Best Quiet Patios in the Kingston Ontario Area 🍹☀️

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Last updated: 2024-09-01

On a warm, sunny summer day, there’s nothing like escaping to an outdoor patio. It’s a perfect backdrop for relaxation, as you settle into a cozy chair with a cool drink in hand, the sun’s warmth on your face, and the company of a special someone or friends.

The joy of a patio escape can sometimes be interrupted by unwelcome distractions. Picture this: just as you’re unwinding or having a romantic moment with someone special, a loud Harley or muscle car roars by, shattering the peace. The air can become tainted with exhaust fumes. Ill-behaved passersby might disrupt your tranquility with loud conversations or unruly behavior. These downsides can turn a perfect moment into a frustrating experience.

So I am always on the lookout for quiet, secluded outdoor patios.

How Did I Choose The Best Quiet Patios?

I checked most of the patios on Canada Day, starting around noon, thinking this would be about as loud and busy as outdoor patios will get.

To my surprise, several patios were not busy at all !

Three patios weren’t open, so I went back the following Friday afternoon.

In all cases, it was a sunny, hot day.

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The Quiet Patio Criteria

– Quiet, first and foremost. I used a Sound Level Meter, in the middle of the patio where possible, though this didn’t turn out be reliable, as some of the patios were almost empty, and sound can fluctuate a lot.
– Away from the street
– Attractive
– Shade available
– Interesting food and drink menu, ideally with some local items
– Not too difficult to get a table
– Accommodating different dietary needs
– Accessible

The Best Quiet Patios in the Kingston Area

With some hesitation, I share the best quiet patios in the Kingston area.

Why am I reluctant? Because the more people that learn about them, the less quiet these patios will be, and the harder it will be for me to get a spot 😉 . So let’s just keep this between you and I 😁

Here are all of the quiet patios I was able to find in the Kingston area, in alphabetical order.

News: 2 new entries are on their way..

Amadeus Cafe
AquaTerra
Backyard Patio (Renaissance)
Battery Bistro (Fort Henry)
Black Dog Tavern
Chez Piggy
Helm Dockside
Juniper Cafe (King Street, Tett Centre)
Kingston Brewing Company
Merchant Tap House
Mint Leaf Indian Sweets and Restaurant
Musiikki Cafe
Opinicon
Pan Chancho Bakery & Cafe
Red House West
Riverhead Brewing Company
Tom’s Place (Best Western)
(The) Toucan
Wharf & Feather (Holiday Inn – Waterfront)
Wooden Heads

Worthy Patios, But May Not Be Quiet Enough

There were some great patios that might be quiet enough depending on when you go:

Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill
Lavallee’s Cookery (Inverary)
Lone Star Texas Grill

Amadeus Cafe

One of my very favorites!

You would never guess that this charming, secluded, shaded and quiet patio (Biergarten aka Beer Garden) exists when you walk by Amadeus Cafe and even step inside .. it’s not visible until you get all the way to the back.

There is also a “secret” entrance from the Upper Robert Bruce Memorial Parking Lot beside Sepp’s off of Montreal Street.

From their website:
– German and European dining, and Vegan dishes
– Extensive collection of German and European beers on tap, and international wine selection.
– Family owned and cooked, locally sourced whenever possible.

Downtown Kingston
(613) 546-7468
https://www.amadeuscafe.ca/

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AquaTerra

Although another of my personal favorites (waterfront, creative, high quality, local food focus)…

…AquaTerra’s patio almost didn’t make it onto my list. It’s already a bit loud because of so many people using the walkway and being beside the marina. What really had me soul searching was the addition of a DJ. Fortunately, the music is chill and if you sit at the ends, the music doesn’t get in the way of conversation.

From their website:
– FeastOn® certified, recognizing their dedication to sourcing local ingredients, supporting regional farmers and producers, and offering a true taste of the area’s flavours. Each dish on our meticulously crafted menu reflects our passion for sustainability and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-6243
aquaterrakingston.com

Backyard Patio Bar & Grill

Another hidden treat, tucked away behind Renaissance on Queen Street.

From their website:
– Predominantly shaded downtown location.
– Full bar service and full-service restaurant featuring a refreshing summer-inspired menu.
– Wide variety of seating options with dining tables, high-top tables, lounge areas with fire tables and a large bar.
– Please access the patio off of Queen Street, following the walkway beside Renaissance.
– Pet-friendly. Bring your pet along for some good times!

✅Reservations ✅Local food ingredients
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free✅Low Carb/Keto
✅Wheelchair accessible
✅Family Friendly ✅Dogs

“Upper” Downtown Kingston / The Hub
613-530-2550
https://foodandheritage.com/backyard/

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Battery Bistro

Despite the occasional cannon fire and marching troops, this is usually a delightfully quiet patio with an unmatched view over Lake Ontario, the Royal Military College and the City of Kingston.

Shade is limited, as are the hours, and it’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot. But for many, the view more than makes up for it.

The menu features pub fare, local craft beers, wine and cocktails.

✅Reservations available
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅ Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free ✅ Low Carb/Keto
✅ Wheelchair accessible
✅Family Friendly X Dogs
✅Local food

Just east of Downtown Kingston
613-542-7388 ext 4208
https://www.forthenry.com/to-do/eat/

Black Dog Tavern

Black Dog (formerly Le Chien Noir) has a patio in front, but this is about the secluded patio in the back. You can see the patio from Rochleau Court, and through the iron grate door that separates it from Musiikki’s patio.

From their website:
– Elevated classics and modern twists
– Fine dining in an approachable and inviting way
– Flavourful meals, thoughtfully crafted beverages, and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere
– Dedicated fryers are used exclusively for gluten-free items, batters and coatings are gluten-free
– Ocean Wise seafood partners
– Members of Sustainable Kingston and are Certified Taste of Ontario
– FeastOn certified, sourcing and celebrating Ontario grown food and beverages

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-5635
https://bdtavern.com/

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Chez Piggy

A perfect match for the beautiful limestone restaurant, the patio is secluded thanks to shrubs and vines, in charming Rochleau Court (you can access it via Princess or King streets).

From their website:
– Afternoon cocktails on the courtyard patio, your family celebration, a night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
– Menu inspired by the flavours of world travels
– Dedicated to bringing the freshest, locally sourced produce to your table

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-7673
https://chezpiggy.ca/

Helm Dockside (Crawford Wharf)

If you like to be close to the lake, then this patio is worth considering.

I wasn’t sure whether to include it on the quiet list .. it can get noisy when busy lines form for the boat cruises, and when the boats blow their horns, but it was fine when I was there, and surprisingly there were lots of tables available.

From their website:
– Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am until late. Weather permitting
– Enjoy a cold drink and a bite to eat with views of Kingston’s vibrant downtown harbour.
– Walk-up picnic style seating, no reservations required (** unless there is a special event, such as fireworks). Order at the window!

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-5544
https://www.1000islandscruises.ca/patio/

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Juniper Cafe – King Street (Tett Centre)

Definitely in my top 5.
– Waterfront: check
– Far from road noise: check.
– Upscale food and drinks with a local focus: check.

I was going to complain a bit about the parking being a bit of a distance, but then I realized it’s probably about 2 city blocks, same as you would have to deal with anywhere downtown.

Be prepared, it’s usually very busy. And there is limited shade.

From their website:
– A unique customer experience through quality food + drink all made in house, while honouring sustainability in our practices
– We do our best to source the finest ingredients from local farmers and businesses
– Especially grateful to be an integral part of Kingston’s academic and arts community

Just west of Downtown Kingston
(613) 344-1736
https://junipercafe.ca/

Kingston Brewing Company

I have been enjoying KBC’s beers, food and patios for decades.

They have a patio in front, but this blog post is about the most quiet patios, and thankfully KBC has a lovely one in the back, with lots of shade, and an impressive beer selection that includes their own as well as rotating seasonal guest taps.

Sure wish they would bring back the “Ghetto” wings 🙂

From their website:
– Ontario’s oldest and most legendary brew pub opened in 1986, and ever since, this place has been brewing an incredible range of beers, ciders, and soda pops on the site
– The building itself dates back to the 1800s, boasting an old school blend of brick and stone.
– Our beers cover a wide range of styles, from new world to traditional ales. Each brew is unique, and our goal is to help everyone find a beer that excites their taste buds and enjoy the experience of craft beer. We are not only a Brew Pub but a craft beer bar with a large variety of other Ontario breweries as well, featuring over 28 taps
– Our food menu is filled with delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Downtown Kingston
613-542-4978
https://www.kingstonbrewing.ca/

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Merchant Tap House

The large patio wraps around the back of the building to get you away from road noise (though being at the very foot of Princess Street, the traffic is far less than just a block away).

Shade is limited to the back patio, and from the building as the day progresses.

From their website:
– Upscale pub grub
– Over 20 beers on tap
– The Merchant has been home to many Kingston bands, with live music on a regular basis
– Locally sourced vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options

Downtown Kingston
(613) 547-1313
https://www.merchanttaphouse.com/

Mint Leaf Indian Sweets and Restaurant

One of the very few patios, let alone quiet patios, in the west end of Kingston, despite being close to busy Norwest Road. It’s nicely lit up in the evening as well.

While the name emphasizes sweets, they have a full and comprehensive menu of all things Indian, including vegetarian dishes.

West end Kingston
(613) 389-0006
https://www.mintleafkingston.com/

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Musiikki Cafe (& Whiskey Bar)

Perhaps best known for it’s coffee, live music and whiskey, you may not know that it has an amazing large hideaway in the back, complete with a shady tree, vines, bar and stage.

From their website:
– Our coffee is fair trade
– We have a Huge Fine Whiskey Selection.
Specializing in Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky, Canadian Rye and American Bourbon
– We also have a good selection of high-end whiskey based cocktails along with all your local Craft Beer favorites.
– Live Music Every Night.
– The quality of the sound for both artists and listeners is important to us. Our experienced sound engineers work hard with every artist to make them sound perfect over our in-house sound system.

Although there isn’t a kitchen (other than some chips), you can bring your own food !

✅Family Friendly

Downtown Kingston
(613) 542-2233
https://www.musiikkicafe.com/

The Opinicon

Well worth the 40+ minute drive from Division+401, and fun if you like twisting winding country roads (driven safely of course!).

The old lodge, located in Chaffeys Lock, has been beautifully renovated, and the grounds are beautifully landscaped.

The patio is outside the pub, and looks over the grounds.

From their website:
– Seasonally inspired, fresh local ingredients, thoughtfully prepared.
– Local craft beers, a specialty cocktail or glass of vino from our carefully selected wine list

✅Reservations ✅Local food ingredients
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free✅Low Carb/Keto
✅Wheelchair accessible✅Family Friendly ✅Dogs (inquire)

Chaffeys Lock/Elgin
(613) 359-5233
https://www.opinicon.com/EatWithUs/Pub

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Pan Chancho Bakery & Cafe

It is amazing how much they pack into this beautiful limestone building, from truly artisan breads, one of the best craft cheese selections in Eastern Ontario, upscale fresh foods and frozen meals, inside dining and, the reason for this blog post, an outdoor patio.

It’s worth working your way through the busy store to get to the back, where the building and fencing has carved out a lovely patio with umbrellas and trees for shade.

From their website:
– Charming European-style bakery, cafe & gourmet food shop with global wines & local beers on tap.
– Retail store with gourmet food to go; Fully licensed full service café & patio; Artisan breads daily
– The only restaurant in Kingston that is 🏳️‍🌈 Rainbow Registered – a certification that “helps people find 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive businesses across Canada for a more welcoming, accepting, and safe 2SLGBTQI+ customer and staff experience”
– Strong ties to the Food Sharing Project through Community Foundation for Kingston & Area and host the Zal + Rose Breakfast Fundraiser in December each year

✅Local food ingredients
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free✅Low Carb/Keto
? Wheelchair accessible
✅Family Friendly ✅Dogs (patio only)

Downtown Kingston
(613) 544-7790
https://panchancho.ca/

Red House West

One of the rare quiet patios in the Kingston west end, with the bonus of upscale food and a great selection of beer and wine, with a focus on local.

Great vibe, friendly staff, lots of regulars in attendance. Pet friendly.

From their website and Ky (Head Chef):
– Our menu proudly changes based on what is available locally and seasonally to give our customers only the best Kingston has to offer
– 3 different types of house made hot sauces under the label “ Ky’s Kitchen “ a jalapeño hot sauce. Tropical hot sauce, and smoked habanero hot sauce! All made with produce acquired from Deodato’s and processed and bottled in house!
– Our list of local suppliers includes but isn’t limited to:
Enright Cattle Co
Primal Growth Microgreens
The Whalesbone Oysters & Seafood
Heartee mushroom farms
Deodatos produce
Pig & Olive butchery
Bread-Man bakery
Creel and gambrel
Mio Gelato

✅Reservations
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅ Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free ✅Low Carb/Keto
? Wheelchair accessible
✅Family Friendly ✅Dogs
✅Local food

West End Kingston
613-384-3999
https://redhousewest.ca/

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Riverhead Brewing Company

Small business owners are incredibly resourceful. Nowhere in the back for a patio, and a big parking lot in front, Riverhead innovated and set up a peaceful fenced area with shaded picnic tables.

From their website:
– Independent, locally owned craft brewery
– All of our craft beers are brewed onsite
– Many rotating brews, like hazy IPA’s, Amber, or fruited sours.
– We also offer a gluten free Seltzer brewed in house, cider from a local cidery and a variety of spirits.

✅Reservations (call to confirm)
✅ Wheelchair accessible (one small step)
✅ Family Friendly ✅ Dogs

Kingston West End
613-384-2337
https://www.riverheadbrewing.com/

Tom’s Place (Best Western)

Dianne and I fell in love with Tom’s Place ages ago.. real wood burning fireplace, very rustic, comfy wingback chairs, nice clientele, and a rarity, real Swiss Fondue.

What a treat it was to discover that they opened a patio out back beside the pool. Every time I have gone, it’s been super quiet.

Reservations (5+, and hotel guests)
Diet options: Vegan Vegetarian
Gluten-free Low Carb/Keto
Wheelchair accessible Family Friendly

Central Kingston
613-549-2211
https://www.bestwesternkingston.ca/dining.html

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(The) Toucan

One of the 3 patio gems in Rochleau Court, seemingly a world away from the noise and bustle of Princess and King streets.

From their website:
– Kingston’s local pub since March 17, 1986
– Specializing in Guinness and perfect pours
– Delicious pub food, cold pints and great craic!
– A main stay live music scene since the early nineties

Downtown Kingston
(613) 544-1966
https://www.thetoucan.ca/

Wharf & Feather (Holiday Inn – Waterfront)

Unless you are staying at the Holiday Inn hotel on the waterfront, it is quite possible that don’t know about this quiet patio with great views.

In the summer, there is live entertainment on Fridays.
And in the winter, they have dining domes !

From their website:
– An adventure in bold tastes and beautiful plates
– Kingston’s largest outdoor waterfront patio to take full advantage of the seasonally warmer months
– Elevated Pub-Gastronomy created by our chef, Wharf & Feather boasts scratch cooking using local quality ingredients, delivering unique dishes with a touch of familiarity
– Fresh cocktail creations or selection of craft beers and ciders.
– Happy Hour daily from 3-5 pm

✅Reservations ✅Local food
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅Vegetarian ✅Gluten-free
✅Allergies ✅Halal ✅Low Carb/Keto
✅Wheelchair accessible✅Family Friendly ✅Dogs (patio only)

Kingston Downtown
(613) 549-8400
https://wharfandfeather.ca/

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Wooden Heads

Their website and social meda emphasize (wood fired) Gourmet Pizza, but their menu shows a dizzying selection of inventive food and drink.

And while they do have a patio out front on busy Ontario Street, fortunately they have a quiet patio in the back.

Wooden Heads is super busy, so plan on making reservations, especially for the back patio.

Note to self.. find out the story behind the name 🙂

From their website:
– Between the flavour, the aroma, and the atmosphere – Woodenheads delivers an experience like no other.
– Local ingredients, professional staff and world renowned food.
– Gluten free options

✅Local food
Diet options: ✅Vegan ✅ Vegetarian
✅Gluten-free (lots!) ✅ Low Carb/Keto
✅ Wheelchair accessible, but not the bathroom due to heritage building limitations
✅ Family Friendly ✅ Dogs (call for details)

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-1812
https://woodenheads.com/

Worthy Patios That Didn’t Quite Make The Quiet List

Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill

Great view of Springer Market Square, and above the street noise, but super popular and busy with music playing and a party vibe.

But you might luck out and go when it’s not so busy, and if set by the railing then things are quieter.

Downtown Kingston
(613) 549-1207
https://jackastors.com/?locationId=944

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Lavallee’s Cookery

Despite a fairly big red sign on the east side of #10 as you approach Inverary, it is easy to miss.

Lavallee’s is a godsend for those north of the 401 on #10 that like some options beyond Tim Horton’s and Starbucks.

It’s a nice patio, but there is a fair bit of road noise.

Inverary
613-653-3333

Lone Star Texas Grill

There’s more than one claiming to have the largest waterfront patio in Kingston. I didn’t measure, but I think Lone Star’s is still the biggest. And it’s really nice, with lots of shade.

With size and popularity comes noise and a party vibe, which is why I did not include it in the quiet patio list. Yet it was surprisingly quiet for a hot and sunny Canada Day afternoon.

Kingston Downtown
(613) 548-8888
https://lonestartexasgrill.com/locations/kingston

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Over To You !

Which is your favorite quiet patio?

Who should we check out?

Let us know in the comments. And share the post with your fellow food lovers.