Here in Denver, there is no shortage of concrete paradises for the people to hang out and relax in the sun. Every neighborhood has a multitude of patios, big and small, quiet and bustling.
We’ve rounded up a pretty good list of patios, organized into categories. It’s insane how many there are. Whether you want to work on your laptop with a coffee, take a long lunch break or go out on the town — there’s a patio(s) for that.
Let us know if we’re leaving any out, and we will add it on.
*Listings with an asterisk means the patio is in some form, dog-friendly
Cafes
*Amethyst Coffee Co. 1111 N. Broadway 101, Denver; Neighborhood: Golden Triangle
Vibe: Chic, mid-size, with views of Broadway. Coffee, cocktails, doughnuts from the Beet Box and more.
Aviano Coffee 244 Detroit St., Denver; Neighborhood: Cherry Creek North
Vibe: Shaded, quaint street in a shopping area. Coffee and pastries.
*Backyard on Blake/Blue Sparrow Coffee 3040 Blake St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: A small backyard of shops and eateries. Blue Sparrow serves CBD coffee, lattes and croissants. Cute patio in the courtyard. Patio on the rooftop as well with views of the city.
*The Bardo Coffeehouse 238 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Baker
Vibe: Boho/’90s cafe. Sidewalk patio close to the action in Baker. Coffee, sandwiches, Sweet Action ice cream and more.
*BookBar 4280 Tennyson St, Denver; Neighborhood: Northwest
Vibe: A bookstore/wine bar offering small bites, coffee and tea. Huge back patio. Dogs can sit on the patio side, on the other side of the fence.
READ: 21 Sunny Patios to Help You Get Shit Done
*Café Miriam 2217 E. 21st Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park
Vibe: On the edge of City Park. A few sets of tables and umbrellas on the sidewalk. Very quaint, Parisian feel. Crepes and lattes.
Carbon Cafe & Bar 1553 Platte St., Suite 130 and 2200 California Street; Neighborhoods: Highland and Five Points
Vibe: Carbon Cafe is the sister cafe to Habit Doughnut Dispensary, and each location is next to a Habit Doughnut. So whether you want a CBD infused donut or an actual meal and a coffee or cocktail, both of these locations have nice sized patios to relax on.
*The Corner Beet 1401 N. Ogden St., Denver; Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Vibe: Hip sidewalk patio with a San Francisco feel. Fresh pressed juice, avocado toast, salads and acai bowls.
*Corvus Coffee Roasters 1740 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: South Broadway
Vibe: A coffee roastery serving their own coffee as well as pastries. Quiet part of Broadway. The patio is big and open, with great views of the mountains.
*Highlands Cork & Coffee 3701 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: West Highland
Vibe: No frills cafe with breakfast and lunch options. A ‘Secret garden-like’ patio that’s shaded with trees and a fountain. Front patio as well.
*Hooked on Colfax 3213 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: East Colfax
Vibe: Small sidewalk patio with a view of Colfax, and a cute back patio. Bright and eclectic. Coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
Huckleberry Roasters 4301 N. Pecos St., Denver; Neighborhood: Sunnyside
Vibe: Minimalist, sunny patio on a neighborhood street. Local coffee roasting room in a hip space, serving coffee and lite eats.
Illegal Grounds 925 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: Cafe in a big, old house on 17th. The patio is shaded with trees; pretty street views. Coffee and pastries.
*Logan House Coffee 2501 Dallas St. #112, Aurora; Neighborhood: Stapleton
Vibe: Located in the Stanley Marketplace. Large patio with lots of umbrellas. Away from the hustle of the city, but still some action within the market. Coffee, lattes and breakfast fare.
*The Molecule Effect 1201 Santa Fe Dr. Suite A, Denver; Neighborhood: Santa Fe
Vibe: Coffee, wine and art. Sidewalk patio with views of Santa Fe and the city. Breakfast fare, paninis and a meat and cheese plate.
Overt 712 1/2 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Washington Park West
Vibe: Coffee shop connected to Vert Kitchen. A little backyard oasis with black and white chairs and umbrellas. Grab & go foods and coffee.
*Pablo’s 1300 Pennsylvania St. #102 and 630 E. 6th Ave., Denver; Neighborhoods: Alamo Placita and Capitol Hill
Vibe: A beloved Denver chain coffee shop. Both locations are low key, with small patios on bustling streets. Local coffee roaster serving baked goods and lattes.
*Port Side 2500 Larimer St. #103, Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Small cafe with killer food. Little sidewalk patio in the action on Larimer. Egg sandwich with kimchi on brioche, Bloody Marys and coffee.
*Rivers & Roads Coffee 2539 Bruce Randolph Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Clayton
Vibe: The patio is nice and intimate with a great neighborhood vibe and distant views of the mountains. Creative lattes and pastries, as well as a good lunch menu. They allow dogs on the east side of the patio and keeps west side dog-free.
*Rosebud Café 90 Pennsylvania St., Denver; Neighborhood: Speer
Vibe: A gorgeous corner cafe near the Baker area. The sidewalk on both sides of the building is lined with black patio tables and chairs. Rosebud serves a variety of teas, coffee, Rosenberg’s bagels and more.
St. Mark’s 2019 E 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Open since 1993, St. Mark’s is an iconic patio for coffee and working. The sidewalk patio has several trees surrounding to give ample shade. Breakfast sandwiches and lattes.
*Steam Espresso Bar 1801 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: The patio at Steam has plenty of space and shade. The color scheme and the elegance of Pearl Street make for a pretty place to hang out. It’s all about the coffee here.
*Stella’s Coffee 476 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: Known as a college staple, with late-night hours and a busy front patio, you can get your work done late and watch the people stroll by. Coffee, bagels and more.
*The Weathervane Café 1725 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: A ’70s, vintage, woodsy inspired cafe. The downstairs patio has two big tables and the rooftop has a few retro beach chairs with views of the quainter side of 17th Avenue. The food menu consists of chia oatmeal, sandwiches, coffee and other drinks. Dogs are allowed on the front patio.
*Whittier Café 1710 E. 25th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Whittier
Vibe: Settled in the Whittier neighborhood, Whittier Cafe is a favorite among nearby residents. The patio feels like a big backyard on the sidewalk, where you can feel right at home. Coffee drinks, pastries and breakfast burritos are served, as well as beer and wine.
Rooftops
10 Barrel Brewing Company 2620 Walnut St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Brewpub serving burgers and wings. Huge patio with tons of seating and amazing views of downtown and RiNo.
54Thirty 1475 California St., Denver; Neighborhood: Downtown
Vibe: Settled atop Le Meridien hotel. Very upscale, Kardashian-like rooftop. Modern seating, fireplaces and string lights. Craft cocktails and small plates.
American Bonded 2706 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Craft cocktails and low country food. Modern, sophisticated, yet chill bar. Spacious patio with views of busy Larimer and distant views of the mountains.
Avanti F&B 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoHi
Vibe: One of Denver’s favorite rooftops. A collective eatery of food stalls on two levels with two bars. The patio has a big shaded part and a jutting area full of sunshine and views of the whole city.
El Five 2930 Umatilla St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Mediterranean tapas and decor. The patio has a 360 view of the city. A very eco-conscious establishment with a bar made from 100% recycled paper.
Elevated by Departure – Halcyon Hotel 245 Columbine St., Denver; Neighborhood: Cherry Creek
Vibe: Elevated sits atop the Halcyon Hotel, offering a beach-like getaway. A huge wrap-around patio with tons of comfy couches, beach chairs, cabanas — and a pool, for hotel guests only. Refreshing cocktails and modern Asian eats.
The Fainting Goat Pub 846 Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Golden Triangle
Vibe: Irish pub with shuffleboard, TVs for watching sports, burgers and appetizers. Rooftop with a bar centerpiece and views of the skyscrapers and Broadway.
Historians Ale House 24 Broadway #102, Denver; Neighborhood: Baker
Vibe: The perfect spot to have a beer during a shopping day in Baker. Open, airy rooftop with lots of seating, lights and heaters for late at night. Lots of beer, cheese fries, nachos, burritos and more.
The Irish Rover Pub 54 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Baker
Vibe: If you’ve never had irish nachos, then you need to get your life together and go to the Irish Rover. Another awesome rooftop pub patio with views of Broadway. Happy hour and weekly food specials. Oh, and brunch, too. Rooftop brunch anyone?
Izakaya Den 1518 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: A Japanese oasis surrounded with bamboo, and modern light fixtures and décor. Fresh sushi, ramen, Kobe beef, sake and more. It’s very L.A.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar 650 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale
Vibe: Upscale seafood chain. The Glendale location has a great rooftop with lounge couches, tables and insane mountain views. Oysters, crab legs, scallops, salmon — name it.
Linger 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Linger Eaturies housed in the former Olinger Mortuaries which still has its old blue neon sign. But their rooftop makes up for the creepiness, with amazing city views and a bar in an old Volkswagen. Food from all over the world and desserts like Taiwanese snow ice.
Lodo’s Bar & Grill 1946 Market St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoDo
Vibe: Close to the Ballpark, a popular sports bar. Fried pickles, Elk burger and bottle service. Spacious rooftop with Ballpark views.
Los Chingones 2463 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Popular RiNo rooftop with lots of seating and 360 views. Tacos, salsa flights, margaritas and a great happy hour.
LOW Country Kitchen 1575 Boulder St. Suite A, Denver; Neighborhood: LoHi
Vibe: Beautiful LoHi rooftop that feels very open with lots of room — the perfect date night spot. Experience the American south with fried chicken, deviled eggs and bourbon cocktails.
Postino Wine Café 2715 17th St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoHi
Vibe: Wine bar with antipasti fare like cheese boards and bruschetta. Happy hour is all day until 5 p.m., which means $5 for any glass of wine or any pitcher of beer. The patio is spacious with lots of tables, umbrellas and breathtaking views of the city.
Tamayo 1400 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoDo
Vibe: A modern Mexican kitchen with over 100 tequilas. If you’re not a fan of the sun beating on you, Tamayo has a huge patio with an awning to shield you. If you love the sun, part of the patio has no awning with lovely views of Larimer Square.
Tap Fourteen 1920 Blake St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Whether pre-gaming or post-gaming from a Rockies game, this is the perfect spot. This rooftop patio is lost in a sea of skyscrapers and sunshine. Enjoy a burger or some tacos with a Colorado craft beer.
Tavern Platt Park 1475 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: Chain establishment with seven locations in the Denver area. Its Platt Park location is particularly nice, set on a lively strip of Pearl street. Two patios, a small one on the lower level and a large rooftop patio. American fare and a full bar.
ViewHouse Ballpark 2015 Market St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Chic rooftop emersed in the downtown skyline. Wrap around couches with fireplaces for lounging and taking in the views, as well as regular tables. Elevated tacos, sandwiches, salads and entrees. Cornhole area on the bottom level.
ViewHouse Littleton 2680 W. Main St., Littleton
Vibe: Same as above, just in Littleton. Instead of views of downtown Denver, there are amazing views of the mountains.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 2907 Huron St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Downtown views with equal amounts sun and shade. Creative shareable plates like wild mushroom bruschetta, sandwiches, entrees and brunch. Lots of whiskey and beer.
Yazoo BBQ 2150 Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Covered rooftop patio with lots of seating. Extensive barbecue menu including St. Louis style ribs, combo plates and rib tips.
Breweries & Wineries
*Banded Oak Brewing 470 Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Speer
Vibe: This patio is just off of the main Broadway drag. Small, no-frills, chill brewery. Bring your dog and order a beer at the window. Ten beers on tap, two mystery beers and kombucha which is free for DD’s.
*Bigsby’s Folly 3563 Wazee St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Urban winery with a killer patio next to a flower and grape garden, settled by the railroad tracks on Wazee Street. Of course, there is wine but we have to mention the food menu — antipasto, appetizers, flatbreads and homemade desserts.
*Black Shirt Brewing 3719 Walnut St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: The name Black Shirt comes from the idea of ‘going against the grain’ and ‘standing out in the crowd,’ and their beer does. Johnny Cash said black shirts were his ‘symbol of rebellion.’ A small front patio and a large back patio which regularly hosts live music. Aside from beer, they serve pizzas and salads named after Johnny Cash songs.
The Block Distilling Co. 2990 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Chill, modern sidewalk patio on Larimer. Purveyor of vodka and gin. Enjoy cocktails made with fresh liquor from their in-house distillery.
*Blue Moon Brewing Company 3750 Chestnut Pl., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: We all know Blue Moon and its citrus goodness. Its RiNo brewery is just as delightful. In a tucked-away area, it has a peaceful yet bustling patio. Check out where this stuff is made, have a beer and some grub.
*Briar Common Brewery + Eatery (allowed on lower patio) 2298 Clay St., Denver; Neighborhood: Jefferson Park
Vibe: Half covered, half-shaded patio in a cozy neighborhood environment. Rustic, modern aesthetic. Focuses on American and Belgian style beers. Eclectic menu featuring steak poutine and a bibimbap bowl.
*Bruz Beers 1675 W. 67th Ave. #100, Denver; Neighborhood: Twin Lakes
Vibe: Belgian-style brewery with a big patio and an even bigger green space that hosts live music and other events. One of the most dog-friendly breweries around with a dog food menu and a huge area for them to play outside (allowed inside as well).
Cerebral Brewing 1477 Monroe St., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park
Vibe: Modern/hip brewery right off of Colfax. Rotating taps with interesting beer names like ‘Muscle Memory.’ Cute enclosed patio with string lights and a food truck always nearby.
*Copper Kettle Brewing Company 1338 S. Valentia St. #100; Neighborhood: Windsor
Vibe: Copper Kettle has seasonal beers and year-round beers on tap. The patio is a quiet, hidden oasis — relaxing spot for a cold one. A food truck is always around for hunger needs.
*Declaration Brewing Company 2030 S. Cherokee St., Denver; Neighborhood: Overland
Vibe: Spacious patio with an area of grass for cornhole playing and a food truck on site. Declaration is the only certified green brewery in Denver. It’s also Denver’s largest draft selection at a brewery.
*Denver Beer Co. 1695 Platte St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: This patio believes in ‘the more dogs, the better.’ So if you love beer and dogs, this is your spot. Large beer selection and a different food truck every day.
*Fiction Beer Company 7101 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: South Park Hill
Vibe: Huge patio with tons of seating, Jenga and cornhole. The beers are named after literary lines from famous books. The bar is made up of hard-cover books holding up the bartop.
*Great Divide Brewing Company 2201 Arapahoe St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Popular beer brand sold all over the country. Small sidewalk patio on a strip of downtown. Big selection of beer and lots of seasonal releases. Food trucks, brewery tours and beer to-go.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem 3200 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: An Urban winery in the RiNo district. The wine is made in the back alley. The patio is huge, lounge-y and provides lots of shade. The bar has a few different wines on tap, canned wine and wine slushies.
*Little Machine Beer 2924 W. 20th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Jefferson Park
Vibe: Small patio on a neighborhood street, close to Mile High stadium. Futuristic aesthetic. Cool beer names like ‘The Socialist Millionaire Problem’ which is a pale ale. Beer-to-go and rotating food trucks.
*Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen 800 Lincoln St., Denver; Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Vibe: Gorgeous patio that’s very open with grass and trees. A great place to hang at nighttime due to ample lighting. Rotating beers and a large food menu including pizza and sandwiches. Dogs must be on a leash.
*Our Mutual Friend Brewing 2810 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: If you enjoy being around lots of people while the traffic goes by, try out Our Mutual Friend Brewery. The patio is small, so we would suggest getting there early to claim a table outside.
Odell Brewing Company 2945 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Set in a century-old building, the brand new location for Odell feels like it’s been there all along. Come for classic beer styles the iconic brewery is known for, but stay for its RiNo-only experimental brews (and its two patios – including a rooftop oasis).
*Platt Park Brewing Co. 1875 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: A seriously chill neighborhood patio to sit and have a cold one. Unique beers and take-home growlers. Rotating food trucks.
*Prost Brewing Company 2540 19th St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoHi
Vibe: Brewery specializing in authentic German lager style beer. Good sized patio with picnic tables and views of the city skyline. A food truck is usually nearby.
*Ratio Beerworks 2920 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Big and aesthetically pleasing patio. Blue tables and chairs, gravel lot, trees and bar-style seating. Open garage doors lightly blast music out to the patio. And really good beer.
*Renegade Brewing 9th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Vibe: Brewery off of Santa Fe. Sidewalk patio that has a California vibe. An array of diverse beers, for example, the ‘Covfefe’ which is an oat ale.
*Spangalang Brewery 2736 Welton St., Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Tucked in the parking lot behind Rosenberg’s Bagels is Spangalang Brewery. Cute patio out front with a few picnic tables. Several fruity beers.
*Station 26 Brewing Co. 70 E. 38th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Northeast Park Hill
Vibe: Brewery settled in an old fire station near the Stapleton area. Spacious and lively patio out front. ‘Order 26‘ food truck is parked every day from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
*Stem Ciders #150, 2235, 2811 Walnut St, Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: One of the few cideries in Denver, doesn’t disappoint. Delicious flavors like pear, raspberry and salted cucumber. Cool RiNo patio with picnic tables, string lights and a rotating food truck. Board games and trivia nights.
*Vine Street Pub & Brewery 1700 Vine St., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: A brewery as well as a restaurant. Lively sidewalk patio on a quiet part of 17th Ave. Impressive food menu including mussels and wood-fired pizza. Dogs are allowed on the streetside of the fence.
*Woods Boss Brewing 2210 California St., Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Small, cute brewery right outside of downtown with views of the skyscrapers. Sidewalk patio with picnic tables with a great city feel. Over 20 beers on tap as well as kombucha.
*Zuni Street Brewing Company 2355 W. 29th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Fun patio playground with good beer in a neighborhood setting. Two patios are always better than one with a space out front near the street and the other is a fenced-in backyard environment. Rotating food trucks.
Bars
715 Club 715 E. 26th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Iconic bar in Five Points. Spacious front patio facing Welton Street. On the weekends, you can grab some late-night pizza from the new Famous J’s next door.
Adrift Tiki Bar 218 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Baker
Vibe: The atmosphere here is full-on tropical with tiki totems and a bamboo bar. A beachy back patio that will transport you to the islands. Polynesian food and drinks.
The Bar Car 833 Colorado Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Congress Park
Vibe: On the busy Colorado Boulevard, this place is a dive. Tiny patio out front facing the bustling traffic. Barbecue, burgers and daily drink specials.
Bowman’s Vinyl & Lounge 1312 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: South Broadway
Vibe: Record store/bar. Sip a drink while browsing for records, or lounge on a couch and listen to some tunes. Nice sidewalk patio with views of Broadway. Full bar and small food menu.
Congress Park Taproom 833 Colorado Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Congress Park
Vibe: Over 30 Colorado beers on tap. Small patio out front facing the Colorado Boulevard traffic. Free popcorn and you can bring in your own food.
*Finley’s Pub 375 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Wash Park
Vibe: Known as the ‘Cheers’ of the neighborhood — Finley’s has an inviting atmosphere. Cozy, relaxing pub patio. Upscale pub food and lots of beer and whiskey.
Finn’s Manor 2927 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Backyard patio that always has two food trucks on site. Over 400 spirits (161 of them are whiskey), a rotating tropical punch and 16 taps. The outdoor seating area is huge and resemblant of a big beach hut with wooden tables, bright-colored posts and chairs and string lights.
First Draft Taproom & Kitchen 1309 26th St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Serve yourself taps. There are 40 taps, not just beer, but kombucha and wine. Popular patio in the heart of RiNo with bar-style seating and picnic tables. Delicious shareable plates including a charcuterie board, pub board, fried pickle chips and more.
Forest Room 5 2332 15th St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Immerse yourself in the woodsy wonderland that is Forest Room 5’s patio. Trees, fire pits and wood stump chairs for a campsite feel. Outdoor-inspired cocktails and food.
*Fort Greene 321 E. 45th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Globeville
Vibe: Chill backyard beer garden that feels like a friend’s barbecue party. Lots of seating, string lights and little plants along the fence. Old-timey, beautiful interior. Cocktails, beer and frequent music and dance events.
Improper City 3201 Walnut St, Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: As Denver’s largest patio, to date, the 12,000-square-foot turf hang out is all about fun in the sun. With a rotating cast of food trucks, lawn games, fire pits and string lights — this is the patio of your dreams. It gets busy but with so much space there’s room for everyone.
Larimer Lounge 2721 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Popular dive bar with live music most nights. The sidewalk patio takes in the life of the bustling street and the open doors of the bar to feel the energy inside as well. Cheap drinks and killer tunes.
Local 46 4586 Tennyson St., Denver; Neighborhood: Berkeley
Vibe: Huge patio, partly covered, part under the trees. Ample seating with a cozy, lively feel. An outdoor grill serving burgers and skewers. Bocce court, ping pong, cornhole and firepits.
Lowry Beer Garden 7577 E. Academy Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Lowry
Vibe: Really, really big patio. There are windows for ordering beer and food — easy peasy. Large beer selection and wine available. Brats and hot dogs.
Lustre Pearl 1315 S. 26th St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Next door to First Draft Taproom with the same patio set-up. It’s all about the cocktails here — and beer-shot combos.
The Matchbox 2625 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Backyard beer garden with a bocce court. Small front patio area on the sidewalk overlooking busy Larimer. Booze and brews.
My Brother’s Bar 2376 15th St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Nice, shaded back patio with a lot of seating. Burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and drinks.
Next Door Lounge 1612 E. 17th St., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Small sidewalk patio surrounded by other bars and restaurants on 17th. Fun spot with lots of games, good appetizers, cocktails and beer.
*The Post Brewing Co. 2200 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Rosedale
Vibe: Mid-sized patio with a covered awning facing Broadway. Away from the city center, so it has a chill vibe. Fried chicken and beer. Dogs are allowed by you outside the fence.
*Recess Beer Garden (dogs until 3 p.m.) 2715 17th St. #103, Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: An open, airy beer garden with two levels, string lights and patio tables. Lots of plants and pretty views. Diverse food menu including chili fries, a barbecue board and quinoa tabbouleh.
Rino Beer Garden 3800 Walnut St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: A German-inspired beer garden with fire pits. 60+ beers on tap. The food includes burgers, bratwursts, schnitzel and German nachos.
*Rory’s Tavern 400 Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Speer
Vibe: Irish pub with a cozy atmosphere, frequent live music, good food, craft beer and whiskey. Sidewalk patio on the corner with lots of shade and cute flower pots.
The Whittier 2000 E. 28th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Whittier
Vibe: Neighborhood pub with a nice cozy sidewalk patio. No frills, chill little spot. Wings, burgers and other pub fares.
Will Call 3043 Brighton Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Nice patio overlooking Brighton Boulevard. Happy hour every day with not so ordinary bar food like yucca fries and arepas.
The Thin Man 2015 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: The garage door at this lively bar opens up to a sidewalk patio. Dive bar with quirky decor. House-infused vodkas and paninis.
Counter Service & Food Halls
Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs 2445 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Big patio at the intersection of Larimer and Broadway making for great views of the city. Signature and specialty hot dogs, sausages and sandwiches.
*Birdcall 800 E. 26th St., Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Extremely cozy patio with modern bar-style seating and couches. Kiosk self-service joint serving amazing fried chicken sandwiches. The inside garage doors are always open when it’s warm.
*CALL 2845 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: In the heart of RiNo, a new cafe/restaurant. Big, sunny, street-facing patio. Elevated food like cured fish tartine and chicken liver mousse. Lattes and a full bar.
*Cheba Hut 745 Colorado Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Congress Park
Vibe: Good-sized patio out front with a parking lot between it and Colorado Boulevard. Stoner themed sub shop. Full bar, baked goods and other munchies.
*The Denver Central Market 2669 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Marketplace with several food vendors serving pizza, sandwiches, oysters, fresh-pressed juice, coffee, cocktails and more. Long sidewalk patio in the middle of the RiNo action. Dogs are allowed on the north patio.
*Illegal Pete’s 2001 E. Colfax Ave and 270 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhoods: City Park West and Baker
Vibe: Two large, lively patios one facing Colfax and the other Broadway. Counter style Mexican. Build your own burrito bowls and margaritas.
Little Beast Street Food 2730 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: East Colfax
Vibe: Recently opening in the former Uber Sausage spot, Little Beast Street Food offers sandwiches, tacos and burgers made with high-quality meats and creative twists. The patio is right out in front of the building with picnic tables and wide views of Colfax.
*Maria Empanada 1298 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: South Broadway
Vibe: Authentic, homemade, Argentinian empanadas. These handheld things of glory come savory or sweet, meat or veggie-filled, with four insanely good salsas to choose from. Good sized sidewalk patio with views of South Broadway.
*Onefold 1420 E. 18th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Both counter and wait service. Adorable sidewalk patio to match the cuteness of the interior. Coffee drinks and breakfast cocktails. Breakfast includes crepes and huevos rancheros. For lunch, duck fried rice, a green chili bowl and more.
Snarf’s Sandwiches 1490 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: Chain sandwich shop. Most of their locations (Capitol Hill, Ballpark) have a patio, but we really like the one on South Broadway. Spacious, modern patio with views of a quainter part of Broadway. This isn’t your ordinary sandwich shop — aside from classics, they’ve got prime rib, smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken and a gluten-free menu.
Shake Shack 2995 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: The nationwide favorite, Shake Shack recently established a spot in Denver. Settled in a big warehouse looking joint, with a small sidewalk patio on the side of the building. Juicy burgers, crinkle fries and milkshakes.
Stowaway Kitchen 2528 Walnut St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Settled in an old building turned modern in RiNo, Stowaway not only serves great coffee but amazing, creative food. The patio sits out front taking in all the feels of the city. Serving breakfast and lunch, and a special dinner ‘Supper Club’ Thursday – Saturday.
The Source Hotel + Market Hall 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Artisan food market with an upper-level hotel. Two restaurant patios, one at Acorn (contemporary American) and one at Comida (Mexican street food). Other vendors include a boulangerie, a florist, specialty bottle shop and more.
SubCulture 1300 Pennsylvania St., Denver; Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Vibe: Sub shop with a large menu featuring all kinds of meats and veggies. Lively patio out front in the heart of Capitol Hill, facing 13th avenue. Salads, soups and a full bar.
Union Station 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver; Neighborhood: LoDo
Vibe: Union station, a Denver destination, is full of restaurants and shops. Snooze an A.M. Eatery and Mercantile Dining & Provisions have patios.
*Waffle Brothers 1707 N. Lafayette St. and 700 E. 1st Ave., Denver; Neighborhoods: City Park West and Speer
Vibe: Two great patios, both in nice areas. There are too many waffle combinations to count, both sweet and savory. Perhaps the most popular is the chicken and waffles.
*Zeppelin Station 3501 Wazee St. #100, Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: New food hall with two bars, offices and retail located by the light rail in RiNo. Patio area with ample seating, umbrellas and vast views of the city. Korean, Vietnamese, gelato, poutine and more.
Restaurants
** Double asterisk means it’s known for its brunch
ACE Eat Serve 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: Large patio for playing ping pong as well as for seating. Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails: Sichuan shrimp wontons, ramen and a drink called ‘Year of the Dog’ to name a few.
*Acero 1446 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: South Broadway
Vibe: Urban cantina nestled in the antique area of South Broadway. Street tacos, ceviche, fajitas and tequila. Daily specials: Taco Tuesday and Latin Night on Fridays.
**Acova 3651 Navajo St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Cute back patio with bright green chairs. Eclectic menu with gluten-free and vegan options. Notable dishes are Veal Osso Bucco and seared Ahi and Herb Polenta cakes. Creative cocktails and brunch.
**Bar Dough 2227 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Cute sidewalk patio in a neighborhood setting. Elevated Italian cuisine featuring inventive small plates, traditionally prepared meats and fish, handmade pasta & wood-fired pizza.
**Bird 1529 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: All day breakfast? Check. Great patio? Check. Unique appetizers like pork belly sliders and grilled asparagus with a poached egg. A happening place for brunch, lunch and dinner.
**Brazen Neighborhood Eatery 4450 W. 38th Ave. #130, Denver; Neighborhood: West Highland
Vibe: Mid-size patio on a neighborhood street with trees and a grassy knoll nearby. Nighttime is great due to the plethora of string lights. Creative brunch and dinner menus.
*Brider 1644 Platte St., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: A modern looking establishment with green chairs and polished wooden tables. Shaded sidewalk patio. Breakfast served daily and sandwiches like the Wagyu beef french dip. Salads, soups, full bar and coffee drinks.
City O’ City 206 E. 13th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Vibe: Mid-size patio with two-top tables, facing the capitol building. Vegetarian restaurant that focuses on local produce and vendors. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A full bar and a coffee counter. Open late night.
**Cozy Cottage 4363 Tennyson St, Denver; Berkeley
Vibe: This classic Tennyson spot is a perfect place to grab a morning bite. With a beautifully shaded patio, filled with greenery, this classic breakfast and lunch spot is a must-do for any brunch lovers that enjoy dining al fresco.
Cuba Cuba 1173 Delaware St., Denver; Neighborhood: Golden Triangle
Vibe: Cute intimate alley patio with worn tables and bright blue chairs. The decor inside and out makes you feel like you’re in Havana. The menu includes empanadas, ceviche and traditional Cuban cocktails.
Dae Gee Korean BBQ 827 Colorado Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Congress Park
Vibe: Dae Gee has several locations, but its Colorado Boulevard location has a cute sidewalk patio that overlooks the busy traffic. It’s small with three picnic tables — a good spot for a beer. The kitchen focuses on meats including pork, beef and seafood and the famous Korean BBQ where you cook the protein tableside.
*The District 1320 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Large sidewalk patio with tons of seating. Overlooks the traffic on 17th but still has a neighborhood vibe. Umbrellas for shade. The District has 29 beers on tap, signature cocktails and a menu of shareable plates, entrees and more.
Domo Japanese Country Foods 1365 Osage St., Denver; Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Vibe: Inside and out, Domo feels like a trip to Japan. The patio is modeled after a traditional Japanese garden. Focusing on the country side’s food rather than it’s mainstream cuisine you usually find in America. Cold ramen, katsu curry and Wanko sushi (a different style of sushi).
Dos Santos 1475 E 17th Ave, Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Hip sidewalk patio on 17th. Bar style seating looking out to the street as well as several tables. A small menu of elevated tacos, shareable plates — and of course, chips, salsa and guac. Craft Mexican cocktails, beer and wine.
**Dunbar Kitchen & Taphouse 2844 Welton St., Denver; Neighborhood: Five Points
Vibe: Fenced in backyard-patio with several tables and umbrellas. The menu features snacks like crispy Brussel sprouts and savory sandwiches like the shrimp po’ boy. Beer, wine, cocktails and weekend brunch.
*Grind Kitchen + Watering Hole 300 Fillmore St., Denver; Neighborhood: Cherry Creek
Vibe: Intimate patio with lots of shade. It has a good amount of vegan and gluten-free options. Menu items include a duck confit Bahn mi and seafood green curry. Craft cocktails named after popular rock songs.
Homegrown Tap & Dough 1001 S. Gaylord St., Denver; Neighborhood: Washington Park
Vibe: Big, lively patio with an area for cornhole. The menu is all Italian inspired with pasta, pizza and a burger with pancetta. Simple and to the point drink menu.
**The Hornet 76 Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Baker
Vibe: Open every day, early to late at night. Good brunch and happy hour, and a huge menu. Sidewalk patio in the action of Broadway. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — you can enjoy tacos, queso and margaritas on the patio all day.
Huevos Tacos 2160 S. Broadway, Denver; Neighborhood: Rosedale
Vibe: Short rib breakfast tacos on a South Broadway patio? This the relaxing patio brunch you didn’t know you needed.
*Kaos Pizzeria 1439 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: Pizza parlor set in a cute red cottage on the most adorable, happening strip of Pearl street. The sidewalk patio is a garden oasis that wraps around to the back of the building. Local ingredient salads, sandwiches, pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
*Las Margs 1521 N. Marion St., Denver; Neighborhood: Colfax
Vibe: Popular patio off of Colfax; small and always has a few people hanging out. The menu consists of street tacos, burritos, tortas and more. Lots of tequila and happy hour specials.
**The Lobby 2191 Arapahoe St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Shaded, courtyard patio. Old-timey feel set in a historic building with an elegant garden charm. It’s all about the brunch here — how about espresso crusted venison & eggs and bottomless mimosas and bloody marys?
**Lucile’s Creole Cafe 275 S. Logan St., Denver; Neighborhood: Speer
Vibe: A New Orleans style patio with shaded seating and ceiling fans. It gets very packed on the weekends. The popular brunch menu includes shrimp & grits and eggs benedict. For lunch, there’s crawfish etouffee and gumbo to name a few.
Machete Tequila + Tacos 2817 E. 3rd Ave. Ste F&G and 3750 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; Cherry Creek and City Park West
Vibe: Two nice patios with lots of seating and lounge couches. The menu includes tacos, quesadillas and a large drink list.
Mister Tuna 3033 Brighton Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Huge patio overlooking Brighton Boulevard. Long communal tables, two tops, string lights and garage doors that give an inside and outside feel. Fresh seafood such as oysters, ceviche, wild salmon and king crab.
*North County 94 Rampart Way, Denver; Neighborhood: Lowry
Vibe: Big patio with equal amounts of shade and sun with upscale decor. North County is inspired by the coastal area north of San Diego which means beach and fish taco culture. Fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Osteria Marco 1453 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: Larimer Square
Vibe: In the lovely Larimer Square, this sidewalk patio gives you all the city feels, especially at night when the street is lit up. Specialty cocktails and a real deal Italian menu.
*Park Burger 2615 Walnut St. and 1890 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo and Platt Park
Vibe: Trust us, these aren’t your average burgers and fries. Add pancetta to any burger and definitely try the truffle parmesan fries. If you want a neighborhood patio, try the Platt Park location. For a city vibe, try RiNo. Dogs allowed outside patio area.
*Park & Co. 439 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: Park & Co. serves up some of the best burgers in town. Covered patio on a busy strip of 17th with a few big-screen TVs. A full bar with 20 beers on tap and 30 bottles & cans, unique appetizers like stuffed tater tots, salads and much more. Dogs allowed outside patio area.
*Patxi’s Pizza 1598 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park West
Vibe: Chain pizza joint, but this one has a particularly nice patio. It’s shaded with a bar that opens up to the outside. Chicago-style pizza and thin crust. Appetizers like burrata and artichoke dip. Also, Piadine which are basically pizza crust sandwiches.
Punch Bowl Social – Stapleton 3120 N. Uinta St., Denver; Neighborhood: Stapleton
Vibe: A big, awesome patio with tons of seating. There you’ll find patches of fake grass, a faux blue area made to look like a pool and retro beach chairs resemble a sunny backyard pool party. A great spot to hang out (before or after a few games of bowling).
Root Down 1600 W. 33rd Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: The Highlands
Vibe: Slightly elevated, adorable, cozy patio with great views of the city. Globally influenced, seasonal dishes. Caters to all dietary preferences. A restaurant dedicated to sustainability.
Shanty Supper Club 1033 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: A new dinner spot by the owner of Syrup, highlighting his Wisconsin roots. Fried cheese curds, Wisconsin butter burger, fried walleye, pot roast and more. Lively sidewalk patio with picnic table seating.
**Snooze an A.M. Eatery 2262 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: Ballpark
Vibe: Arguably the most popular brunch spot in Denver. A chain brunch-ery, but this one has the most bustling patio settled on the sidewalk with high top seating and is always packed. Retro decor and a huge menu of egg stuff, pancakes, french toast, sandwiches, benedicts and some healthy options.
*Steuben’s 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: Small sidewalk patio on bustling 17th. Modern retro style establishment with diner food like a patty melt, meatloaf, monte cristo and more. Daily dinner specials and boozy milkshakes. Dogs allowed outside the fence.
Sushi Den 1487 S. Pearl St., Denver; Neighborhood: Platt Park
Vibe: Fresh fish flown in from Japan, and father restaurant to Izakaya Den which is on the same block. Relaxing, small sidewalk patio with bar-style seating. It doesn’t get much more zen than this.
Sushi-Rama 2615 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Cute, tiny sidewalk patio with funky blue chairs. If you’re a sushi lover, you want to visit this sushi conveyor belt joint. Nigiri, rolls, apps and Japanese drinks.
*Swing Thai 845 Colorado Blvd., Denver; Neighborhood: Congress Park
Vibe: Small patio overlooking Colorado Boulevard. Thai food with a menu that states what’s gluten-free or vegan. Curries, noodles, fried rice and other Thai specialties. Full bar and sake.
**Syrup 1875 York St., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park
Vibe: Great brunch place with a big patio overlooking City Park. A big parking lot and a bike rack, too. Handcrafted syrups and butters, pancakes, waffles, french toast, eggs benedict, omelets and more. Barista drinks and cocktails. Dogs allowed in the grassy area.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey 1514 York St., Denver; Neighborhood: City Park
Vibe: Several locations, but we’re talking about the City Park one. On York Street, right off of Colfax, you get both a city and neighborhood feel. Intimate sidewalk patio with lots of shade. It’s all in the name: tacos, tequila and whiskey.
*True Food Kitchen 2800 E. 2nd Ave. # 101, Denver; Neighborhood: Cherry Creek
Vibe: A national chain that believes in healthy dishes full of seasonal ingredients. In the Cherry Creek shopping area, True Food has a big sidewalk patio, a great spot to stop after doing some shopping. Dishes include vegetable plates, salads, bowls and sustainably raised meats and seafood. Dogs allowed outside the fence.
*Uno Mas Taqueria 730 E. 6th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: Alamo Placita
Vibe: Big, lively patio on 6th. Authentic tacos with unique options like duck confit and lengua. Tequila and tortas as well.
*Vital Root 3915 Tennyson St., Denver; Neighborhood: Berkeley
Vibe: One of the coolest patios in the city for its creativity. Fresh herbs grow on the walls, and it has a feel of being inside and outside. Very colorful and green. Vital Root is a favorite among vegans and vegetarians.
*Watercourse Foods 837 E. 17th Ave., Denver; Neighborhood: North Capitol Hill
Vibe: Really pretty patio setting with a long bar table, high top chairs and umbrellas facing the street. Another veggie-centric favorite serving vegan comfort food. Dogs allowed in the grassy area.
**Wendell’s 3838 Tennyson St, Denver; Neighborhood: Berkeley
Vibe: This brand new brunch spot pulls its inspiration from classic diners but with a modern twist. Expect all of the standards with eggs and bacon galore along with some more trendy items like avocado toast. The best part is you can wash it all down with its cocktail menu outback on Wendell’s beautiful secluded patio.
Work & Class 2500 Larimer St., Denver; Neighborhood: RiNo
Vibe: Covered front patio with a good amount of seating in lively RiNo. The kitchen is focused on Latin American and American food. Every dish has a unique flavor and usually a bit of spice.
The Lobby (known for brunch). http://Www.thelobbydenver.com
Great. Do you allow dogs on the patio? Just so we know to mention that or not.
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