With summer in full swing, COVID restrictions lifting, and a massive heat wave on the way, there is no better time to hit the patio for some tasty local eats. The Red Deer area has some of the best spaces to pass the day (or night) away, from downtown hot spots to rural escapes – there’s a patio to suit your every mood!
Bo’s Bar and Stage may just have the liveliest patio in the city. The energy flows from the inside out, making it the perfect place to gather with friends for a few orders of their famous wings and a pint or two! Whether you’re looking for a light snack while you sip, or a feast for a king, Bo’s has you covered.
New to the Red Deer scene but veterans of the region, Cilantro and Chive’s patio is the place to be with one of the most exciting menus (both food and drink) you will find anywhere is all of Alberta. Braised duck wings? Check. Caesars that eat like a meal? Check. Stuff that kids actually want to eat? Triple check. You probably shouldn’t eat anything for a day before you go so you don’t miss any delicious bites.
Want to escape for an afternoon? The WestLake Grill sits close to the bank of the Red Deer River, giving you a country feeling while still right in the city. From casual dining to 5-course tasting menus, everything is perfect served up on their patio surrounded the greenery of Heritage Ranch.
The Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market has a brand-new patio space that is perfect for enjoying any of your market finds, from the cheeseburger tacos from Taco Monster to the Little Bear Gelato. Thanks to Craft Beer Commonwealth, you can even enjoy a pint from every craft brewery in Central Alberta while kicking back on the licensed patio!
Speaking of local craft beer, Troubled Monk and Red Hart Brewing both have fantastic patio spaces so you can relax with a fresh pint of their outstanding brews. While there may not be a ton in the way of food, you will often find some of the area’s top food trucks parked right outside, ready to serve when hunger strikes.
Don’t forget about the Little Red Barn just east of the city – their patio is a stellar spot to kick back with a sandwich, a coffee, or any of their tasty treats. Don’t forget to explore the retail store full of locally made goods, products, and unique giftware.
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, there are some absolutely stunning patio spaces just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Red Deer that it’s almost like a mini vacation. DNA Gardens in Elnora has a gorgeous patio space amongst the trees (you can also sample their goodies at the Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market). The Ellis Bird Farm’s popular café in Lacombe County may still be closed, but the Peppered Elk Food Truck is onsite throughout July and you can still enjoy the café’s patio space while you eat. The Jungle Farm (about 15km south of Red Deer) is getting ready for the U-Pick season and all kinds of fun this summer. Hit up their General Store to get all sorts of tasty treats, and then sit back on their covered patio with baked goods and beverages.
Story in partnership with Tourism Red Deer.