13 Restaurants with the Best Outdoor Patios in Denver
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If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor spot to enjoy great food and drinks in Denver, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best outdoor patios in Denver.
From vibrant rooftop bars to charming beer gardens, these Denver hot spots not only provide a fantastic dining experience but also offer enjoyable ambiance, each in its own unique way.
We’ll walk you through these top outdoor patio restaurants so you know where to go for an elegant evening, a relaxing brunch, a casual patio lunch in Denver, or a game day with friends, highlighting the most unique foods and beverages on offer so you won’t miss out.
Keep reading to learn about the best outdoor patios in Denver.
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Best Outdoor Patios in Denver
Federales
If you’re in the mood for margaritas and queso fundido, Federales is just the place for you. They have a large partially covered patio with open walls and lots of seating options.
It’s not unusual to see people standing around a barrel, tossing back tequila and throwing empty shot glasses into the fire. (They’re trying to hit the bell hanging above it.) Don’t be alarmed; the “glasses” are actually made of ice.
Not your speed? Settle in at one of the many high tops or roomy tables, or find a spot at the bar. Furry friends are welcome!
The vibe is industrial and fun, with plenty of TVs if you want to catch the game. Fresh guac, amazing elote, yummy pork carnitas, and a fun crowd make this one of the best outdoor patios in Denver.
RiNo residents rave about the shrimp and fish tacos and the Wednesday night specials.
Recess Beer Garden
They don’t call it Recess Beer Garden for nothing – with picnic tables and lots of games, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax. The patio is both child and dog-friendly with lots of misters during the hot summer days to keep everyone cool.
We love the beautiful shade trees, the modern decor elements, and the all-natural aesthetic at this LoHi charmer. Nights at Recess are special, with colorful lights and hanging lanterns making for an inviting retreat in which to enjoy the live DJ.
Colorful splashes and playful food and drinks are the finishing touches. Think pulled pork sliders, Hawaiian tofu, frozen yogurt, cheese fries, and creative cocktails that evoke the beach.
Corporate social responsibility is also on the menu. Along with their usual live music lineup and extra special summer street festival, they frequently host events benefitting local issues – from teachers to child hunger.
As if it didn’t have enough going for it, with 24 beers on tap, and a top-notch weekend brunch, this is hands down one of the best outdoor patios in Denver.
The Golden Mill
If you don’t mind a short drive, about 30 minutes West of Denver, you’ll find The Golden Mill, a top rated food hall with a sprawling patio and views of the foothills.
Though we can’t technically include this on a list of best outdoor patios in Denver, given its Golden location, we think it deserves an honorary mention. After all, it boasts five dining concepts and two self-pour tap walls, and everyone loves a day trip!
When you arrive, you check in with staff and get your Golden Mill card that works at the restaurants and taps. With over 60 beers, along with margaritas and kombucha, it can be pretty overwhelming.
Enjoy your drink outside on the enormous patio. In the winter, the outdoor fire pits will be going, and in the summer, you’ll find gazillions of umbrellas, fans, and misters to keep you cool.
Rolling Smoke BBQ Serves up platters of smoky meat, coleslaw, and bread. Try Sushi Sora for some colorful rolls and Asian treats. Craving Mexican? Tacos Al Chili will hit the spot.
Republik of Chicken serves ginger, soy, and garlic marinated fried chicken with fries to die for. Finally, finish up with ice cream from Happy Cones where vegan gelato options abound alongside American and New Zealand-style ice cream.
Bezel
Now for a hidden gem among the best outdoor patios in Denver: Bezel!
Enter into this evening haven for the fashionable and well-groomed, and enjoy fancy drinks in colorful shades of pink and yellow sporting hand-carved ice stamped with the B and finished off with aromatic herbs.
The crowd is young and vibrant, the food elegant and insta-worthy.
Sliders, heirloom tomatoes topped with fresh herbs, black truffle grilled cheese, and other elevated basics abound at this bougie downtown hotspot.
Modern, cosmopolitan, and filled with smooth black granite and flashes of gold, Bezel is located in the Sheraton Denver Downtown at Court Place on the 16th Street mall.
Gather around the firepit on the outdoor patio with friends. The chairs are well-cushioned, and the service is excellent.
Those with adventurous palates will be thrilled to discover the rotating seasonal menu, where you’ll find unique small plates like blue cheese Oreos and bison tartare with black garlic and ancho aioli.
Try the Fireside Foreplay with chocolate bitters, mezcal, habanero agave, cherry wood, and a hint of smoke, garnished with a twist of lemon.
You also can’t go wrong with the Carrot in the Rye, which blends carrot-infused Rye, yellow chartreuse, lemon juice, and turmeric honey, garnished with a sprig of thyme – it pairs well with the Bezel fries.
Tap Fourteen
Downtown at 14th and Blake, Tap Fourteen has an incredible rooftop patio with long picnic tables and rotating seasonal cocktails. Come for the craft beer, the chills vibes, and the views of the skyline.
An essential on any list of best outdoor patios in Denver, this rooftop beer garden is only half a block from Coors Field, making it the perfect destination for pre-game festivities.
Ultra laid back but often packed with people; this is the place to go when you’re in the mood for an energetic evening. Don’t miss the incredible buffalo chicken sandwich, the nachos, and the perfectly cooked burgers.
The yummy comfort food options can be accompanied by one of the many distilled whiskeys or the countless beers offered on tap. Sours suggested include High Hops and Pinkalicious. Light beer lovers will enjoy Crystal Springs and Blood Orange Kolsch.
Hoppy favorites like Westfax and Urban Lumberjax are always good, and Avery or Island Rascal won’t disappoint if you like dark and malty. Enjoy the beautiful skyline views while you sip. DJs play every Friday and Saturday, and there is often live music!
Ace Eat Serve
Looking for some delicious pan Asian food and a game of table tennis? Ace Eat Serve is a unique concept, offering ping pong reservations by the hour alongside standard restaurant reservations.
Don’t miss Sunday brunch, where you can sample Japanese Pancakes, Chicken and waffles, and even Peking Duck.
Located downtown, at 501 E. 17th, you can grab drinks at the indoor or outdoor bar before hitting your ping pong table. The space is enormous, with plush seating alongside picnic tables and lots of covered space for those hot days.
The theme is a bit eclectic, with aviation elements blended with modern pop art and garage grunge vibes.
Ping Pong is offered inside or outside and seems to attract a diverse crowd, with everyone from 8 to 80 enjoying a weekend game along with their dim sum.
Live music doesn’t disappoint, though nothing is quite as exciting as watching the ping pong tournaments they often host. Make sure to grab a sweet whisky daisy slush or an aperol spritz to enjoy al fresco.
Rock Bottom Brewery
Rock Bottom Brewery is always a trusty standby when you’re looking for a spacious patio in a central location. With a view of the 16th Street Mall, this is just the place to pop into when you’re in need of some solid pub grub and a cold one.
We love the handhelds, from the Hatch Chili Burger to the scrumptious Philly Cheesesteak. Cajun fish tacos are one of the most popular items, but the buttermilk battered chicken tenders and baby back ribs are close behind.
Don’t forget to pair it with some waffle fries, homestyle mac & cheese, or Brussels sprouts!
Finally, we’d be remiss not to highlight our favorite brews; after all, this is a brewery – serving only housemade beer! If you’re looking for the perfect patio beer, check out the Watermelon Hibiscus Blonde.
With well-rounded and balanced hops, the Falcon IPA is always a popular choice. Sour lovers will enjoy Fat Abbott, with flavors of black currant and Sicilian lemon that are perfect for a summer day.
54thirty
Le Méridien’s rooftop bar, 54thirty, has been on all the lists of best rooftops in Denver since it opened in 2017 and set a new record as the highest open-air rooftop bar on the front range, at 5430 feet above sea level.
If you enjoy loungey vibes and French-inspired decor, this is the place for you.
Seating options include cozy modern hightops, plush booths that feel more like poolside cabanas, and comfy mid-century modern sofas clustered around sleek stone fireplaces.
During the day, you’d fit right in wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but there is definitely an elevated vibe at night, with patrons sporting little black dresses and blazers with khakis.
Given their French leanings, you would not be out of place ordering an Aperol spritz, but you’ll see just as many Moscow Mules.
On the dining front, the braised short rib tacos are pretty spectacular, but they have lighter bites such as deviled eggs, a hummus plate, or a charcuterie and cheese board.
Improper City
Only in Denver will you find a food truck park/concert venue/wine and beer garden combination, located next to a rock-climbing gym.
Astroturf and firepits, set against a spectacular mural, set the scene in Improper City’s enormous courtyard. (It would be inaccurate to call it a mere patio.)
Pull up a metal stool and gather around a barrel with your beverage of choice; this is the perfect place to channel RiNo’s artsy vibes.
Super chill, and obviously dog-friendly, this is one of the best outdoor patios in Denver. Happily, you can find an outdoor food truck schedule on their website, so you know which of the delightful culinary options will be on offer.
From crepes to burgers, Greek to Southern Fried, there is no shortage of delicious dishes.
Community events, from pet portrait sittings to mini markets to live music, are scheduled throughout each season so you can plan ahead.
Visiting earlier in the day? Check out the amazing coffee counter inside. Beer, cider, wine, cocktails and liqueurs are available alongside kombucha and seltzer.
Bacon Social House
Any place that bills itself as having a “bacon-forward” menu sounds like a winner to me. Bacon Social House often hits lists of best patio restaurants in Denver.
The sturdy red-brick building brings to mind the story of the Three Little Pigs, or maybe it’s just the giant “Bacon” sign above the door. Regardless, this is definitely not the place to be a vegan.
The inside of the South Broadway location features mid-century modern vibes, with colorful wall murals, saddle leather stools, and cozy booths. On the sun-splashed patio, you’ll find plenty of tables shaded by bright turquoise umbrellas.
If you hadn’t already guessed, this isn’t just one of the top restaurants with outdoor seating in Denver; it is a must-try brunch spot.
Sample our favorite feature bloody – Country Roads, mixed with bacon vodka and garnished with bacon, gouda & salami. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out a bacon flight, which includes many flavors such as pecan wood, cherry lime, and BBQ.
You’ll be a bacon connoisseur in no time. Don’t stop there. They also have pancake flights. House specialties include bacon shrimp and grits, and something called the miner’s breakfast that definitely requires two hands to carry it.
Forest Room 5
No search for Downtown Denver restaurants with outdoor seating would be complete without mention of Forest Room 5.
Located in the Highlands neighborhood, just a block West of I-25, near the 15th Street Bridge, this artsy, rustic restaurant takes its inspiration from the Colorado outdoors.
The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning outdoor space, which feels like some sort of woodland fairy tale. There are fire pits, trees, running water, and even a footbridge.
If you’re looking for that elusive feeling of escaping the frenetic every day, but you don’t have time to get away, an evening at Forest Room 5 is in order.
You could just as easily be camping as dining when you settle into your picnic table or duck into a teepee for a more secluded experience.
The menu includes an array of options from Elk sliders to plank-cooked lake trout. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Indulge in pan-roasted pheasant with figs and a red wine reduction.
Don’t miss the herbed truffled French fries. Sip on a Russian Huckleberry while you dream of simpler times. The sea salt brownie or the ricotta cheesecake is the perfect way to wind up the evening.
Acova
Exposed wooden beams, greenery stretching towards cozy booths with saddle leather upholstery, and a beautiful red-brick accent wall make for a modern, hip vibe.
Known for having fantastic cocktails and featuring American Fusion cuisine at its finest, this LoHi gem is at the top of the list for best outdoor dining in Denver.
Acova’s sunny, open outdoor space, dotted with cute tables surrounded by lime green chairs and ample bar seating, is one of the best outdoor patios in Denver.
Their dirty chai cocktail (made with coconut rum) is legendary, but you can’t go wrong with a bloody or a mimosa!
If you’re on the hunt for a solid benedict or a slice of avocado toast, you’ll be more than satisfied. Ditto for the mussels and the sourdough French toast.
The Broadway Lobster Mac and Cheese is our favorite comfort food pick, while the Prime Rib Hash is perfect if you’re feeling indulgent.
For dessert, pick between the satisfying simplicity of Apple Donuts, served with vanilla ice cream and strawberries and drizzled in caramel, or the Berry Cobbler with streusel topping.
Avanti F&B
Last but not least on our list of best patios in Denver, is Avanti Food & Beverage, an eclectic food hall situated in LoHi. Offering classic Denver rooftop ambiance, this popular weekend spot fills up in the evening.
Communal wooden seating and a flip-flop-wearing crowd make for a casual vibe. If you are hoping for a quieter experience, plan to visit mid-day.
Pho, tacos, Korean bowls, pizza, burgers, and more are on offer from the seven food outlets, so chances are, they’ll have what you’re in the mood for. If all else fails, there are two bars serving a variety of fun drinks.
The frozen cocktail selection at the upstairs Wolf Bar is a highlight – offering blended concoctions with names like Genie in a Bottle (vodka, blue raspberry, lemonade, and edible glitter), Polar Bear Cub (white rum, banana, coconut and lime), and Unicorn Juice (vodka, strawberry, kiwi, and – you guessed it – edible glitter).
Final Thoughts: Best Patios in Denver
Now you know exactly where to find the best outdoor patios in Denver. The hardest part is figuring out where to go first!
From the elegance of 54Thirty to the outdoorsy vibes at Forest Room 5 to the childlike magic of Recess Beer Garden, there is a destination to suit any day of the week.
Slip on some sunglasses and some SPF, and go find the perfect summer hangout for the patio days ahead!
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