There’s a moment in summer when you step onto Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel and feel as though you’ve left the city without ever leaving it. Designed as a desert-inspired oasis, this elevated escape transforms concrete and commerce into something unexpectedly serene.
Below, the neighbourhood buzzes with restaurants, galleries, shops, and crowds. Above, everything slows down. Open year-round, the rooftop takes on a different character with each season. In summer, it becomes a golden-hour dining destination, with charcoal grills scenting the air and shareable plates arriving at every table.
When winter arrives, the space transforms again. Heaters glow against the cold, city lights shimmer across the skyline, and guests can soak in panoramic views while enjoying the contrast of warmth and winter all around them.
The menu is built around bold, shareable flavours. Charcoal-grilled meats, fresh ceviches, and seafood from the raw bar are designed for passing around the table and enjoying together.
Each dish feels perfectly suited to rooftop dining, especially as the sun begins to set over the city. The cocktail program follows the same philosophy, with thoughtfully crafted drinks that balance creativity and precision, making them the perfect complement to a summer evening above Queen Street West.
As the sun sets, the rooftop takes on a different energy. DJ sets provide the soundtrack as the space shifts from relaxed dining destination to lively evening hotspot. Guests gather for cocktails, conversation, and sweeping views of the city skyline, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly Toronto.
More than just a rooftop patio, it has become a destination in its own right—a place where food, drinks, music, and skyline views come together in one unforgettable setting.
The Need To Know Details
- What: Sky Yard is a year-round rooftop bar and restaurant at The Drake Hotel led by Executive Chef Daniel Hyam. The modern industrial-chic space includes an indoor lounge, all-season terrace, evening DJ sets, a desert-inspired atmosphere in summer, and a cozy heated retreat in winter
- When: Open year-round. Call (416) 531-5042 or visit thedrake.ca for hours and reservations
- Where: 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto (Queen West cultural district)
- Food & drink: Charcoal-grilled BBQ, fresh ceviche, raw bar selections, shareable plates, craft cocktails, wines, and beers. The menu emphasizes bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and dishes designed for sharing
