I don’t know about you, but when the weather is perfectly springy and sunny and light, all I want to do is spend as much time outside as possible…and that includes meal time. Fortunately for us, Denver has no shortage of restaurants with amazing outdoor patios that also serve up tasty treats and frosty, cold drinks. Grab a beer and a bite and breathe in the fresh air and sunshine at these 15 outdoor patios in Denver.
1. Vine Street Pub & Brewery
If you pass by this laid-back neighborhood hangout on a sunny day, the patio patrons are practically pouring out into the streets. With good food, great brews, and a prime location on 17th near City Park, Vine Street is a stellar choice for outdoor revelry. (Note: They are CASH only but have an ATM on site.)
2. Tavern Uptown
Looking at the entrance to this historic building, you'd never know that this cozy sports bar has one of the largest indoor/outdoor patios Uptown. Watch your favorite team play while you lounge in the summer sun or stop by for happy hour and recharge after a long work day.
3. Steuben's
I can't think of anything better than brunching on some buttermilk fried chicken and waffles while drinking a boozy milkshake and doing some prime people watching. Steuben's also serves lunch and dinner and has killer happy hour specials, so it's really a great choice no matter the meal!
4. Ace Eat Serve
Just a stone's throw from Steuben's is Ace, a lively retro spot dishing out delectable Asian inspired eats on their sprawling patio, with fabulous views of downtown. They've got scrumptious food, a great selection of drinks, a ping pong hall, late night eats, and they even have a raw juice bar that's open till midnight. Game, set, match!
5. Denver Beer Co.
One of the Mile High's most popular patios is certainly Denver Beer Co. They've got rotating taps of their uniquely balanced craft beer, as well as rotating food trucks to keep your belly up to speed. (Note: Check out their site for their Sun Drenched Music Fest happening next weekend)!
6. The Populist
If you're looking for a dreamy patio that softly beckons you to come in AND a fantastic meal on top of that, The Populist is your new spot. And they have community tables where "sharing your environment and your food is emphatically supported." Spread the love!
7. Finn's Manor
One of the most eclectic and interesting patio experiences I've had in Denver is at Finn's Manor in RiNo. They managed to turn an old auto salvage park into a quirky, hip bar with an expansive patio, craft cocktails, multiple food trucks, and a casual ambiance. Kudos to the brains behind this operation!
8. Work and Class
This relaxed joint (also in RiNo) has an excellent patio overlooking Larimer and 25th, and they're serving up "good food, no fuss." They specialize in Latin American inspired cuisine and pride themselves in "a square meal, stiff drink, and fair price." I'm sold!
9. Bistro Vendôme
Bistro Vendôme is "a local favorite in a downtown rich with history that offers an exceptional dining experience in a charming, neighborhood setting" on Larimer Square. Indulge in rich French cuisine, bright bold wine, and imagine yourself lingering in a courtyard in Paris. Oui, oui!
10. Ale House at Amato's
This picturesque spot on the edge of LoHi serves up handcrafted beer and food pairings, with the added bonus of views of the Central Platte Valley, downtown Denver, and the Front Range. Tasty eats, creative brews, and easy on the eyes too.
11. My Brother's Bar
With no sign out front (and no need for one) this Denver institution is the definition of dive bar. They've got a great little courtyard patio and some of the juiciest burgers in town. Do a little kayaking at Confluence Park, then head over to My Brother's Bar to refuel.
12. Shells and Sauce
On a quiet corner in Congress Park, lies a little neighborhood secret called Shells and Sauce. Not only do they have a great corner patio, but they also have a rooftop deck that is simply superb (but only open on the weekends). Oh, and did I mention the insanely delicious authentic Italian cuisine!?
13. Cucina Colore
Every time I walk past Cucina Colore during happy hour and see the chilled, sparking glasses of white wine in front of the smiling, happy patrons, I get green with envy. (And Cherry Creek has a whole host of other fabulous patios such as Machete, True Food Kitchen, GRIND, and more).
14. Root Down
This old filling station turned restaurant satisfies customers with creative, local, sustainable food in a lovely neighborhood setting with fantastic views. And they can also accommodate your every dietary need...gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan, they got it.
15. Fourteen Seventy-two
Restaurant 1472 on Old South Pearl Street combines modern and rustic elements to create a comfortable laid-back atmosphere. They've got sinfully delicious Lowcountry fare with a hint of Colorado. Have some homemade sangria or moonshine Lowcountry sweet tea and enjoy a nice long "porch" hang.
The list goes on and on… What are some of your favorite outdoor patios in Denver?
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