Aimed to help both residents and tourists who are looking for new spots to eat and drink outdoors this summer, our patio guide will come in seven parts (each a different neighbourhood) between May 13-19.
These stories will just give you the tip of the iceberg when it comes to patios in a certain area, as we can’t highlight them all, but it gives you a starting point that will surely lead you to other great outdoor spots nearby!
Unsurprisingly, some of the best and most popular patios in Kelowna are located in the heart of downtown.
That’s taken to another level when Bernard Avenue shuts down for the summer, which will happen in two sections this year.
It will shut down from the Sails to Water Street on the May long weekend, then Water Street to Ellis Street will follow suit when Canada Day rolls around.
This section of our patio guide will look at the best spots outside of the Meet Me on Bernard closure, although there are some elevated patios off Bernard Avenue that are included.
Here are nine fantastic patios downtown to check out this summer!
(Our boundary to separate downtown and the north end is Clement Avenue for north/south and Gordon Drive east/west).
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Black Sheep Coffee Bar
371 Bernard Ave.
- This downtown gem offers all of the classic beverage options, and soon they’ll have Italian cream sodas, cold brew on tap and lemonade on tap.
- The coffee chain has two patios, including one on the rooftop and another in the front, as well as indoor space for customers to enjoy.
CRAFT Beer Market
257 Bernard Ave.
- CRAFT Beer Market has been a hit since it opened in downtown Kelowna five years ago, largely thanks to it's great atmosphere and more-than-100 beers on tap!
- While Craft will have an extended patio for Meet Me on Bernard, nothing compares to its rooftop patio with plenty of seats and incredible views of the downtown waterfront.
Earl’s On Top
211 Bernard Ave.
- You know exactly what you’re going to get from Earl’s, as the popular BC-based restaurant chain offers up plenty of food and drink options for all.
- In Kelowna, it also offers up a rooftop patio just a few feet away from the one at Craft, with even more spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and the waterfront.
Kelly O'Bryan's
262 Bernard Ave.
- Kelly O’Bryan’s has been a staple in Kelowna for many years and is another great spot to fill your stomach (we highly-suggest pachos) and get some drinks.
- It’s the third elevated patio in a row on this list that is located in the heart of downtown and it’s become a popular spot for outdoor dining and drinking since being renovated a few years back.
Kelowna Beer Institute
1346 Water St.
- Formerly Tree Beer Institute, Kelowna Beer Institute is downtown’s longest serving brewery and a great spot to enjoy a pint or one of their great food options.
- KBI has a pair of great patios for you to enjoy, one being right along a busy pedestrian area near the Yacht Club and the other being tucked away upstairs to provide a bit of relief from the sun.
King Taps
1352 Water St.
- King Taps took over the space that was formerly home to Rose’s Waterfront Pub and has transformed it into a higher-end eatery that is a great spot to catch your favourite sports.
- There are two patios, one right along the water and another up top, which means there are plenty of outdoor seats for you to enjoy a couple drinks with a world-class view.
OAK + CRU
1310 Water St.
- Tucked away in the Delta Grand Hotel, OAK + CRU is a perfect spot for those who want to indulge in a bit of a fancier meal in a more secluded setting.
- The patio backs onto the Waterfront Park lagoon and is an incredible and comfortable spot to hang for a few hours and watch a few boats come in and out.
Sprout Bread
125-1295 Cannery Ln.
- After a run of restaurants and bars, we get back to some of our favourite spots to grab a coffee and snack with Sprout Bread.
- This is less of a patio and more of a laneway, but the entire Cannery Lane area is the perfect spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of other downtown spots.
The Bohemian Café
524 Bernard Ave.
- If you’re looking for a breakfast spot that is a bit more than just coffee and snacks, the Bohemian Café is the perfect spot to go for a fun and eclectic breakfast or brunch with food made from local ingredients.
- The Boh will no longer be included in Meet Me on Bernard this year, but that’s fine because the popular downtown spot has a great street side patio as is.
This is the final part of our seven-part Kelowna neighbourhood patio guide. Here's the entire release schedule:
