s original green onion cake creator. Located at 9132 118 Avenue, the eatery is the best place in Edmonton to buy some green onion cakes, plus more. A couple of tables and some chairs, each covered by a green umbrella, sits just outside the large south-facing window. From here you can people watch on the Ave while snacking on some great eats.

Green Onion Cake Man (9132 118 Ave)
Monday-Saturday, noon – 8 p.m.
Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.

Mona Lisa’s Pub

The neighbourhood’s pub, located on the corner of 96 Street and 118 Avenue, is a favourite of locals looking for some cold beer and excellent pub food. The casual and relaxed atmosphere is reflected on their patio, which hosts four to five tables covered with large white umbrellas and a couple of plant boxes full of flowers. The pub is open everyday, offering an excellent place to grab a few pints and stroll home. 

Mona Lisa’s Pub (9606 118 Ave)
1 p.m. – 11 p.m. daily

The Carrot Coffeehouse

The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse is a long-time area coffee spot. It is staffed mainly by volunteers and was established by Arts on The Ave. The corner of 93 Street and 118 Avenue is where The Carrot Coffeehouse is located and where two picnic tables sit out front shaded by yellow umbrellas. The picnic tables offer a nice change from the smaller sized tables on other area patios, allowing yourself just a little more space to relax. 

The Carrot Coffeehouse (9351 118 Ave)
Tues-Sat, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Closed Mon