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Denver, known for its vibrant culture and stunning natural scenery, boasts a plethora of enchanting patios that invite relaxation and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly outing, or a lively spot to enjoy live music, Denver has something for everyone.
Best Patios in Denver for Scenic Views
When it comes to Denver’s rooftop bars and patios, there are plenty of options that offer breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and parks. From modern skyscrapers to cozy neighborhood gems, Denver’s patio scene is as vibrant as its outdoor recreation culture. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Mile High City, we’ve got the scoop on the top three patios in Denver with scenery that’s almost as stunning as the craft cocktails.
The top three patios in Denver for scenic views are:
The 54thirty Rooftop Bar
Located on the 54th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Denver, this upscale rooftop bar boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and Rocky Mountains. At night, the stunning skyline twinkles like a million diamonds against the dark blue sky, while during the day, the sunlight casts a golden glow over the city. The patio itself is designed to resemble a luxury villa, complete with plush couches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a glass-bottomed floor for unparalleled views. With a menu featuring craft cocktails, small plates, and wine, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in the beauty of Denver.
Avanti Food and Beverage
Avanti is a modern food hall that also features a sprawling rooftop patio with views of the downtown Denver skyline and the nearby parks. With 16 different restaurants and bars under one roof, Avanti offers a diverse culinary experience that complements its stunning views. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, tacos, or sushi, Avanti has got you covered, as do the many bars serving up craft beer and cocktails. The rooftop patio itself features a spacious layout, plenty of seating areas, and a retractable roof for optimal viewing regardless of the weather.
The Oxford Hotel’s Plaza
Located in the heart of LoDo, The Oxford Hotel’s Plaza is a charming outdoor space that offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling streets of downtown Denver. With a lush garden, ornate fountains, and a classic Victorian-era gazebo, the Plaza is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening in the sun. The patio also features comfortable seating areas, a fireplace for chilly winter nights, and live music on select evenings. Plus, with the hotel’s upscale amenities and restaurants just steps away, you can indulge in the best of Denver’s hospitality scene.
Budget-Friendly Patios in Denver for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts to unwind and connect with nature. The city’s best budget-friendly patios cater to these adventurers, providing a serene escape from urban chaos without denting their wallets.
Budget-friendly patios in Denver expertly combine natural elements with a touch of sophistication, creating immersive experiences that evoke a deep connection with the great outdoors. The incorporation of reclaimed wood, lush greenery, and thoughtful outdoor lighting creates an atmosphere that’s both tranquil and vibrant.
Top Budget-Friendly Patios for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Denver’s top budget-friendly patios for outdoor enthusiasts offer a delightful combination of nature and good company. Here, we’ve curated a list of the top spots to visit, paired with the best restaurants and bars to explore within each patio.
The 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is a vibrant hub of activity in downtown Denver, featuring a 16-block pedestrian mall lined with beautiful landscaping, public art, and eclectic shops. Within this bustling area, you’ll find the Bluebird Theater patio, a charming spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy live music and craft beers.
- The Bluebird Theater patio offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy live music and craft beers. Try their seasonal beer releases and catch a show at the adjacent theater.
- For a more laid-back experience, head to the Olive & Fin patio, where you can indulge in creative cocktails and international small plates amidst a serene garden setting.
The Platte Valley
The Platte Valley, located north of downtown Denver, is a picturesque area along the South Platte River. This scenic landscape is home to the The Fort patio, a sprawling outdoor space with a rustic, Colorado-inspired aesthetic.
- The Fort patio is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a rustic, mountain-inspired atmosphere. Enjoy hearty American fare and take in the panoramic views of the Platte Valley.
- For a unique experience, head to the The Kitchen Denver patio, where you can savor farm-to-table cuisine amidst a lively atmosphere of outdoor enthusiasts and foodies.
Most Romantic Patios in Denver for Couples
As the sun sets over the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s patio scene transforms into a haven of romance. The city’s top restaurants and bars have created enchanting outdoor spaces that invite couples to unwind and connect. From candlelit gardens to fire-lit courtyards, these patios are the epitome of intimacy, making them perfect for a romantic evening out.
The following three patios stand out for their unique charm and exceptional service, ensuring that couples have an unforgettable experience.
Candlelit Elegance at The Kitchen Denver
Located in the trendy LoDo neighborhood, The Kitchen Denver’s patio is a masterpiece of candlelit elegance. Soft music and the soft glow of candles create a captivating ambiance, perfect for a quiet evening with your loved one. The menu features creative American cuisine, with dishes like the signature grilled skirt steak and roasted bone marrow.
As you dine, be sure to order the seasonal cocktails, such as the Kitchen Smash or the Garden Party. The refreshing flavors and presentation will only add to the romance of the evening. For a truly unforgettable experience, book the private patio area for a personalized dinner.
Firelit Romance at Avanti Food & Beverage
Avanti Food & Beverage’s patio is a haven of firelit romance. Located in the trendy Highlands neighborhood, this innovative restaurant complex offers a unique dining experience. The patio features a fire pit, surrounded by cozy seating areas and lush greenery. As the sun sets, the fire crackles, creating an intimate ambiance perfect for a romantic evening.
Be sure to try their innovative brunch menu, featuring dishes like the signature breakfast burrito or the Avanti Burger. Don’t forget to order the artisanal cocktails, such as the Smoked Cherry Sour or the Spicy Pineapple Collins. The complex also features a rotating selection of local breweries, ensuring that there’s something for every taste.
Floral Oasis at Mercantile Dining & Provision
Located in the historic Union Station, Mercantile Dining & Provision’s patio is a floral oasis in the heart of the city. This elegant restaurant features a beautifully designed patio, complete with lush greenery and stunning flower arrangements. The menu offers seasonal American cuisine, with dishes like the pan-seared salmon and roasted vegetable tartine.
As you dine, be sure to order the artisanal cocktails, such as the Mercantile Mule or the Lavender Gimlet. The patio also features a unique feature – a rooftop garden, where you can stroll and enjoy the views of the city. Be sure to request a table with a view for an unforgettable experience.
Best Patios in Denver for Families with Kids
Denver’s sunny skies and 300+ days of sunshine make it an ideal city for families to spend quality time outdoors. When it comes to dining out, many families are drawn to restaurants with patios that offer more than just a pretty view – they need to be kid-friendly, entertaining, and easy on the budget. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top patios in Denver that fit the bill.
Patios with Play Areas
Several restaurants in Denver have created patios that double as play areas, complete with bounce houses, ball pits, and face painting. These spaces are designed to keep kids entertained while parents relax and enjoy their meal.
- The Fort – This pioneer-themed restaurant has a spacious patio with a designated play area, complete with a bounce house and face painting. Kids will love the rustic setting and the chance to learn about Colorado’s history while having fun.
- Avanti Food & Beverage – This trendy restaurant complex has a patio with a play area, featuring a ball pit and a variety of toys and activities to keep kids engaged. Parents will appreciate the upscale atmosphere and creative cuisine.
Kids’ Menus and Entertainment Options
Some restaurants in Denver go above and beyond when it comes to catering to families with kids. They offer special menus, entertainment options, and activities designed to make dining out a fun experience for the whole family.
- Lucile’s Creole Cafe – This New Orleans-inspired cafe has a patio with a kids’ menu that features Creole classics like gumbo and jambalaya. Kids will love the live entertainment, including face painting and balloon twisting.
- The Green House Kitchen & Bar – This farm-to-table restaurant has a patio with a kids’ menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Kids can enjoy activities like coloring and games while parents relax and enjoy the farm-to-table cuisine.
Additional Recommendations
If you’re looking for more recommendations, consider these two family-friendly restaurants that offer great patios and kid-friendly amenities:
- The Kitchen Denver – This community-driven restaurant has a patio with a play area, complete with a bounce house and face painting. Kids will love the creative menu and the chance to make their own pizza.
- Denver Biscuit Company – This popular breakfast spot has a patio with a play area, featuring a ball pit and a variety of toys and activities to keep kids engaged. Parents will appreciate the creative biscuits and gravy.
Best Patios in Denver with Unique Architecture and Design
Denver’s patio scene is as vibrant as its natural beauty, with restaurants and bars showcasing one-of-a-kind architecture and design elements that transport diners to a world of their own. From glass walls to living walls, recycled materials to artistic installations, these unique patios stand out for their creativity and flair.
The Source Hotel’s Living Wall Patio, Best patios in denver
Located in the trendy RiNo neighborhood, The Source Hotel’s living wall patio is a marvel of green architecture. This urban oasis features a 50-foot-tall living wall, lush with over 20 different plant species, providing a serene contrast to the city’s vibrant energy. The patio’s unique design is inspired by the hotel’s mission to bring a slice of nature into the heart of the city. It’s a space that not only showcases the beauty of nature but also serves as a testament to the power of sustainable design.
- The Source Hotel is part of a larger development aimed at redefining the urban landscape, with a focus on sustainability and green spaces.
- Visitors to the patio can expect to be surrounded by a diverse array of plants, including succulents, ferns, and flowering vines.
- The living wall is designed to maintain a consistent temperature, providing visitors with a peaceful retreat from the urban heat.
Mercantile Dining & Provision’s Glass-Walled Patio
Located in the trendy LoDo neighborhood, Mercantile Dining & Provision’s glass-walled patio offers breathtaking views of the Colorado State Capitol building. This patio features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide an abundance of natural light and unobstructed views of the cityscape. The patio’s design is inspired by the historic building’s original architecture, with a modern twist that honors its past while pushing the boundaries of innovative design.
- The Mercantile building has a rich history dating back to 1865, and the patio’s design pays homage to its original structure while incorporating contemporary elements.
- The floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide an unparalleled view of the city, making it an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying the urban landscape.
- The patio also features a cozy fire pit, perfect for chilly evenings or romantic dinners.
Avanti Food & Beverage’s Repurposed Shipping Container Patio
Located in the trendy LoHi neighborhood, Avanti Food & Beverage’s repurposed shipping container patio is a testament to creative reuse and sustainability. This unique patio features nine shipping containers that have been repurposed as bars, restaurants, and even a rooftop garden. The patio’s design is inspired by the idea of reimagining urban spaces, turning abandoned containers into vibrant gathering spots.
- Avanti Food & Beverage’s concept is built around the idea of creative collaboration, with each shipping container featuring a different chef or restaurant concept.
- The patio also features a rooftop garden, providing visitors with an abundance of fresh herbs and edible plants.
- The repurposed shipping containers serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable design and creative reuse in urban development.
Top Restaurants and Bars Within Each Patio
- The Source Hotel’s Living Wall Patio: Try the hotel’s signature cocktail, the “Living Wall,” crafted with locally sourced ingredients and featuring a splash of gin.
- Mercantile Dining & Provision’s Glass-Walled Patio: Enjoy a classic cocktail, like a Manhattan or a Margarita, in the patio’s stylish bar area.
- Avanti Food & Beverage’s Repurposed Shipping Container Patio: Visit the patio’s rooftop bar, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and a wide range of craft cocktails.
Best Patios in Denver for Happy Hour and Cocktail Enthusiasts
Denver’s vibrant patio scene is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and happy hour aficionados alike. As the sun sets over the Mile High City, the best patios in Denver transform into oases of conviviality, offering an extensive selection of craft cocktails and expertly curated happy hour menus. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just a fan of fine spirits, these top patios in Denver are sure to delight.
1. Death & Co
Death & Co is a veritable cocktail lover’s paradise, with a patio that’s almost as impressive as its drink menu. This stylish spot boasts a retro aesthetic, complete with vintage glassware and expertly crafted cocktails that will transport you to a bygone era. Be sure to try the iconic Paper Plane, a complex blend of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon that’s sure to become a new favorite.
2. Williams & Graham
Tucked away on a quiet street in the Highlands, Williams & Graham is a hidden gem that’s sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast. This upscale speakeasy-style bar boasts an intimate patio area, complete with plush seating and a fire pit to keep things cozy on chilly evenings. The expert bartenders here craft bespoke cocktails using house-made infusions and fresh ingredients, so be sure to arrive early and ask for a menu tailored to your tastes.
3. Acme Delicatessen
Acme Delicatessen is a modern Jewish deli and cocktail bar that’s anything but traditional. Its sleek, industrial-chic patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a classic cocktail or a unique seasonal sipper, all crafted with house-made syrups and fresh ingredients. Be sure to try the famous “Boulevardier,” a variation of the Negroni that’s infused with house-made orgeat and garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
4. The Cooper Lounge
Located within the historic Oxford Hotel, The Cooper Lounge is a stylish haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Its elegant patio features plush seating, ornate lamps, and a fire pit to keep things cozy on chilly evenings. The expert bartenders here craft classic cocktails using house-made ingredients and fresh fruits, so be sure to try the iconic Silver Fizz, a delightful blend of gin, lemon, and egg white that’s sure to become a new favorite.
5. Bar Helix
Bar Helix is a cutting-edge cocktail bar that’s located on the rooftop of the historic Larimer Square Hotel. Its stylish patio features sleek glass railings, plush seating, and a fire pit to keep things cozy on chilly evenings. The expert bartenders here craft innovative cocktails using house-made infusions and fresh ingredients, so be sure to try the “Sakura Spritz,” a delightful blend of gin, cherry sake, lemon, and soda water that’s infused with the sweet flavor of cherry blossoms.
Best Drinks to Order
When visiting these top patios in Denver, be sure to try the following signature cocktails:
* Death & Co: Paper Plane
* Williams & Graham: Bougainvillea (a refreshing blend of gin, citrus, and honey)
* Acme Delicatessen: Boulevardier
* The Cooper Lounge: Silver Fizz
* Bar Helix: Sakura Spritz
Happy Hour Timing
Each patio on this list offers a unique happy hour experience, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly:
* Death & Co: 5 pm – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 4 pm – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
* Williams & Graham: 5 pm – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 4 pm – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
* Acme Delicatessen: 5 pm – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 4 pm – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
* The Cooper Lounge: 5 pm – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 4 pm – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
* Bar Helix: 5 pm – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 4 pm – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Final Wrap-Up
As we conclude our exploration of the best patios in Denver, we hope you’ve discovered a few hidden gems to enjoy with family and friends. Remember to take advantage of the unique features and amenities each patio has to offer, and don’t be afraid to try new experiences. Happy patio-hopping in Denver!
FAQ Corner
What is the best time to visit the patios in Denver?
The best time to visit the patios in Denver is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and the evenings are long and pleasant.
Which patios in Denver are suitable for families with kids?
Patios like City O’ City and The 1up Arcade and Bar are great options for families with kids, as they offer a fun and interactive atmosphere with games and activities.
Which patios in Denver offer live music and entertainment?
Patios like Avanti Food & Beverage and Acorn are popular spots for live music and entertainment, with regular concerts and events held throughout the year.
Can I find patios in Denver that cater to special diets and restrictions?
Yes, many patios in Denver prioritize inclusive dining by offering gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly options, making it easy for anyone to find a suitable spot to dine.
