As the saying goes: April showers, brings patio season.

Everyone needs a little southern hospitality in their life, and with patio season approaching there is no better time to add these southern spots to your 2017 patio bucket list.

If your craving savoury soul food, crafted cocktails and an all-around laid-back southern experience, these top five BBQ joints are a must try.

Big Crow
176 Dupont St, Toronto

The King of Dupont strikes again. Located in the heart of the Annex neighbourhood, Big Crow is a southern inspired backyard BBQ joint by famed Toronto chef Anthony Rose. The relaxed picnic atmosphere, hospitable staff, and scrumptious soul food will transport you to a traditional Texas backyard BBQ. We recommend starting with the pimento cheese cornbread, followed by a slab of baby back ribs, topped off with the warm s’mores cake.

The Carbon Bar
99 Queen St. E, Toronto

The Carbon Bar is the latest from Toronto restaurateurs David Lee, Franco Prevedello andYannick Bigourdan. If you’re looking for a more upscale approach to southern soul food, this is the spot for you. From decadent dishes like the Hamachi Tartare to more comforting courses like the Queso de Cabeza the Carbon Bar is the perfect crossover between classy and casual.

Adamson Barbecue
176 Wicksteed Ave, Leaside, Toronto

Modelled after the famous Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Adamson Barbecue entirely encapsulates the southern experience. Adamson Barbecue is operated by Adam Skelly, who also happens to own the Stoke Stack BBQ food truck (a must add to your summer food truck list). This southern hotspot solely serves lunch on the weekdays. If you find yourself in the Leaside area, this is a lunch spot worth trying!

The Hogtown Vegan
1056 Bloor St. W, Toronto

Who said vegans can’t barbeque? The Hogtown Vegan will prove them wrong. Located on Bloor St. West, the Hogtown Vegan offers entirely animal product free versions of the southern classics. With menu items like the “unchicken & waffles”, and the classic “Reuben” sandwich, vegan customers can enjoy their own flare on comfort cuisine. Owned by the restauranteur trio behind the vegan burrito joint Hot Beams, The Hogtown Vegan is the perfect spot for the herbivore craving a deep South inspired meal.

Barque Smokehouse
299 Roncesvalles Ave, Roncesvalles, Toronto

As a new addition to the Roncesvalle scene, Barque Smokehouse is the perfect place to fuel your summer palate. With a “family night” set menu of $35 per adult and $17.50 per kid, Barque is the new hotspot for large groups looking for an authentic southern culinary experience. Make sure to make reservations to avoid a lengthy wait. Barque is one spot you’ll want to share with your entire social scene!