The Best Outdoor Dining In Denver
Summer is just around the corner. It's time to enjoy concerts, picnics, and the patio at your favorite restaurant. Soak up the sun, enjoy the breeze, and eat something delicious at the best outdoor dining restaurants in Denver.
1. Linger
Linger is aptly named. Guests will be delighted to spend hours enjoying a meal and drinks on this comfortable, covered patio that has one of the best views in the city. The food at Linger is a little different, hitting areas like Africa and Southeast Asia that aren't always well-represented at other Denver restaurants. Try the honey sriacha duck wings or the pho-real spring rolls. Linger is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The enclosed patio at Linger (credit: Linger)
2. Domo
Domo is a traditional Japanese restaurant, garden, and museum that was ranked the fifth best Japanese restaurant in the United States by Zagat. Domo's patio looks out on to a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. Chef Gaku Homma will delight you with sushi, noodles, and more.
3. Lola
Most of the table at the dining room, bar, and heated patio at Lola have a fantastic view of the Denver skyline. Lola is known for it's selection of over 200 tequilas, but also has terrific modern Mexican-influenced dinner and brunch menus. Enjoy a Mexican Mimosa while dining on blueberry lemonade pancakes for breakfast or a margarita and lobster enchiladas for dinner.
4. Root
This little spot has an East-facing patio, and a view of the lovely Denver skyline. Root's goal is to be as natural as possible, using sessional, local, and organic ingredients. Root offers a mixed up menu of globally-influenced cuisine. As the restaurant explains on its website, "We go where inspiration leads us. We're not tied to one style or genre—we're hoping to create one of our own." Try the diver scallops, served with a plantain hash and asparagus.
5. Ignite!
Ignite! is a local favorite for outdoor dining. There is a side patio but, the rooftop seating is the place to be. Enjoy a view of the LoDo area as you sip on one of their terrific cocktails, like a modern take on the Moscow Mule, and a Mahalo burger, topped with bourbon-glazed pineapple, jalapeño cream cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Like everything else at Bistro Vendome, the little patio is charming. This classic French bistro serves a terrific brunch and dinner. Think about trying the quiche made with kale, roasted red pepper, caramelized onions, and smoked goat cheese; or the duck a l'orange.
7. Zucca
The patio at Zucca, with its beautiful evening lighting, is the perfect place to dine in the summer. Zucca offers a broad range of Italian cuisine, from north to south. The restaurant is casual, and filled with local diners relaxing with a glass of wine from the wine list. The fettuccine alla vodka rustica, which features fresh pasta, locally made Italian sausage, and pancetta tossed in a vodka tomato cream sauce will delight any palate.
A summer salad from Cafe| Bar. (credit: Cafe | Bar)
8. Cafe | Bar
Enjoy a great view of the Wash Park area and a cocktail. Locals say Cafe | Bar has the best happy hour in the area. The food is worth stopping in for as well. On their website, Cafe | Bar's self-proclaimed goal is to, "provide exceptional hospitality and creative cuisine in an affordable fashion." This New American restaurant does a wonderful job with dishes like bone marrow, trout salad, or the duck breast with gnocchi.
Right in the middle of things in lower downtown, LoDo's has a 4000 square foot patio overlooking Coors Field. This is the perfect place to hit after a Rockies game. Watch folks on the busy street hustle and bustle as you enjoy a burger and drinks.
10. Tamayo
Denver loves its Mexican food and Tamayo is a favorite place to find it. The enclosed patio is perfect for viewing the spectacular rocky mountain sunset along with a margarita. Enjoy a creative spin on Mexican dishes like the chile ancho fried calamari served in a blood orange reduction.