Discover Denver’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots This Summer

Photo courtesy of Lucy Beaugard | Stanley Beer Hall

As patio season heats up in Denver, there’s no better way to soak in the city’s energy than by dining al fresco. From sunlit brunches to lively happy hours and cozy evening gatherings, Denver restaurants offer some of the most inviting outdoor spaces in town. Here are a few ideas why they’re must-visit spots this season.

Sunshine + Sake Bombs: Mecha’s Patio Era

Mecha just unveiled a brand new patio in RiNo, and it’s quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite for outdoor dining. The urban oasis space features lush greenery, décor, and twinkling lights that capture Mecha’s laid-back atmosphere, while an eye-catching mural on the exterior wall captures the spirit that defines the RiNo neighborhood. Garage doors seamlessly blend indoor energy with outdoor tranquility, taking the patio from sunny lunches to evening retreats while guests enjoy family recipe snacks, munchies and more alongside craft cocktails, beers, wines, an extensive sake list, plus boozy or regular boba teas.

Tacos at Twilight: Federales After Work in RiNo

Switch up your after-work routine at Federales‘ corner patio in RiNo, where Happy Hour brings Mexican flavors and post-work energy to the block. The expansive street-side patio offers exceptional people-watching along Larimer Street, with high ceilings, multiple seating options, shaded spots and soaring views from all angles. Inside, the retractable roof creates an ideal indoor/outdoor atmosphere regardless of weather. Unwind with friends over Happy Hour shareable dishes like queso blanco, taquitos, guacamole, and loaded Grande Nachos while enjoying special pricing on beer buckets and signature margaritas. Cap off your visit with a shot at ringing the iconic Federales bell, and cheer with friends at the winning echo.

Photo courtesy of Westbound

Vitamin D in Downtown Denver

Sunny summer days are meant to be spent lounging in LoDo. Some of our favorites include:

• Larimer Square: The block is lined with picnic tables and restaurant patios to enjoy bites and libations from spots like Rioja, Corridor 44, Garage Sale’s outdoor bar, Osteria Marco and more!
• Denver Union Station: Find your perfect patio + people-watching combo from breakfast through after dinner drinks at spots like Snooze, Olive & Finch, Ultreia, Mercantile and Terminal Bar.
• McGregor Square: Quite likely LoDo’s largest patio and definitely LoDo’s largest outdoor screen for watching sports or summer movies on the Square. Grab food from Milepost Zero and a drink from the outdoor bar and soak up the season.
• Dairy Block: Whether you’re looking for a cocktail, a cold beer or a glass of wine, there’s a patio on Dairy Block for that. Stop by and imbibe at Deviation Distilling, Poka Lola Social Club, Westbound & Down or Blanchard Family Wines.
• Other Favorites! Kachina Cantina, Ice House Inn, Ajax, Coohills and Wynkoop Brewing.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Fierberg

The Ideal People-watching Corner in RiNo

Situated at 26th & Larimer, Dana Rodriguez’s Carne boasts the best patio for people-watching in RiNo. Enjoy one of Rodriguez’s globally-inspired dishes and a signature, nitro draft Espresso Martini while you take in the scene of one of Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Outside but also Inside Compromise

When part of the crew wants the patio but the other half wants the shade of indoors, Work & Class is the answer. At Dana Rodriguez’s neighborhood staple in RiNo, get there for Early Work Release Happy Hour and we bet you’ll stay through dinner and dessert. Try favorites like the Green Chile Mac & Cheese and Colorado Lamb with the perfect Peach Peppercorn Tea patio sipper.

Best Patio for the Whole Crew – Yogis, Pets, Music Fans & More

The Golden Mill, home to downtown Golden’s only rooftop patio – in addition to its spacious ground level patio –  boasts an al fresco experience for everyone. With everything from weekly rooftop yoga and live music to dog-friendly “yappy hours,” cooling misters and shades, and even fire pits for crisp mountain evenings, a summer day in the foothills is not complete without a visit to The Golden Mill. It’s the ideal place to cool off after a hike or pregame for a Red Rocks show. Plus, for the planners of the friend group, you can reserve specific patio space so you’re always sure to get a spot, from the picnic tables (10-15 people) to the upstairs fire pits (10-25) to the indoor/outdoor garage door tables (20-30). The food hall and community gathering space boasts five different food concepts and more than fifty beverage options on their self-pour tap system, including housemade cocktails, craft beers, wine, sake, and n/a beverages, which all pair perfectly with a patio.

Photo courtesy of Denver Union Station

Pintxos on the Patio: Urban Escape

Escape to Barcelona Wine Bar’s intimate courtyard patio in RiNo, where rustic wood walls, greenery, and thoughtful outdoor seating create the feel of a European hideaway. The hidden gem patio includes a dedicated bar that serves as a backdrop for a Mediterranean small plates, creative cocktails, beverages, and eclectic wines dining experience. Don’t miss their standout Happy Hour featuring half-price sparkling wine bottles, Mini Espresso Martinis, Mini Dirty Martinis, and the unique Sacaback shot—a Spanish twist on a prickleback served with Guindilla pepper brine. Pair your drinks with savory salty bites like chorizo potato chips, pintxos, and seasonal queso plancha for the ideal outdoor gathering spot.

Catch Coastal Vibes – Without a Flight

Step into vacation mode at Corsica’s charming streetside patio in RiNo, where bright umbrellas cast shade over the space where greenery and a European café vibe make the everyday feel like a poolside getaway. This south-facing retreat offers prime people-watching along with sophisticated drinks and bites when the sun’s out: cool down with the signature summery Citron Sunrise, a distinctive frozen blend of citron pressé, chamomile, cappelletti, and sparkling wine. This traditional take on a Ligurian/French apéro offers an alternative to typical frozen cocktails, with citrus notes + herbal complexity plus a bubbly finish that captures the essence of unhurried Mediterranean afternoons.

Photo courtesy of Carne

Summer at Stanley: One Stop Patio Hop

Reclaimed aviation factory Stanley Marketplace offers more than just shopping and playing: it’s home to several restaurants and bars with patios ideal for summer eating, drinking and lounging – all in one place. Whether you’re looking for something intimate or lively, quiet or raucous, there’s a spot for everyone:

• Pull a pour of your choice – cocktails, beer, ciders or wine – from the 51-tap pour wall at Stanley Beer Hall and take with you to enjoy on the expansive west-facing covered patio. We like the housemade cocktails on tap, like the Bourbon Ginger Cider for a fresh, citrusy, summery sipper.
• Visit the Casita Azul outside Cheluna Brewing Co. where they serve their GABF gold-winning Luna Nueva Export Lager alongside the more adventurous Chilango Mango Habanero Hefeweizen. Their frozen options like espresso martini, margarita, or non-alcoholic slushes provide relief on hotter days.
• Annette’s enclosed patio creates a quieter setting, and their iconic house popcorn pairs well with the Butterfly 3000, a thoughtful combination of pineapple rum, navy strength rum, green chartreuse, almond orgeat, and fresh lime.
• Boychik’s wrap-around patio accommodates group sizes from large to small for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dining in an outdoor space that spills into the interior with retractable garage doors. The twinkly lights and stunning views to the western sunset can’t be missed in the late afternoon and early evening; another can’t miss is a choice from the extensive global wine list, a light spritzer or NA choice from the craft cocktail menu.