As summer winds down with shorter days and cooler temperatures rolling in, patio season will slowly fade around Kitchener and Waterloo. Fortunately there are a lot of great patios throughout Waterloo Region that are worth a try before the season comes to an end.

In our recent newsletter we shared a number of our favourite local picks for winding down the summer season with some great food and refreshing beverages. We want to share with our blog readers so everyone gets a chance to support local restaurants before fall arrives.

Here are the best patios in Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas:

Arabella Park Beer Bar, Kitchener

This Belmont Village patio is perfect if you’re looking for a refreshing drink. The patio is large and offers plenty of umbrella shade, and the walk up service provides a laid back atmosphere. Reservations are available for this patio and the staff are incredibly helpful at recommending a new drink if you’re looking to shake things up!

Rustico Kitchen and Bar, Kitchener

Rustico is located beside our office and has long been a go-to for Staebler employees. The patio has a lovely Italian feel and it’s easy to forget you are in the middle of the city when dining here. The food is always delicious, there is lots of shade for hot days, and the drinks are wonderful!

Rustico Kitchen & Bar in Kitchener is one of Staebler employees’ favourite places to unwind after work. It’s no wonder this is a popular patio in the summer.

Old Marina Restaurant, Puslinch Lake

The views on the patio of the Old Marina Restaurant are unparalleled! Not only is this a short drive from Kitchener but sitting on the patio beside the lake is always worthwhile. They have a great selection of food and drinks, and have recently added an expanded patio that is dog friendly so you can bring your furry friends along for the patio experience too.

Ethel’s Lounge, Waterloo

Located on King Street, Ethel’s is often dubbed the best patio in Uptown Waterloo. Since the pandemic they have expanded patio seating into their upper parking lot to allow more people to experience the fun. The menu features a TexMex flair with crowd favourites like pulled pork nachos, enchiladas, and of course their popular Taco Tuesday.

Puddicombe House, New Hamburg

A more of an upscale option awaits after a short drive down Highway 7/8 to New Hamburg. On the outside of a hotel, spa, and restaurant in a restored 1868 building, the patio spaces include a wraparound veranda and plenty of additional covered, outdoor seating. Their casual fine dining menu features pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and mains that will make you coming back again.

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Be Wise. Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in auto insurance, home insurance, small business, and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region and southern Ontario. Get started with a free quote today.