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If patios make you feel safer, here are Burnaby’s best

In response to a recent article I wrote about going out in Burnaby for a sit-down meal, a few readers said they will only do it if it’s outdoors on a patio. Well, I see that point.
burnaby hart house
Burnaby's Hart House has expanded the patio out onto the grass. Chris Campbell photo

In response to a recent article I wrote about going out in Burnaby for a sit-down meal, a few readers said they will only do it if it’s outdoors on a patio.

Well, I see that point. Eating outside at a physically distanced table absolutely makes sense. If it makes you feel safer, then that just enhances the meal.

And rules are changing on the fly to help restaurants.

Restaurants now have more clarity about the rules they have to follow when providing dine-in service during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a modified order from B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Municipalities like Burnaby have started in the past several weeks to be quicker in approving patios on public property, while the province has been quicker to approve alcohol licences for those patios.

“We’re well aware of the need to do as much as we can to assist businesses to get back on track,” Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said recently. “Certainly, we’re open, for this period of time, to an extension of those where it makes sense and where business actually wants it. So yes, that is being looked at.”

Moves like these across the province are why Henry said in a June 10 order that restaurants can operate with as many people as they can hold as long as they can either keep people in different parties two meters apart, or have impermeable shields between tables.Restaurant owners previously understood that they had to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity.

The tasting room operated by Dageraad Brewing in North Burnaby is hoping to get approval to add patio space at its facility so keep your eyes open for that.

So, where do you go in Burnaby if you want to do a patio or outdoor eating experience? (This is not likely a 100% complete list, as I may have left some out. Let me know if I have and I’ll add it.)

patio
Source: Pixabay

Sadly, one of Burnaby’s best patios, at The Study at SFU, is not available as this pub/restaurant is currently closed, but keep an eye out if it reopens because it has a killer view. Other patios, such as the one at Riverway golf course and Personas at the Grand Villa Casino, appear to be temporarily closed.

  • Hop and Vine: This pub in Greystone Village near the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course has a sneaky-good patio that offers nice shade during the hot summer months.
  • Red Robin: This popular burger joint next to Lougheed shopping centre has a large patio.
  • Cora Breakfast and Lunch: In South Burnaby’s Highgate area.
  • Cotto: This is an excellent Italian restaurant on Hastings in the Capitol Hill area. Try the meatballs.
  • Pho 99: This Vietnamese restaurant is located in the UniverCity development on Burnaby Mountain next to SFU. Its patio is big, shaded and views tranquil water fountains.
  • Vassilis Greek Taverna: Nice patio on Kingsway in South Burnaby.
  • Hart House: This is the best patio in all of Burnaby, offering incredible views of Deer Lake. The restaurant has expanded the patio out onto the grass to allow more distance. On a clear day, it’s absolute Zen.
  • 50’s Burgers: The traffic might get a little loud, but it’s a decent patio and they have outstanding burgers and milkshakes.
  • White Spot on North Road: They have a patio and drive-in service so you can eat in your vehicle.
  • Cactus Club, Joey, Earls: These three big-chain restaurants have multiple locations in Burnaby (near Brentwood and at Station Square) that include patios.
  • La Villetta Ristorante: This Italian institution in the Heights area has a covered patio area in the front.
  • Keg Burnaby: This is in the Still Creek area. Nice covered patio.
  • Browns Social House: This is on Lougheed near Brentwood.

Like I said, hopefully I haven't missed any. Let me know if I do and I'll update.

Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.