We’ve all been there. It’s a Friday and you’re looking to grab a drink (or a few drinks, we’re not here to judge) with your coworkers before the weekend. But every patio in the downtown core is rammed and by the time the waitlist clears it will be Monday again. Well what if we told you there was a place you could go ­– a hidden gem, tucked away but conveniently located downtown?

While you might be familiar with the sprawling mecca of food and entertainment that is the Rec Room, what you might not know is that their patio is one of downtown Toronto’s best-kept secrets. The hidden oasis is decked out with lush greenery and canopies and features unobstructed views of the city. Aptly called the Deck, it’s a place to hang out with friends, coworkers or even a date, and escape from the city while still being right in the heart of it.

With its own outdoor kitchen, the Deck has a completely unique menu from the rest of the Rec Room. Choose from shareable options like smoky BBQ braised pulled pork sliders and crispy tortilla chips dipped in mango, avocado and shrimp salsa. A selection of sip-able summer cocktails is also on offer, including two different variations of sangria and a mango-lime rum punch.

Fitting the Rec Room's vibe, the Deck is also home to great entertainment options. Enjoy live music acts or play lawn games like giant Jenga and cornhole while you tuck into delicious drinks and great food.

Whether you’re looking to while away an afternoon, have a great night out or simply just grab a drink after work or after a sports game, the Deck is sure to be your new favourite summertime spot.

It's All Yum and Games

With over 80 arcade games, a fully immersive VR experience and three different dining options, the Rec Room has got you fully covered for eats and entertainment.

If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking for foodie destinations to find your next fix. But as much as we hate to say it, sometimes quality eats just don’t cut it. Don’t get us wrong, noshing the night away can be great, but sometimes we want a side of fun with our food. The Rec Room offers the best of both worlds – great entertainment and an incredible selection of games, with good eats to match. It’s the perfect combination to make a memorable outing, whether you’re celebrating, team-building with your coworkers or simply just hanging out.

Located in the heart of downtown, right by Union Station, the Rec Room is 40,000 square feet of fun. It’s home to nearly 100 games, an immersive VR experience, live music performances, giant TV screens for game night and three unique eating options.

Named for Canada’s three territories and 10 provinces, Three10 is the Rec Room’s main dining destination. The variety of Canadiana cuisine is as diverse as our country, stretching from lettuce wraps and short rib sliders to salmon salad and maple baby back ribs. Start the night off with some shareables. Go for the warm, giant soft pretzel served with a melted beer cheese sauce; the crispy chicken bites with chipotle bbq sauce; and crunchy tempura green beans with spicy vegan mayo. If you start to feel food fatigue coming on, duck out for some games before going back to your table to move onto mains.

If you’re not in the mood for a sit-down dinner, head over to the Shed, the Rec Room’s best option for quick, mid-game bites. Five different choices for wood-fired pizza will keep you satiated – including ‘super greens’, a veggie pie on a herb and garlic base, loaded with artichoke, zucchini, arugula, olives, feta and roasted tomatoes. For poutine patriots, they have a classic; a French onion iteration; and a supreme, topped with beer cheese queso, pico de gallo, jalapeños and sour cream. For a shot of sugar to keep the adrenaline pumping and your head in the game, there are mini donuts, served with your choice of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

When you’re not chowing down, the Rec Room’s games and entertainment will keep you revved up. Their VR system, the VOID is a whole-body, fully immersive experience, with you and your friends physically inside the action.

A mix of new and old school games will keep every kind of gamer entertained. Pool, ping pong and shuffleboard are available, and the Rec Room hosts themed nights for board games and trivia. If you have a need for speed, take things into high gear with the VRX car simulator. Meanwhile, over 80 arcade games include classics like Pac Man and Mario Kart.

With the combination of good food and great entertainment, the Rec Room has got you covered for any occasion.

For more information, head to therecroom.com