Six Cozy Dining Vibes For Sweater Weather

Photo courtesy of Carne

As the temps finally start to dip and we officially kick off sweater weather, here is a round up of Denver restaurants that are giving cozy vibes.

Carne

Tucked away in the upstairs lounge of Carne is a cozy corner where guests can warm up with fireside fondue. Sitting next to the vintage fireplace during Chef Dana Rodriguez’s take on happy hour – Afternoon Delight – is the perfect time to enjoy a fondue of gruyere and gouda, complete with the right, dippable accoutrement. Round out the experience with the Must Be the Whiskey cocktail.

Photo courtesy of The Golden Mill

The Golden Mill

With its seemingly endless food and drink options – five food stalls and 50+ self pour taps of beer, wine, cocktails, and more – The Golden Mill has become a year-round après adventure hotspot. Boasting  views of North and South Table Mountains, Mount Zion, and Coors Brewery, the patios at The Golden Mill are a great place to cozy up after a day of adventuring. The rooftop patio – Downtown Golden’s first and only – has tabletop fires, intimate group firepits and heaters for chilly evenings; and, the lower lot patio deck also features four fire pits to gather around. New this year, the rooftop firepits can be privately reserved – perfect for a cozy night out with friends.

Photo courtesy of Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar

When the temps take a turn, step into the intimate interior courtyard patio at  Barcelona Wine Bar for an old-world feel in a European-inspired setting. The inviting backdrop of Mediterranean dishes, eclectic wines and cocktails keep things cozy, and during cooler months the patio is stocked with heaters to keep you warm and blankets to keep you snug. Don’t miss an order of the crunchy, sizzling paella (three versions!) to warm your belly and the Laird’s Way, Scotch, vermouth, rhubarb amaro, fresh orange and walnut bitters for a cozy sipper.

Photo courtesy of Corsica

Corsica

An evening at Corsica is all about escapism: drawing from European social dining traditions with flavors from the Ligurian coast combined with Provençal customs and a heavy focus on apéro, small plates, and shared dishes, guests entering the dining room feel like they’ve stepped into another world. But the hidden gem lies beyond: just past the main dining room, the romantic back dining room is dimly lit, with sloping ceilings, burning candles, and black and white photographs on the wall providing glimpses into the lives of Corsicans. Snuggle up in a banquette and enjoy a spread of shared apéro, small plates, and warm-your-belly après sips like Cynar, Averna, and Fernet.

Photo courtesy of Federales

Federales

Many don’t realize there’s a flickering fire lending an air of charm to the expansive street-side corner patio at Federales, providing an unexpected cozy vibe on the patio, enclosed for the winter months but maintaining the indoor/outdoor vibe. Catch the flames crackling beneath the iconic Federales bell as you sip on the Belle of the Fall seasonal cocktail, made with espolon blanco tequila, spiked cider, spiced pear liqueur, fresh lemon plus pure maple and cinnamon syrup.

Traveling Mercies

Head upstairs to the intimate Traveling Mercies at Stanley Marketplace for cozy setting, craft cocktails, and stunning mountain views. The compact space from James Beard winning Executive chef/owner Caroline Glover is designed to be warm, friendly, welcoming, and the panoramic wall of west-facing windows offers unbeatable views, in particular during the “Golden Hour” immediately before sunset. Try the East Colfax Beachcomber, a tiki-style drink, pair it with a dozen oysters, and enjoy both from one of the best seats in the city.