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54thirty Rooftop
Perched on the 20th floor of the Le Meridian hotel in downtown Denver, the view from this fire pit-adorned rooftop is so impressive, the bar’s mixologists crafted a cocktail in its honor. Marvel at the view from the comfort of a cushioned chair, a plush couch, and even a cabana come late-July. Be sure to visit around sunset, when you can also enjoy discounted Champagne during the bar’s daily “golden hour” (7:30–8:30 p.m.). If bubbles aren’t your thing, try the #Thatviewthough cocktail, made with Titos vodka, Denver Beer Co’s Princess Yum Yum brew, chamomile tea syrup, lemon juice, and a garnish of star-shaped sprinkles. 1475 California St.
Liberati Restaurant & Brewery
Large parties will have no trouble scoring a spot on this expansive, 100-seat patio. Snag a few of the palatial deck chairs near the patio’s eight-foot Roman fountain, and order a growler of the eatery’s specialty oenobeers (translation: beers brewed with the addition of wine grapes). We suggest sharing the Short France, a Champagne-like beer brewed with luscious Pinot Noir grapes. The sparkling sipper pairs beautifully with Liberati’s charcuterie and cheese motherboard, which comes with house-made varieties like robiola and mozzarella as well as a few imported cheeses, grilled artichoke hearts, and sweet pepper jam. Post-feast, challenge your companions to a corn hole tournament, or simply wander around—just be careful not to get lost. 2401 Champa St.
Postino
We almost didn’t include this LoHi hotspot on the list, as finding a seat on its popular patio is already hard enough. Monday and Tuesday evenings are particularly busy, when Denverites in the know flock to the trendy spot for its $25 bottle-and-bruschetta-board deal, which begins at 8 p.m. It’s no wonder: Postino lets you mix and match bruschetta flavors from choices such as smoked salmon and pesto and goat cheese with a sweet-and-spicy jam. If you do manage to score a seat, the southeast-facing patio attracts plenty of afternoon sunshine that you can soak up while sipping your choice of over 30 wines by the glass and a dozen beers on tap from local makers like Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. Pair your drink with new summertime bites, including a delightful, pine nut speckled tuna tartare accompanied by crunchy focaccia crostini. 2715 17th St.
Bamboo Sushi
LoHi teems with tempting terraces (think: the aforementioned Postino, Avanti Food & Beverage, Recess Beer Garden). But if you’d rather not elbow your way to a noisy table, Bamboo Sushi provides the neighborhood’s most tranquil al fresco locale. The minimalist patio is punctuated with greenery, yellow groove bamboo, and accoya wood-topped tables. Its latticed roof downplays overhead rays and the second-story terrace looks out onto a peaceful residential street—far removed from boisterous I-25—so there’s nothing to distract you from the restaurant’s sustainably-sourced fare. For sushi purists, we recommend the chef’s choice nigiri set: Seven immaculate cuts of seasonal fish that might be lightly torched or drizzled with a citrusy or spicy condiment. If you’re still easing into the whole eating-raw-fish concept, order the Green Machine roll, with its tempura-fried long bean filling and sweet-and-spicy aioli topping. 2715 17th St.
Tamayo
There may not be a man-made structure in Denver that can compare to the dazzling mountain skyline, but we think Larimer Square comes close. Observe the beloved street’s signature Edison bulbs at eye level from Tamayo’s second-story terrace lounge, and do some great people-watching from above while you’re at it. The space—which has both covered and uncovered sections, for those who have used enough SPF for the day or not—is dotted with blue wicker booths, snug couches, and vibrant flowers. Best of all, the patio has its very own bar that’s stocked with more than 100 tequilas, ensuring that your fresh mango or pineapple margarita never arrives watery. 1400 Larimer St.
Call
Everything about this whimsical cafe’s patio feels like summer. From the bright orange chairs to the flirty overhead lights to the snacks listed on its new warm-weather, evening-hours menu. Mostly of the dishes are technically finger foods (think: Denver Chip Co. potato chips) that just beg to be eaten in the open air. Our favorite is the Dog, Call’s take on the summertime staple that spruces up a snappy Olympia Provisions wiener with pickled cucumber, crispy fried shallots, fresh dill, and a secret “dog” sauce that we’re pretty sure contains turmeric. Wash it down with one of the cafe’s signature mocktails, such as its seasonal carrot-ginger-chamomile shrub. If the patio is packed—as it’s apt to be during extensive happy hour (Monday through Tuesday noon–3 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday 3–5 p.m.)—check out Call’s brand-new backyard space. There, you can sit at one of the umbrella-adorned picnic tables and marvel at the impressive street art on nearby RiNo buildings. 2845 Larimer St.
Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse
No, we’re not in England, and no, you are most likely not a recently-orphaned young girl, but we firmly believe Ironton Distillery’s patio is actually the Secret Garden. The lush, open-air oasis is punctuated with fruit trees, Aspens, and hidden gems you could easily while away an afternoon exploring. You may, for instance, come across games like ping pong and Jenga or even reclaimed Winter Park chairlift swings. In one corner, you’ll find the herb garden where lavender and sage and the like are grown for its cocktails; the Thyme for Spring drink, for instance, blends garden-fresh thyme with honey, Ponderosa gin, and lemon juice. Grab your choice of sipper from the walk-up bar, pair it with a Boulder BBQ chicken pie from the Mountain Crust Pizza window, and park yourself at one of the picnic tables. We promise: It’ll feel like you’re in your own little world. 3636 Chestnut Pl.
Sassafrass
Much like its scrumptious Southern fare, the outdoor seating at this breakfast and lunch spot’s massive new Highland location brims with charm… and options. The relocated eatery is now harbored inside a pair of cheery adjoining Victorian houses, with three separate outdoor dining locales: a sprawling, flower-filled patio space; a rooftop porch replete with a mood-setting fireplace; and an intimate, two-table patio off an indoor dining room. We always start with the New Orleans BBQ shrimp and sop up every last drop of its buttery sauce with accompanying slices of warm French bread. If we have the self control to save some, that sauce is also heavenly drizzled atop the maque choux grits or really any of the Creole-inspired sandwiches, Benedicts, mac & cheeses, or po’ boys—the possibilities are truly endless. 3927 W. 32nd Ave.
Rita’s Law
Recycling is just one of the laws owner Rita Price has laid down at her new Five Points bar—and just one of the reasons we love it. All of the tables on its patio is made from reclaimed wood (sourced locally from places including Zang’s Mansion) and the kitchen operates out of a parked converted school bus. From said bus, patio revelers can order wholesome grain bowls, such as the sesame-grilled salmon Grand Jury bowl, or custom design their own. Pair your fare with a signature cocktail such as the Orange Jumpsuit (an Aperol spritz spruced up with a splash of Happy Leaf kombucha). Bring Fido with you, as the patio is dog-friendly and dotted with water bowls for your pooch. Best yet: It’s a true day-to-night hangout. In the morning, enjoy a Huckleberry Roasters coffee and an Olive & Finch pastry while you work remotely (there are ample patio outlets) and in the evening, catch a live music performance or movie screening. 2209 Welton St.
