Summer has drawn to a close here in the Mile High City, but that doesn’t mean dining outdoors has to end! Especially with COVID-related precautions expanding the need for socially-distanced dining, many Denver-area restaurants are capitalizing on their available outdoor space. In fact, the city of Denver has approved 25 outdoor extensions for restaurants (here is the full list). We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants with patios, converted parking lots/ streets, and rooftops around town where you can feel comfortable going out for a drink, dinner, or brunch as the seasons shift.
*It is highly suggested to call ahead or make a reservation online prior to visiting to ensure you get an outdoor seat. Let the restaurant know if you are only comfortable sitting outside.
Tennyson, Highlands & LoHi
- Mas Kaos – Tennyson – This joint space shared by Kaos Pizza and Uno Mass makes for one amazing restaurant! Even if you don’t end up staying for dinner, grab a drink to-go from the “Margarita Stand.” You won’t be disappointed.
- American Elm – Tennyson – Every meal on the patio at American Elm is one well-spent. The menu, service, and drinks are always top-notch.
- Lola – LoHi – Even if it’s frigid out, you can make yourself feel better by pretending you’re at the beach. Sip margaritas, eat fish tacos, and enjoy some oysters on Lola’s Patio!
- Ale House – LoHi – Rooftop happy hour, anyone? This LoHi spot has some of the best drinks (and views) in the area!
- Happy Camper – LoHi – This is a new pizza/cocktails spot to Denver – and few locales boast an atmosphere anywhere near as magical.
Uptown & Gov’s Park
- Ace Eat Serve – Uptown – The MASSIVE patio at Ace Eat Serve makes a great candidate for larger groups. They also regularly host fun entertainment and live music!
- Humbolt Kitchen – Uptown – From brunch to date night, it’s hard to go wrong with a meal on the patio at Humbolt Kitchen.
- Logan Street – Gov’s Park – Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and delicious specialty cocktails on what may be one of the longest patios in Denver.
- Coperta – Uptown – What better way to celebrate the food and wine of Rome and Southern Italy than with an alfresco dining experience?
Downtown, Union Station, Larimer, Dairy Block
- Kachina Cantina – Dairy Block/Union Station – Kachina is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Denver. Don’t miss a chance to try out their killer white queso, bottomless brunch-time margaritas, and Navajo bread tacos. If outdoor seating happens to not be in the forecast for your visit, their open-air dining room is a great option, too.
- Tavernetta – Union Station – If you love Tavernetta, you’re in luck. Their patio has basically doubled in size thanks to social distancing, so there is plenty of outdoor dining space at this Union Station staple.
- Urban Farmer Denver – Union Station – Make it a priority to check out this chef-driven, seasonal steakhouse. Urban Farmer is committed to locally sourced ingredients, sustainable practices, and ethically raised meats, as well as being downright delicious.
- Osteria Marco – Larimer Square – Larimer Square is a mecca for al fresco dining right now. Add to that a daily (yes, you read that right) happy hour, and Osteria Marco just makes sense.
- Tag – Larimer Square – Make a reservation here for a date night you won’t soon forget. Inspired by world travels, their self-proclaimed “continental social food” will appeal to pretty much everybody.
- Snooze – DTC, Ballpark, Union Station, Colorado Boulevard, Westminster – All Snooze locations have extended their patios. Brunch all day? Yes, please!
Regardless of which neighborhood you happen to be in, there are patios worth visiting. We hope this compilation of Denver patio dining destinations has worked up an appetite. If you’d like more local recommendations, we’re always happy to help!
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