10 Patios to Waste a Sunny Afternoon On
Whether you’re looking for a good seat with a good view, finger foods to go with your favourite summer drink, or a great soundtrack, Fredericton’s got a patio for all of that.
There are still many Frederictonians that remain loyal to their favorite patios that invoke certain nostalgia for those that you crowded onto for the last class bashes of the 90s but for those who are visiting, here’s the breakdown of what to expect. There is no bad patio during the summer months in Fredericton, but here are a few fan-favourites!
1. 11th Mile
Have you ever had a meal inside a shipping container? Well now you can! The 11th Mile has just introduced their new patio shipping container as a relaxing lounge area for drinks and snacks right in the busy streets of downtown! The shipping container accommodates two groups of 6-8 people by reservation or walk-up! Enjoy some great company and even better food while doing some people watching and chit-chattin’.
2. The James Joyce Pub
With the largest selection of New Brunswick craft beers and ciders in the world, The Joyce Pub offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating and great food. If you’re hesitant on what to get, the staff will be more than happy to help you make the big decision! Located right downtown in the Crowne Plaza, this pub offers you all the food, drinks and chatter you could possibly need, as well as a comfy room to stay if you have one too many!
3. Picaroons Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a fan favourite that will always be buzzing, Picaroons is the place to be. Located directly off the Bill Thorpe walking bridge, this North side location is easily accessible by all means of transportation from downtown! The classic red picnic tables and chairs don’t go unnoticed by you or the sun so make sure you get there early to score a table with an umbrella! Not only are they serving great drinks but also the 540 Restaurant now has a location in Picaroons to fulfill all your food needs while you’re getting your drink on!
4. Trailway Brewing
Depending on where you’re staying, you may need to get yourself across the river for this one, but that’s easy by bike. Pro tip: make it a stop on the Fredericton Taproom Trail to collect stamps to redeem for swag!
On weekends you’ll find rotating food trucks, and a combination of shady and super sunny spots. Again, you get what you expect with a brewery tap room – a laid back atmosphere, friendly owners so ready to help you find your favorite beer and a bunch of locals keen to share their recommendations on where you should head next. Expect the bike racks to be full – that’s the best way to reach this favorite North side spot!
5. The Dip
Here’s what we can all agree on – it’s got the best view in town. Tucked behind the Delta Hotel just outside the downtown core, The Dip Pool Bar backs right onto the Saint John River. It’s got a massive patio, outdoor pool, unencumbered views of the beautiful Saint John River, and you’re surrounded by gardens used by the chefs of the Delta. During the week and late morning brunch, its’ quiet enough to take your folks or out of town business associates but come Saturday and Sunday afternoons, you may just walk into a scene a little reminiscent to a Miami pool bar with DJ, dancing and sunbathers around the pool. The food gets better every year and with the new STMR.36 BBQ addition this year, there’s no reason not to test out this patio at least once on your visit to Fredericton. Best sunset location in town. By far.
6.The Cap
If you want to hangout downtown, the best spot for a sunny happy hour is The Cap. It’s also the best nighttime patio in town. Overlooking the entire Tannery (Fredericton’s downtown cluster of bars and nightclubs off King Street) At the Cap, which was recently expanded to include a record store and their own microbrews, you'll find overhead strung lights, swing seats and great beats. The best part? The people watching. You’re literally overlooking as many as three other patios. The only con is there’s no food and it doesn’t open until late afternoon but its open late – really late. .
7. Graystone Brewing
There’s a certain Austin Texas cool vibe to this patio. The patio features a second outdoor bar built into a shipping container, rotating food trucks, and outdoor fire places the seating includes hammocks and mid-century lounge chairs.
8. 540 Kitchen and Bar
If you’re more food focused and less drink focused on your patio hunt – you’re very responsible. You’re also in luck. Many of the Queen Street restaurants add a patio to their summer seating capacity. Our favorite -540 Kitchen and Bar.
It’s situated in the heart of the restaurants on Queen Street which means plenty of foot traffic to watch as you eat and the patio overlooks Officers’ Square – which is going to be a lot more exciting in coming years. The food is great and not your traditional pub fare, and with 8-10 rotating taps of local beer you’ll be able to sample some of Fredericton’s best breweries from the comfort of your dining seat.
Don’t ignore the craft cocktails and the superb staff will be happy to make a recommendation. The patio heaters throw off enough heat to keep al fresco dining comfortable into the 9s. Expect lots of conversation between pedestrians and diners – it’s Fredericton, everyone knows everyone.
9. RustiCo.
Perhaps the sunniest corner in downtown Fredericton! Take a wood fired oven and micro-brewery and combine that with a renovation done by the master craftsman behind the Graystone patio, and you get why this patio is a hot new place to go! Don’t forget to check out their new menu this year and pair it with a cold one brewed in-house!
10. Chess Piece Patisserie and Cafe
Fredericton’s favourite Pâtisserie opened a NEW stellar alleyway patio this year. Located right on Queen St. in Downtown Fredericton, this is the ideal stop for coffee, or lunch and a fabulous spot to take a meeting or catch up with friends after a walk or bike on the trails.
So tell us, what’s your favourite Fredericton patio?
