When summer finally comes to Vancouver, the city really shows off. Sunny skies, mountain views, ocean breezes and, most importantly, patios. Nothing beats a cold drink on a sunny afternoon as you hang out with friends. Here are Vancouver.com's Top 5 Patios.

Watermark

1305 Arbutus Street, Vancouver
604.738.5487

Whoever's brilliant idea it was to turn the old concession stand at Kits Beach into the Watermark restaurant deserves a gold star. As we all know, success of a patio depends on three things � location, location, location -- and Watermark hits the mark on all fronts. The patio faces the beach with a grandiose panorama of the ocean and mountains, not to mention an unending sea of buffed and bronzed eye candy, artificial and otherwise, as well. Oh, and the food's good too.

The Galley

(at the Jericho Sailing Centre)
1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver
604.222.1331

Remember when you were learning how to sail, trying your hardest to harness the shear power of the wind with your 11-year old biceps aboard a 10-foot Laser and it was all you could to ignore the shiny adults on the sailing club patio enjoying cold drinks and clubhouse sandwiches? We don't remember that either, but when we are enjoying cold drinks and clubhouse sandwiches on the patio at the Jericho Sailing Centre we can only imagine that's what those poor kids out on the water are thinking.

Havana

1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
604.253.9119

What two things do Commercial Drive and Cuba have in common? Left-wing politics and Havana. The latter is a better reason to visit East Van's best patio where the sangria and mojitos are definitely worth the price of hearing some dude practicing didgeridoo in the park across the street. The late afternoon sun spoils patrons while the lively atmosphere is a great way to spend an evening. Plus, you can bring your dog! Man, does life get any better?

The Sandbar

(on Granville Island)
1535 Johnston Street, Vancouver
604.669.9030

The Sandbar is routinely voted one of the best patios in the city and for good reason. With the Granville Street Bridge arching above, False Creek shimmering below and views of the mountains in the distance, the location is simply stunning. On top of it all, the seafood from the kitchen is outstanding. Have a beer. Breathe in the ocean air. Try the cioppino. Get stranded at the Sandbar.

The Flying Beaver

4760 Inglis Drive, Richmond
604.273.0278

Granted, the south terminal of the Vancouver Airport isn't exactly the most convenient spot to enjoy a patio unless you are a flight attendant just returning home � but trust us, the journey to the Flying Beaver is worth it. The patio sits on the Fraser River where you can see floatplanes land and, if you're lucky, wildlife like seals and otters (fun!) The fact that the food is great and the beer is cold helps make the patio experience one to remember.