In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thought of... beer! Ok, Tennyson didn’t write it quite like that, but in Denver spring definitely equals beer, and what better place to partake than an outdoor beer garden. Here are a few places that bring a bit of Bavaria to Colorado.

Lowry Beer Garden: Opened last May, Lowry’s quickly established itself as Denver’s first truly authentic German beer garden. Housed in Hangar 2 of the former Lowry Air Force Base, the venue covers nearly 8,000 square feet of space, with 4,500 square feet outside. Rotating taps offer 16 beers from Colorado crafts to German brews like Spaten. Food is traditional German with Colorado touches, such as spicy bison brats with chipotle cole slaw. With seating 350 for people, the Munich experience is recreated in East Denver (7577 East Academy Blvd.; 303-366-0114).

Karl’s FF Delicatessen: Karl’s has been around for over 30 years, but is still one of Denver’s best kept secrets. The authentic German delicatessen serves Old World delicacies - think beef tongue, head cheese, veal bratwurst and spaetzle - along with Paulaner on tap. Enjoy buy-one-get-one pours for happy hour on the patio from 3–5 PM weekdays (6878 S. Yosemite St., Centennial; 303-694-0260).

Prost Brewery: A true German brewhaus, this Highlands newcomwer serves authentic German beer, made in America. There’s even a copper kettle brewing system shipped from Breitengussbach, Germany. Look for traditional pils, weissbier and dunkels on tap, or your can opt for “Biermischgetränkes” — beer-based mixed drinks made with fruit juice or soda. Try the Alster, pils with orange soda, or the Radler, pils with lemonade (2540 19th St.; 303-729-1175).

Helga’s German Restaurant and Deli: This family-owned deli has been serving up brats and beer along with German meats, cheeses, candies, pastries, music and magazines since 1989. Try the bier sampler platter, which includes six three-ounce German beer pours and a soft pretzel. Four of Germany’s most famous brands are on tap: Warsteiner, König, Hofbräu, and Kostritzer. Want to go fully authentic? Order a two-liter beer served in a glass boot. Oktoberfest celebrations here are some of the most traditional in the area, complete with live music, folk dancers and games under a hundred-foot-long tent (14197 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora; 303-344-5488).

Cafe Berlin: This downtown restaurant has been around since 1995,but it recently moved to a new building on the 16th Street Mall and grand opening celebrations are underway. Located on the second floor of the 1600 Champa Building, Café Berlin serves authentic German cuisine in a refined setting. Six kinds of Paulaner beers are on tap, and several other German brands are available in bottles, along with a large selection of schnapps and Rheinland wines (1600 Champa St., Unit 230; 303-377-5896).