Patio season is officially here, and while Toronto has tons of amazing spots where you can grab a bite and enjoy a beer or two, the city’s biggest transit hub is turning into a foodie’s paradise over the next few weeks! Union Summer is back for the season, transforming the plaza outside Union Station into one massive outdoor patio with local food vendors, drinks, live music and more than 120 performances. If you already pass through Union, it’s the perfect spot to grab some dinner after work or between World Cup festivities.
Here’s a lineup of all the delicious food and drinks you can try at Union Summer!
Wicked Carib
Craving Caribbean food? Head to Wicked Carib: the menu is rooted in traditional recipes and spices from chefs Asif and Annie Khan. Start with the doubles ($8.99), a popular Caribbean street-food staple made with soft fried flatbreads layered with curried chickpeas. Pair that with a patty and coco bread combo ($7.99) for something snack-sized, or upgrade to the jerk chicken wrap ($14.99) or jerk chicken rice plate ($15.99) if you’re really hungry! If you’re in a rush, pick up a grab-and-go option like the Wicked Jumbo Patty, which comes stuffed with either stew beef or jerk chicken ($9.99).
Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill
Check out Sumaq for the most authentic Middle Eastern food. Indulge in halal shawarma, falafel, borek and charcoal-grilled flavours all wrapped up in fresh bread and topped with tangy sauces. The classic chicken shawarma wrap ($15.49) or mix shawarma wrap ($16.49) are popular patio picks, while the chicken shawarma plate ($19.99) is the better option if you want a fuller meal. If you’re vegetarian, try the falafel wrap ($14.49) or falafel plate ($14.99). Or head over with a group of friends and share the garlic potatoes ($8.49) and cheese borek ($11.99).
Ugly Delicious
Ugly Delicious is the festival’s smash-burger stop, serving quick-service halal burgers made with a blend of Australian Wagyu and premium AAA beef! Go for the Classic ($10) if you just want a quick burger before you catch your train or head to a show, or try the Jalapenos Gone Wild ($12) if you want a little more heat. Add a second patty for $5 and pair it with crispy Cajun fries ($7.50) or a loaded basket of Cajun Ugly Fries ($14.50), which, as you might guess, are anything but ugly.
The Taqueria by Narcos Tacos
The Taqueria brings halal Mexican street food to Union Station. For a classic patio order, try the three pollo/chicken tacos ($15), carne asada/steak tacos ($16), or pescado/fish tacos ($16), or hey, just go all out and opt for the mix-and-match option ($20)! For something more filling, try the birria tacos ($18) or burrito bowls ($15 to $17). Whatever you choose, add some chips and guac ($5), street corn ($7) and finish things off with freshly fried churros ($3 to $7).
Ruru Baked
Yup, there’s a dessert booth, too. Ruru Baked is serving its signature small-batch custard ice cream, made with local dairy and egg yolks for an extra-rich, creamy texture. If it takes you forever to choose a flavour, just opt for the flight of three mini scoops ($9.50), or if you’re all set on your flavour, try a single scoop ($6) or double scoop ($9). If you discover a new fave, Ruru is even selling take-home pints starting at $14!
Carlsberg Bar
No summer patio experience is complete without drinks, and the Carlsberg Bar has everything from beer and cocktails to mocktails and wine, which pair perfectly if settling in for an evening of live music! The mojito, margarita or tequila paloma will set you back $13, while beer drinkers can choose from Carlsberg Lager, Carlsberg Lite or Kronenbourg Blanc ($11). There are also lighter options, like the Laylow Pinot Grigio or Rosé ($12), as well as alcohol-free picks like the Pineapple Faux-Jito or Mangonada ($8.50). If you’re heading to a game with friends, the Bucket O’ Beers special offers five beers for $50. There’s also weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with wine available for $10.
And if none of the above hits the spot, Union Station has more than 75 retailers inside, and you’re more than welcome to order from inside the station and bring your food out to the patio!
Union Summer runs from June 8 to Aug 9 at Union Station. Hours: Sun-Wed: 11:00 am-8:00 pm | Thu-Fri: 11:00 am-9:00 pm | Sat: 11:00 am-10:00 pm. Follow @torontounion for updates.