Fall is inching closer towards winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy these cozy outdoor patios. If you’re a big fan of outdoor eating, then you’re in for a real treat, especially since Denver has some of the loveliest patios in the state. With the warm weather right on the horizon, we wanted to give you an essential list of some of the coziest outdoor patios you’ll want to spend your Friday and Saturday nights on. Here’s 20 of our favorite Denver patios that are warm and cozy for your enjoyment.
1. Recess Beer Garden
Recess Beer Garden is your neighborhood bar serving up some of the best craft beer in the city from your favorite brewers. Their food consists of a lot of smoked meats between two slices of bread, a bun, or some other form of grain. From hoagies to brioche to pitas, get their daily smoked meats served in a variety of styles: greek gyros, cubanoed pork, or french-dipped brisket. Don’t forget about their Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday from 2-6pm, where you get $1 off all draft beers. Their patio is brightly lit and flourished with green plants so come hungry and stay for a while.
Where: 2715 17th St #103, Denver, CO 80211
2. Ace Eat Serve
Ace, Eat, Serve is an exciting, modern take on Asian food, serving up delicious favorites like wings, bao, and noodles. They hold a special party called their Patio Sessions, where you can chill on their beautifully designed patio and listen to live music on Saturdays, a DJ for Sunday brunch, and bao and slushy specials.
Where: 501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
3. Tamayo
Chef Richard Sandoval is the man behind Tamayo, a Mexican restaurant blending together the flavors of his heritage in an exciting way, from a beautiful indoor and al fresco space. The spot is located in the lovely Larimer Square, a perfect outdoor eating oasis, where you can dine on plates like crab guacamole, adobo chicken, or chicken tinga enchiladas. They’ve also got $2 tacos every Tuesday!
Where: 1400 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
4. Forest Room 5
Online, Forest Room 5 is a bit of an enigma, so we recommend just heading over and seeing it for yourself. The decor will make you feel like you’ve just stepped behind a log cabin Air BNB that you’ve been renting for the week. You’ll be able to sit on wooden stumps, chill out by the fire, and disappear into the forest for an evening with a plate of yummy bar snacks and a cozy beer.
Where: 2532 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
5. The Source Market Hall
The Source Hotel is your one-spot stop for restaurants, shopping and staycations. The Market Hall offers a variety of food vendors from barbecue to breweries, pizza, Mexican food, and more. Pick your poison, and then bring your meal over to the patio which is beautifully decorated with string lights and quite massive.
Where: 3330 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
6. The Golden Mill
A little further out but still highly worth it, there’s Golden Mill, a beautiful patio haven that’s been around since 1864. They’ve got delicious bar food like tacos and burgers, and there’s a tap wall where you can pour your own brew, cocktails, and wine. The patio has also got some of the best beautiful mountains views to enjoy from the patio seating.
Where: 1012 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401
7. Prost Brewing Co.
Prost Brewing Co. has opened their newest location in Highlands, an expansive location with a beautiful indoor and outdoor seating area. We’d highly recommend grabbing a seat outside to enjoy the fresh air, mountains views, and crisp beer. They’ve recently launched their Winter Lager, a Golden Bock-style lager which is balanced and crisp, with hints of fruity notes.
Where: 53 Centennial Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
8. Bistot Vendôme
Take a bite of Parisian cuisine at this quaint little French bistro. Set in the wonderful Larimer Square, Bistro Vendôme will sweep you away to Europe with one bite of their Crêpe au Champignons or their Steak Frites. They’re also a great option for brunch with dishes like Croque Monsieurs, quiches, and beignets to end on a sweet note.
Where: 1420 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
9. The Woods
Take a trip to the Source Hotel and Market Hall and check out The Woods Rooftop, a perfect space to get some great sights of the city and eat some great food. Hit them up with a group of friends for shareable plates like grilled shishito peppers or cheesy poutine, and stick around for happy hour, where you can enjoy $5 craft and draft beers and $10 cocktails.
Where: 3330 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
10. Joy Hill
Joy Hill is the perfect one-stop spot for wood-fire pizza, natural wines, and craft beer. Not to mention, their heated rooftop patio that makes sure you won’t be freezing during the colder months. They’ve got a daily happy hour from 4-6pm where you can buy Margherita Pizzas for $10, Garlic Bread for $7, Herbed Ricotta for $7. Plus, you get $1 off beer and cocktails and $2 off wine.
Where: 1229 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
11. Number Thirty Eight
“The next time you want to see Colorado come to Number Thirty Eight” is the tagline for this staple restaurant with an amazing outdoor patio. Number Thirty Eight didn’t open too long ago (Fall 2020) and has since become a social spot for people who enjoy access to local brewers, distillers, and winemakers, great bar food, and even live music. They’ve got a huge swath of lawn with tables and chairs so there’s a lot of space to relax with friends.
Where: 3560 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80216
12. Acerage
Acreage, brought to us by the same people behind Stem Ciders, offers outdoor bench seating along a lush lawn. Try one of their 20 ciders and small plates inspired by the Basque country in Spain, like patatas bravas and mussels. Their cider selection is varies, from staples like their dry cider made from apples, their Lava Flow made from strawberries and pineapple, and their Paloma which has a sweet finish and notes of agave, which you can also take home in 34 and 64 oz growlers.
Where: 1380 Horizon Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
13. Forget Me Not
Cherry Creek’s favorite cocktail lounge, Forget Me Not, is also a great place to grab an outdoor seat. What’s unique about Forget Me Not is their large-format cocktails that are served in large pitchers made to pour amongst, minimum, 4 other people to justify the price point of $120. They come in 3 flavors–firebird that’s spicy and citrusy, She’s Tropical, which is fruity as the name implies, and Prospectors Payoff, which is made with bourbon and ginger. For a more low-key night, try one of their signature cocktails like their Coquette made with mezcal and vermouth.
Where: 227 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206
14. Vital Root
Vital Root, known for their hip veggie-forward fare that combines local and community ingredients and seasonal ingredients. Head to heir outdoor patio, grab a flavorful bowl or ramen, sunflower risotto, or heirloom bean and kale soup. Don’t forget they have a Happy Hour Tuesday through Fridays from 3PM-5PM.
Where: 3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
15. Happy Camper
This peppy little pizza spot is a go-to for anyone who enjoys pizza, beer, and good vibes. From their meat, veggie, and chicken pizza they refer to as ‘za to their full menu of elevated bar snacks like pulled pork nachos and burrata. Wash it all down with a signature cocktail like their Genu-Wine made with tequila and pinot noir or their signature shots like the Cucumber Bomb. All able to be enjoyed on their expansive astro-turf patio.
Where: 3211 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
16. Federales
Federales is the perfect definition of al-fresco dining. Their open-air tequila concept is the perfect cozy patio to tuck into some Mexican favorites with a twist. Their Lamb Quesabirria with Consumé–only offered on Wednesday and Sunday–is the perfect dish, and they’re also doing classic cocktails like Steak or Shrimp. We’d also recommend their Hatch Chile Nachos to start off with.
Where: 2901 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
17. Tavernetta
Denver Union Station’s very own Italian eatery by James Beard Award-winning restaurant group, Frasca Hospitality Group. Their outdoor seating is perfect all seasons but especially lovely when spring starts to bloom. They’ve got a happy hour from 4-6pm where they’ve got specials on wine and apperitivi cocktails (like negronis) and even mains like Cacio E Pepe pasta.
Where: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
18. Mizuna
Mizuna’s a New American restaurant with a focus on seafood that offers guests a chance to be tucked away in a beautiful greenhouse. Enjoy your meal while the light peers in from the glass panes for cozy patio vibes that are unmatched as you tuck into Pan Roasted Salmon or delicate Hamachi Crudo with aqua-chili and squash guacamole.
Where: 225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
19. American Elm
Enjoy New American fare under string light with friends. Start off with a fresh Charcuterie Board of artisanal meats and cheeses and add on one of their unique starters like their Burrata Fritters or Carpaccio. For their mains, you’ve got a whole array of meals to choose from: Steak Frites, Steamed Mussels, and Spicy Cavatelli. They’ve also got a happy hour from Monday through Friday from open to 6pm and on the weekends from 2:30 to 4pm.
Where: 4132 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
20. Barolo Grill
Check out Barolo Grill’s private bungalow dining in the afternoon or evening for an enchanting experience. This little nook offers perfect outdoor patio vibes with its own unique menu on weekends and a la carte dining during the weekdays. You can make reservations for their four-course outdoor menu and $25 deposits are required.
Where: 3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206