Locals know that summer is Colorado at its best — and with a bounty of new outdoor dining options, there’s no better way to soak up the season. Many restaurants in the Mile High City are taking advantage of relaxed state rules regarding outdoor seating, either expanding their patios or fashioning new al fresco setups. And if you don’t see your favorite restaurant open yet, you can always use My Hit List to stay notified about when it plans to reopen.
Suffice to say, reservations are highly encouraged — so make one, bring a mask, and generally be extra mindful of good manners.
Washington Park
Uncle’s Wash Park location feels like a block party — that is, a socially-distanced block party where top-notch ramen and excellent cocktails are served to the lucky guests. Owner Tommy Lee has introduced a host of new dishes to the summer menu, from grilled Thai chile shrimp with local corn and cotija cheese, to pork tsukemen with chewy chilled noodles to dip in the broth.
LoDo
Lucky for Mercantile, Union Station provides a picture-perfect backdrop for al fresco dining. By day, it operates farmers market-style, selling charcuterie, cheese, spices, and more from local purveyors. Come dinnertime, the spotlight is on seasonal produce. Think diver scallops with sweet corn, summer squash, and confit tomatoes; handmade mafaldine with arugula pesto and confit pork; and nectarine cobbler with cinnamon ice cream.
Highland
These days, the only thing better than one patio is two — and to match its double patio situation, this Denver staple also boasts two gardens that provide the seasonal produce for its menu. Currently in rotation: roasted baby beet salad with Colorado goat cheese, carrot gnocchi with kale jalapeño pesto, and lamb burgers with mint garlic yogurt. Call (303) 993-4200 for reservations.
River North Arts District
Hop Alley has set up outdoor shop in RiNo, with terrific views of the sunset. From their spacious sidewalk, you can sample new additions to the summer menu: wood-grilled flank steak with smashed cucumber and heirloom tomato salad; koji wings with plum hot sauce; and to end the meal on a cool note, baobing — Taiwan style shaved ice.
Sunnyside
Bacon Social House boasts one of the best patios in Denver — and there’s no better place to enjoy America’s favorite pork product than under the summer sun. Start your meal with a bacon flight (six different-flavored strips), spring for breakfast favorites like chicken & waffles and huevos rancheros, and match it with an icy-cold Bloody Mary.
RiNo Arts District
It’s the tacos here that are the true works of art (we’re partial to the roasted pork shoulder with pineapple salsa), but the sprawling rooftop at the downtown location takes a close second. A colorfully graffitied stairway leads to the second-floor outdoor lounge, where you can take in the skyline views while sipping on a freshly-made margarita. Details here.
Aurora
Come for the ivy-laced patio; stay for the cinnamon-sugar bombillinis. Owner Caroline Glover expertly weaves seasonal produce into her frequently-changing rotation of specials, from shrimp-stuffed squash blossoms with fermented ramp aioli to handmade cavatelli with guanciale. Pro tip: Stock up on the impressive array of pastries available for Sunday brunch — those bombillinis but with chantilly cream, maple cream galoshes, and more.
Country Club
Fruition’s close quarters haven’t stopped it from expanding outwards — this Denver gem now boasts al fresco tables along East Sixth Ave. The kitchen uses produce almost exclusively from James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel’s very own farm and creamery in Larkspur, and with summer fruits and vegetable at their prime, now is the time to make a reservation.
River North Art District
Leave it to the home of one of Denver’s sleekest interiors to also have a charming, warm weather-ready patio. Graze on crudité dipped in creamy housemade hummus, then tuck into the fan-favorite pomegranate-braised lamb shank (which now comes with Colorado-grown Palisade peaches).
LoDo
The elegant Daughter Thai has fashioned its own patio along Platte Street, complete with sleek orange umbrellas and picnic table-style seating. Enjoy modern takes on traditional Thai favorites, like khao soi with northern Thai-style egg noodles, duck confit curry, and deep-fried whole striped bass with crispy basil. Chase it all down with a cold-as-can-be Thai iced tea.
Downtown Theater District
Both locations of Pizza Republica are serving their Neapolitan-style pies al fresco. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m., so snag a table in the sun, order a glass of frosé, and snack on cheesy garlic bread while you decide on your pizza order. Pro tip: The DTC location is hosting a complimentary drive-in movie every Friday and Saturday night in August, so you can enjoy your ‘za with a show.
Cherry Creek
Patio seating is first-come, first-served at this beloved Cherry Creek staple — so plan ahead and make an early beeline to snag an outdoor table. From there, all the favorites are yours for the taking: grilled artichokes with creamy rémoulade, wood-fire roasted rotisserie chicken, and, of course, that addicting skillet cornbread.
LoHi
The patio at Postino’s LoHi location is far from a secret, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best places to meet for a glass of wine. Pencil in a visit on Monday or Tuesday to take advantage of the $25 board-and-bottle deal, where you can build the crostini spread of your dreams. More info here.
