1. Sky Yard @ Drake Hotel
1150 Queen W, at Beaconsfield, 416-531-5042 ext 244, thedrakehotel.ca. Now open weekdays from 4 pm and weekends from 11 am, this 150-seat island-style aerie salutes the season with a just-launched tiki bar. Sunday afternoon’s Get Riddim also returns, the drink of choice spiked lavendar lemonade. Lineup too long? Check out the less frenzied café patio downstairs.
2. Ultra
314 Queen W, at Peter, 416-263-0330, ultratoronto.com. Anyone who remembers the funky Bamboo is in for a shock when confronted with its current 250-seat incarnation. Say goodbye to roots rockers and Red Stripe, hello to South Beach and champagne.
3. Fifth Grill
225 Richmond W, at Duncan, 416-979-3005, thefifthgrill.com. This heated and tented French country deck couldn’t be any further away from the full-tilt clubland five flights below if it tried. Accessed from a back-alley freight elevator, the ride reveals a Thursday-to-Saturday oasis of civility to those who can afford it. Reservations, needless to say, are essential.
4. Panorama
55 Bloor W, at Bay, 416-967-0000, eatertainment.com. Perched on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, this chi-chi supper club in the sky features two windy terraces, one facing north to Rosedale and Forest Hill, the second the downtown skyline and the lake beyond.
5. Pilot
22 Cumberland, at Yonge, 416-923-5716, thepilot.ca. Yorkville hasn’t always been synonymous with bottled tans and botox, and this 67-year-old’s Flight Deck proves it. Instead of air-kissing, think pub grub, suds and endless sunshine under a retractable roof.
