Best of Denver
Best Chinese Restaurants in Denver
Dining outdoors in Denver transforms any meal, pairing the city’s best food and drink with fresh air, mountain views, and the city’s unbeatable sunshine. This guide to the best patios for dining in Denver covers everything from bustling rooftops and tree-lined courtyards to lakeside decks and cozy, dog-friendly spots. Whether you’re seeking brunch with a breeze, happy hour under twinkling lights, or a group celebration on an urban terrace, these patios deliver on atmosphere and menu alike.
🌆 Best Rooftop Scene: Linger — Panoramic skyline views and inventive global small plates in a historic building.
🍀 Best Lakefront Patio: The Patio at Sloans — Relaxed comfort food and live music beside Sloan’s Lake.
🍷 Best Wine-Friendly Patio: Postino 9CO — Shareable bruschetta, standout wines, and a sun-filled patio perfect for gatherings.
🍹 Rooftop Rules: For happy hour on the rooftop, guests must sit in the designated blue table section and order directly at the bus bar.
🌱 Gluten-Free Friendly: The staff is highly knowledgeable about gluten-free and celiac-safe options, with many menu items clearly labeled.
🎉 Exceptional Service Staff: Servers like Najja and Mickey receive frequent praise for attentiveness and helpful menu advice, enhancing the dining experience.
🚗 Parking Challenges: Parking in the Highland area can be difficult; consider arriving early or using paid lots nearby.
🍕 Go Early for Pizza: Arriving early on weekends helps beat the peak crowds and secure popular pizza slices fresh from the oven.
☕ Pastries Are a Must-Try: Regulars rave about the bakery’s delicious pastries as perfect companions to their morning coffee.
🍸 Full Bar for Drinks: Take advantage of the full bar to pair craft cocktails or local brews with your food selections.
🎶 Vibrant but Loud: Expect lively music which enhances the buzz but might challenge quiet conversations during peak hours.
🌞 Weekday Happy Hours: Enjoy weekday happy hours from 2–6 PM Monday through Friday for great drink deals and a lively crowd.
🍳 Weekend Brunch Vibes: Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring dishes from all seven vendors with a fun emo playlist.
🌆 Rooftop Seating: The rooftop bar offers scenic views and a more relaxed vibe, perfect for evenings or sunny days.
🎲 Weekly Trivia Nights: Join the free Smarty Party Trivia every Wednesday at 7 PM with prizes and drink specials, a favorite local event.
⏰ Beat the Rush: Arrive early on weekends before 9 AM to avoid long waits and enjoy a relaxed meal.
🥞 Pancake Flights: Try the pancake flight to sample multiple flavors without feeling too full — a fan favorite.
🍹 Cocktail Hour: Enjoy unique brunch cocktails paired with your meal for a lively start to the day.
🌿 Vegan Options: The vegan berry bliss pancakes are exclusive to this location and highly recommended by regulars.
🍸 Happy Hour Perks: Enjoy excellent happy hour deals Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6:30 PM, perfect for cocktail lovers and small plates.
🦞 Must-Try Caviar Experience: Indulge in their curated caviar offerings paired with complementary accoutrements for a luxurious treat.
🚗 Parking Ease: Plenty of valet and paid street parking options make visiting stress-free, even during busy evenings.
🎉 Celebrations Welcome: The elegant, tropical-inspired decor and attentive service make it ideal for anniversaries and special occasions.
🍺 Great Beer Pairings: Locals recommend pairing their fish and chips with the extensive beer selection for a true British pub experience.
🔥 Cozy Up by the Fireplace: On cooler days, snag a seat near the fireplace for a warm and inviting dining vibe.
🍽️ Try the Curry Sauce: The house curry sauce is a fan favorite and worth ordering to dip with fries or fish.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Patio: The outdoor patio welcomes dogs, making it ideal for pet owners to enjoy a meal with their furry friends.
⏰ Beat the Rush: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to secure a table and avoid peak wait times.
☕ Coffee Lovers Rejoice: Their specialty coffee and chicory drinks are a must-try complement to any meal.
🎉 Outdoor Patio: Enjoy the cozy outdoor seating area, perfect for sunny mornings though some suggest the decor could use an upgrade.
🍳 No Call-Ahead Seating: Full parties must be present before being seated, so plan accordingly especially for larger groups.
🌞 Sunny Patio Spot: Arrive on warm days to enjoy the spacious outdoor patio with plenty of sunshine and lake views.
🐕 Bring Your Dog: The dog-friendly policy makes it a top choice for pet owners looking to dine out with their furry friends.
🍔 Must-Try Burger: The Patio Burger and truffle fries are customer favorites and highly recommended for first-timers.
🎶 Live Music Vibes: Check the schedule for live music events to enhance your dining experience on the patio.
🍷 Server Expertise Matters: Ask for John, Jameson, or Cricket for top-tier, friendly service and excellent wine recommendations.
☀️ Huge Patio Space: Ideal for sunny days and gatherings, the large outdoor seating enhances the relaxed vibe.
🍽️ Board & Bottle Deals: Monday night special features a bruschetta board and bottle of wine for a great value.
⏰ Happy Hour Timing: Daily happy hour runs until 5 PM, perfect for early evening snacks and drinks.
🍸 Happy Hour Variety: Daily happy hour offers great drink and food specials from 3:30–6 PM, perfect for early visitors.
🦪 Try the Deer Creek Oysters: Regulars rave about these fresh oysters as a must-order favorite.
🎶 Live Music Fridays: Friday nights feature live music enhancing the upscale yet relaxed dining vibe.
🍽️ Server Recommendations Matter: Staff like Sherri and Otto are known for great suggestions that elevate the dining experience.
Linger in the Highlands is a top pick for groups, thanks to its spacious rooftop patio, creative global menu, and festive atmosphere. Avanti Food & Beverage is also excellent for gatherings, offering diverse vendors, panoramic rooftop views, and plenty of flexible seating for parties and celebrations.
The Patio at Sloans is especially popular with pet owners, offering a dog-friendly deck perfect for casual meals near the lake. GB Fish & Chips also welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio, making them ideal choices for enjoying a meal with your furry friend by your side.
Salt Water Social features a generous weekday happy hour with excellent cocktail and small plate specials. Avanti Food & Beverage is also known for their weekday happy hours, where you’ll find discounted drinks and a lively crowd on their rooftop and patios.
The Patio at Sloans stands out for its location near Sloan’s Lake, offering guests sunny outdoor tables and scenic lake views. For a city-meets-water setting, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar occasionally features patio seating with a breezy atmosphere and fresh seafood on the menu.
Postino 9CO’s large outdoor patio offers a blend of shaded and sunny spots, ideal for gatherings on warm afternoons. Lucile’s Creole Cafe features a cozy, covered patio so you can enjoy Southern brunch fare comfortably even on hot or rainy days.
Reservations are encouraged, especially during peak times. Linger, Salt Water Social, and Postino 9CO all accept patio reservations. At popular brunch spots like Snooze, expect a wait—arriving early or using their onsite waitlist is the best strategy for securing a patio table.
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