Brian Nagele
Denver’s outdoor dining scene offers a perfect fusion of culinary delights and natural beauty. The Mile-High City’s pleasant climate and stunning mountain views create an ideal backdrop for alfresco dining, making it a destination for those who seek fresh air and fantastic food. Whether you’re a local looking to embrace the sunshine or a visitor eager to soak in Denver’s scenic charm, the city’s outdoor dining spots cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From charming patio setups to rooftop terraces with breathtaking vistas, these spots offer a combination of ambiance, culinary excellence, and the chance to dine under the open sky. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a family brunch, or a casual lunch with friends, Denver’s outdoor dining options promise unforgettable moments in a setting that seamlessly combines nature and cuisine.
Ace Eat Serve
501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303-800-7705
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First up on my list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Denver is Ace Eat Serve, nestled within the North Capitol Hill neighborhood. This eatery has tasty Pan-Asian dishes prepared by Executive Chef Thach Tran and a modern, airy atmosphere. Their spacious outdoor patio has a bar for sampling signature cocktails and a nice view of the nearby streets. Ace Eat Serve also has a private ping pong hall and live music during their weekend brunch. I recommend ordering their Korean Fried Wings, Shoyu Chicken Ramen, or Abu Soba with coconut sticky rice on the side. Don’t forget to sample their sake flight.
Avanti Food and Beverage, Denver
3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
720-269-4778
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The best place to enjoy the fresh air while you dine after spending your day at the Downtown Denver Skate Park is Avanti Food and Beverage, Denver, located in the Highland neighborhood. This bi-level food hall has a rooftop bar and patio with a scenic view of the South Platte River and serves a wide selection of popular comfort food, from pizza and burgers to seafood and BBQ sandwiches. My favorite dishes are their Pulled Pork Sandwich, Short Rib French Dip, Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Burger, and Queso Arepa. Don’t forget to try their signature Fire in the Hive or Black Diamond cocktails.
Acova
3651 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
303-736-2718
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Next up on my list of restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Denver is Acova, blocks away from La Raza Park in the historic LoHi District. This Italian restaurant has a warm, contemporary vibe, emphasized by its wooden decor and brick exterior. They also have an outdoor patio available on clear, sunny days. After starting with the Diablo Eggs or Gnocchi, consider ordering their Turkey Brie Panini, Potato and Cheese Pierogies, or Crab Cakes with a Kombucha-Rita. After dinner, treat yourself to their Bread Pudding or Apple Donuts for dessert. They also offer brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Annette
2501 Dallas St STE 108, Aurora, CO 80010
720-710-9975
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Located about a mile from Westerly Creek Park, within Stanley Marketplace, Annette is your best outdoor dining destination for scratch-to-table and wood-fired New American cuisine. Their patio’s outdoor greenhouses are the perfect setting for enjoying creekside views in any weather conditions. They also offer curbside takeout services. Annette’s menu rotates daily based on seasonal availability. Consider starting with their Deviled Eggs before ordering their Grilled Beef Tongue with Marrow Toast, Roasted Half Chicken, House Spaghetti, or Spring Onion Gratin. If you’re in the mood for a house cocktail, try their Aperol Spritz, Fear + Loathing in Cherry Creek, or Oyster Shooter.
BEZEL
1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202
303-835-2159
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You can find BEZEL inside the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, a short walk away from Civic Central Park. Its cozy and refined setting is perfect for enjoying tasty small plates and craft cocktails. Their outdoor dining area has a fire pit that enhances the restaurant’s ambiance at night. I’m a fan of their BEZEL Bison Sliders, Prime Hanger Steak, Colorado Lamb Loin, and Charbroiled West Coast Oysters. Their bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, draft beer, wine, cider, and mocktails to sample with any plate. I recommend their Denver 1550, Berry Sweet Dreams, or Paola’s Sipping Beauty. Then, treat yourself to their Chocolate Bon Bon for dessert.
Bistro Vendôme
1420 Larimer St UNIT 1705, Denver, CO 80202
303-825-3232
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Can’t find any French restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Denver? Then, consider stopping by for dinner at Bistro Vendôme, nestled within Larimer Square. It has a stylish vibe and serves seasonal French cuisine for locals and tourists passing through the neighborhood. It also has a lovely breezeway and garden patio. During my last few visits to Denver, I ordered their Flat Iron Steak Frites, Truite Poêlé, Confit de Canard, and Risotto aux Petits Pois. I also recommend their Croque Monsieur during their weekend brunch. Don’t miss out on their Monday Movie Nights if you want to enjoy their cuisine while watching a French film.
El Five
2930 Umatilla St Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211
303-524-9193
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You can find El Five in the Highland neighborhood, overlooking the South Platte River. This lavish restaurant’s outdoor patio is the perfect setting for enjoying the city’s skyline views and indulging in quality Spanish and Eastern Mediterranean small plates. If you’re dining with your friends or family, start with their shareable Lebanese Garlic Dip or Moroccan Lamb Sausage. Their best dishes are Seafood Paella, Goat Cheese Croquettes, Butter-Poached Lobster, and Mediterranean Sea Bass. Don’t forget to ask your server about their bar’s best libations. If you’re interested in an authentic Mediterranean dessert, order their tempting Chocolate Baklava, Turkish Tiramisu, or Basque Cheesecake.
Farm House Restaurant at Breckenridge Brewery
2990 Brewery Ln, Littleton, CO 80120
303-803-1380
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Another excellent option for open-air dining near the South Platte River is Farm House Restaurant at Breckenridge Brewery. This rustic destination has a cozy patio with a lovely view of the nearby mountain range. They also have a fire pit and games in their beer garden. This restaurant has a wide selection of draft beers for you to sample with tasty brewhouse bites. Their best appetizers are Bavarian Pretzels, Cheese Curds, and Agave Shrimp. Then, try their Wild Game Meatloaf, Breck Brew Brat Sandwich, Rodeo Burger, or Fish & Chips. Be sure to stop by for their daily happy hour for $2 discounts off all full-sized draft pours.
Improper City
3201 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
720-666-0043
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Improper City is your best option if you’re craving the best outdoor dining in Denver. This eatery has a casual, hip atmosphere. You can find it in the River North Art District. This restaurant’s patio area has several tables and food trucks for you to check out during the city’s loveliest days. The space also has music and is dog-friendly. Their food truck options rotate every few hours daily, so you can expect plenty of variety, depending on when you decide to visit. During my last few visits to the city, I tried their Pupusas and BBQ Pork Sliders with a Cosmosis Jones cocktail. They also offer brunch every Sunday.
Linger
2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
303-993-3120
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Are you having trouble deciding where to eat in the Lower Highland neighborhood? If so, Linger might have the dining experience you’ve been craving during your stay. It has a hip atmosphere and serves plenty of international entrees. Their rooftop patio offers an excellent urban skyline view and creative cocktails. My favorite rooftop patio menu options are their Wagyu Sliders, Devils on Horseback, Bao Bun Trio, and Pork Potstickers. These dishes taste great with a refreshing Turmeric Mule, Frozen Painkiller, or New Saigon cocktail. Don’t forget to check out their Cherry Hand Pie or Peanut Butter Bar for dessert. Linger also offers weekend brunch specials.
Number Thirty Eight
3560 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80216
303-493-6651
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Number Thirty Eight is a hip restaurant in the River North Art District. It has a scenic view of the river, a stage for live music, and a dog-friendly patio. They also have a volleyball court open every Saturday and Sunday from 3 PM to closing time. Their Bison Chopped Cheese Sandwich, Missouri Guber Burger, Jumbo Cheese Pizza, and Washington Goop Burger offer some of the city’s best flavors. They also offer an extensive list of spirits, wine, cocktails, beer, and soft drinks to pair with any dish. I prefer ordering their Gingercello Mule, Snoconut, or Rodeo Lemonade with my dinner.
2715 17th St #103, Denver, CO 80211
720-638-0020
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Within walking distance from Hirshorn Parks stands Recess Beer Garden, a casual and airy dining destination specializing in craft beer and American comfort food. Their spacious patio has several picnic tables with games where you and your friends can unwind after a long day. After starting with their Pretzel Bites or House Smoked Chicken Wings, I usually order their Fried Chicken Sandwich, Mac & Cheese, Corn Dogs, or Chicken Caesar Wrap with a side of sweet potato fries or seasoned tater tots. If you want to sample their cocktails, order a Recess Raspberry Fizz. They offer the city’s best Cinnamon Pretzel Bites and Funnel Cake for dessert.
Tables
2267 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
303-388-0299
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Last but not least on this list of eateries with the best outdoor dining in Denver is Tables, a New American restaurant located about two miles east of the Denver Zoo. Its rustic yet intimate atmosphere makes it an excellent setting for enjoying delicious specialty dishes. I love sampling their wine on their patio. Consider trying their Pan-Seared Scallops, Alaskan Halibut, Five Lillies New York Strip Steak, or Burger of the Day after starting with their Parmesan Fries or Spiced Nuts. If you have room for something sweet, ask for their Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake or Double Chocolate S’mores paired with a dessert wine.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including Wanderlog and Colorado.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 5 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/66082/best-outdoor-dining-in-denver
https://www.colorado.com/articles/13-restaurants-colorado-great-patio-views
https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-denver-co-top10-outdoordining_31dv.html
https://www.denver.org/food-drink/restaurants/outdoor-and-patio-dining/
