NOLA's patio wraps around the Queen Street East frontage and turns the corner, which gives it more depth and more seating variety than the straight sidewalk strips you get further along the block. Once the weather turns, it is the busiest seating in the building.
This page covers what the patio is actually like to sit on rather than simply that it exists: layout, sun and shade, hours, what to order outside, and how to get here from the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Quick Answer
Patio at a Glance
- Wraparound patio along the Queen Street East frontage
- Open spring through autumn, weather permitting
- Reservable for smaller parties; larger groups confirmed on arrival
- Happy hour outdoors from opening — 4 PM, or 2 PM on Thursdays
- Brunch outside: Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM, Friday from 11 AM
- Partly covered under a retractable awning · step-free from the street
Sun & Shade
What the Patio Is Actually Like
The patio runs along two sides of the building: the main stretch facing Queen Street East, and a quieter run around the corner. The Queen-facing tables get the direct sun and the street; part of that run sits under a retractable awning, so there is shade available without moving inside. The corner tables stay calmer and further from the streetcar line — worth asking for if you are sensitive to direct sun or to noise.
If you have a preference, say so when you book. "Sunny" and "shaded" are the two requests we can usually accommodate; a specific table is harder. Ask at reservation rather than on arrival.
Umbrellas cover the exposed tables, and part of the run sits under the awning.
Hours & Season
When the Patio Is Open
The patio runs spring through autumn, weather permitting. Toronto patio seasons shift year to year, so at either edge of the season it is worth calling ahead. On uncertain days we keep it open until conditions genuinely turn, and there is room inside if they do.
Fri 11 · Sat & Sun 10
Brunch Outside
The quietest and best-lit time to sit out. Fills fastest in summer — see the brunch menu.
From opening · 2 PM Thu
Happy Hour
The easiest way to get a patio table without planning around dinner. We open at 4 PM Monday to Wednesday, 2 PM Thursday. Details.
Evening
Dinner & Drinks
Golden hour on Queen East is the reason to book ahead. Full menu served outside, including the pasta.
Weather call: if the forecast looks unstable and outdoor seating matters to you, call 416 461 7663 rather than booking online. We will tell you honestly whether the patio is going out that day.
What to Order
Best Things to Eat and Drink Outside
The full menu is served on the patio, but some of it is built for it. These are the plates and glasses that work hardest in the open air — things you can share across a table, eat slowly, and keep ordering.
To Share
Siciliana, Genoa and Cacciatore salami with Gorgonzola, Brie and Manchego, walnuts, seasonal berries and baguette. The single best thing to put in the middle of a patio table.
Creamy hummus, fava bean stew, pickled shifka peppers, olive oil and pita. Add falafel for $5. Vegetarian, and it holds up in the heat better than anything else on the starters list.
Fried squid rings with lemon, aji amarillo and tzatziki. Eat it immediately — this is a first-order dish, not a linger-over one.
P.E.I. mussels in white wine, garlic, butter and Spanish onion broth, with sliced baguette. Add extra bread for $2.50 — you will want it for the broth.
If You're Staying for a Plate
Fresh ravioli filled with crab and ricotta, sautéed shallots, cream sauce, grana Padano. The pasta is made in house.
House-cured salmon, arugula, asparagus, radish, soft-boiled egg, French creamy dressing. The warm-weather order.
Seared and roasted, with baked sliced potatoes, sauce vierge and sautéed vegetables. Lighter than the steaks on a warm evening.
Drinks Built for Sitting Outside
Wine, Cointreau, orange juice, orange, lemon, apple and berries. [If the Daily Hive feature is verifiable, link it here.]
Aperol, dry prosecco, sparkling water, orange slice. The default patio order, and correctly so.
Tequila, fresh grapefruit, lime and soda, salted rim. The one to order when it is genuinely hot.
By the 5oz, 9oz or bottle. See the French and Italian wine guide for the rest of the list.
On draught, brewed in Guelph. More on the local pours in our Leslieville beer and cocktail guide.
Everything else is on the full food menu and the drinks menu, including alcohol-free beer and cider, mocktails and the full spirits list.
Who It Suits
Booking the Patio for an Occasion
Outdoor seating changes what an occasion feels like, and it changes what you should book. A few cases worth planning around:
A date
Evening, corner tables, and a drinks-first order. See date night drinks in Leslieville and our guide to date night restaurants in the east end.
A birthday or celebration
Patio tables cannot be held table-by-table for large parties, so book indoors and ask about moving outside. See birthday dinners, anniversaries and bachelorette parties.
A group, or a work lunch
Larger parties are better served inside, where the table is guaranteed. See group dining, private dining, and business lunch in Leslieville.
With kids
Early is better — before the room fills and the noise floor rises. There is a kids menu at brunch and dinner. See family dining at NOLA.
Getting Here
Finding Us on Queen East
The 501 Queen streetcar stops out front. Street parking runs along Queen East and the surrounding side streets, with Green P lots nearby for longer visits, plus bike parking at the door. Check posted permit hours on the residential roads before you leave the car.
Coming from elsewhere in the east end? We have directions and walking times from Riverdale, Corktown, the Canary District, East Harbour, Greektown, the Danforth, The Beaches and downtown Toronto.
Logistics
Patio Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Layout | Wraparound — Queen Street frontage plus a quieter run around the corner |
| Reservable vs. walk-in | Reservable for smaller parties; larger groups confirmed on arrival |
| Season | Spring through autumn, weather permitting |
| Accessibility | Step-free from Queen Street East |
| Covered seating | Partial, under a retractable awning |
| Opens | 4 PM Mon–Wed · 2 PM Thu · 11 AM Fri · 10 AM Sat–Sun |
| Menu | Full food, drinks and brunch menus served outside |
Menu prices shown on this page are current as of publication and may change — the menu page is authoritative.
FAQ
Common Questions
Can I reserve a patio table specifically, or is it first-come?
Patio seating can be requested when you book for smaller parties, but it is confirmed on arrival based on weather and availability — it is not guaranteed the way an indoor table is. Book here and add the request in the notes.
What months is the patio open in Leslieville?
Spring through autumn, weather permitting. Toronto patio seasons shift year to year, so call ahead at either edge of the season.
Is the patio wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The patio is step-free from Queen Street East.
Do you serve the full menu on the patio?
Yes — the full food menu, the drinks menu and the brunch menu are all available outside.
Can I book the patio for a group?
For smaller groups, yes. Larger parties are better served by group dining or private dining, since patio seating cannot be guaranteed table by table.
Is there happy hour on the patio?
Yes. Happy hour runs from opening, outdoors, weather permitting. We open at 4 PM Monday to Wednesday and 2 PM on Thursday.
Explore More
Plan the Rest of Your Visit
Visit Us
Grab a Patio Table in Leslieville
NOLA Eatery & Bar is at 1161 Queen St E, Toronto. Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended for weekends and warm evenings.