The outdoor bar scene is about to approach the second half of the season because fall is Denver's best kept secret. While the temperatures are cooler, our days are still filled with sunshine making for some of the city’s best day and evening drinking. Even if the temperatures dip a little too low, these rooftops have fire pits and patio heaters to keep us comfy. Let’s keep drinking outside Denver, because these rooftops will be open deep into autumn.

Ale House at Amato’s
This restaurant in the Highlands has a rooftop with wide open views of the Denver skyline. Add in $3 Breckenridge and Wynkoop beers during the weekday happy hour and Amato’s is a great stop for an after work outdoor drink. The bar features a different craft brewery each month and has a large selection of cocktails and wines. (2501 16^th St.; 303-433-9734)

Avanti Food & Beverage
Avanti is also located in the Highlands with views of Denver skyscrapers and has a large covered rooftop deck along with a smaller second story patio with umbrella-clad tables. Avanti is unique because the building features seven different food vendors and one large bar, making this upscale food court a great place to hang out with a group of people who can’t decide what to eat. (3200 Pecos St.; 720-269-4778)

Departure Elevated
This new venue above the Halcyon Hotel became one of Cherry Creek’s first true rooftop decks. While that is changing, Departure Elevated is still the gold standard. The area has with a central bar surrounded by soft seating and a dim sum cart. Guests will see views of downtown Denver from the north end and the south side and pool area overlook the Rocky Mountains. The bar will be open until November so outdoor drinking in Cherry Creek still has a long season ahead. (249 Columbine St., 8^th Floor)

The Fainting Goat
Located in Denver’s Golden Triangle, many people already know The Fainting Goat is a great Irish bar. What some may not realize is there is a small, but sun-filled rooftop bar with city views and because it’s tucked away between two brick walls, is a quiet respite from busy downtown streets. The rooftop has misters if it gets hot and heaters if it gets cold, so The Fainting Goat roof is the place to be no matter the season. (846 Broadway;  303-945-2323)

Fire Lounge and Terrace
The Fire Lounge, located on the 4^th Floor of The Art Hotel, is a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The floor to ceiling windows of the lounge make guests feel like they are outside. However, for those who want to actually be outside, the rooftop terrace has green spaces that make guests feel like they are in a park instead of a building. The terrace overlooks Denver’s museum district and the downtown skyline and, since the Social Hour menu is served every day, anyone can enjoy the space any afternoon. (1201 Broadway; 303-572-8000)

Linger
One of the Highlands’ most unique rooftop decks is on top of the old Olinger Mortuary building that was turned into Linger “Eatuary” in 2011. Still as popular as ever, a coveted seat at a rooftop table or barstool is not always easy to get, but definitely worth it. That’s mostly because of the giant lime green RV plopped on top of the building that serves as the bar. The views of the Denver skyline are a pleasant bonus. (2030 W. 30^th Ave.; 303-993-3120)

LoDo’s Bar and Grill Highlands Ranch and Westminster
While the original downtown LoDo’s rooftop that overlooks Coors Field is popular with Denverites, city dwellers might want to head to the north or south suburban versions of LoDo’s for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Both locations have large rooftop decks with full restaurant service so guests can enjoy those views throughout lunch or dinner. The rooftop bars have TVs so no one will miss the big game while taking in those views. (Highlands Ranch, 8545 S. Quebec St.; 303-346-2930: Westminster, 3053 W. 104^th Ave.; 303-635-8025)

Los Chingones
This small taco bistro in RiNo has a small rooftop bar that overlooks the Denver skyline from north eastern side of town, giving guests a different view of the city, which is especially cool at night. Enjoy a cocktail on the deck or sit at the bar when the garage doors are open to hear the sounds of the city. (2461 Larimer St., #102; 303-295-0686)

The Rooftop at Coors Field
As the boys of summer play into the fall, the Rooftop at Coors Field is open for business. Take in the game with a beer or cocktail as the sun sets behind the Rocky Mountains. Tickets for the Rooftop are one of Denver’s best deals starting at $14 and include a $6 concession credit for your beer, cocktail or burger. Keep in mind Rooftop tickets are standing room only so when you need a break head to the covered cabanas.  (2001 Blake St.; 303-292-0200)

Tamayo
On the corner of 14^th and Larimer with views of mountains and West Denver, Tamayo has a relaxing rooftop deck with a large portion of it covered and all of it inviting. Hit the roof for happy hour every day featuring $3 tacos and $5 Margaritas. The bar has over 100 tequilas and mezcals on the menu. (1400 Larimer St.; 720-946-1433)

Tap Fourteen
Located on the rooftop above Hayter’s & Co., this Colorado bar and grill has city views and southern exposure to enjoy outdoor drinking well into fall. There are over 70 Colorado beers on tap and 100 Colorado-made spirits along with a menu described as American Alpine Fare. Sounds like the quintessential Denver rooftop. (1920 Blake St.; 303-297-8279)

ViewHouse
With a name like ViewHouse, Denverites can expect some great views. All three ViewHouse locations have large rooftop decks and covered bars to take in those views. Viewers can play patio games and listen live music on weekends. Don’t worry because fall sports will be on all the TVs so you won’t miss a play. (Downtown, 2015 Market St.; 720-878-2015: DTC, 7101 S. Clinton St.; 303-569-4159: Littleton, 2680 W. Main St.; 303-797-4829) 

Photo by Carrie Dow