When the weather is warm, there’s nothing better than sipping a brew, cocktail or glass of wine outside – it just makes the world seem right. Here’s a guide to spots around town where you can accomplish just that! (Note: We'll be continually updating this list through the year; if you have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments!)

Highland/ LoHi Neighborhood

Lola: A great indoor/outdoor bar in the LoHi neighborhood with hanging lights to make it feel extra cozy. The ambience makes the strong, from scratch margaritas taste even better.

Linger: The rooftop patio at Linger offers one of the best views in all of Denver. Linger is no secret so be prepared to wait just to get on the patio let alone sit at a table. It’s well worth it as sipping a craft cocktail and getting down on couture street food as the sun sets over the skyline is something everyone needs to experience.

Vita: Despite a condo development across the street taking some of the charm away from Vita’s signature view, the indoor/outdoor bar and rooftop deck, are still two of the best places to have a mojito or sangria in town.  

Forest Room 5: The trees and foliage surrounding the patio at this trendy spot make you feel like you are in another world. Add the candlelight at night and a drink from the creative cocktail list and you’ll forget you’re in the city altogether.

Ale House at Amato’s: A brew with a view? Absolutely! Enjoy a beer from one of the Ale House’s 50 taps and take in the view of downtown and Coors Field from the lower deck or rooftop.

Highland Tap and Burger: The outdoor tables with umbrellas are great for people watching in the ‘hood. Quality bar food and a selection of interesting beers make this a locals favorite.


Lower Downtown

Ignite!: The large rooftop deck is a great place to grab a happy hour beer and watch what’s happening in the bustling Ballpark neighborhood.

The Tavern Downtown: Voted one of the best rooftop bars in the US, the Tavern Downtown has been a staple of Denver nightlife for years. A great choice before or after a Rockies game.

LoDo’s: One of the best rooftops in all of Denver, LoDo’s gets you up close and personal with Coors Field and all of downtown.

Falling Rock Tap House: The patio itself isn’t that large but there are few places in the city to sit outside and enjoy the amount of rare beers that Falling Rock offers from around the world.

Denver Beer Co.: The open garage doors and large picnic bench style tables make everyone feel a part of the action at this up and coming brewery where the beer list changes seasonally.  


16th St. Mall/ Business District

Earl’s: The 16th St. Mall pedestrian area always has an entertaining cast of characters cruising around. You can watch all the action from a safe distance on the rooftop at Earl’s that also has it’s own bar for easy refills.

Yard House: The patio of this beer wonderland puts you right in the mix of the commuter, tourist, and local crowd and is great for people watching the convention goers coming in from the Sheraton Hotel.

Ambria Food and Wine: An intimate and upscale bar with a patio that is a fantastic place to have a glass of wine and share a few small plates from the extensive menu.

The Kitchen Denver: Simply not having to drive to Boulder anymore to enjoy one of the best beer and fresh cocktail selections in Colorado is pretty good. Drinking them on the patio on a sunny day? Heaven.


Uptown, Capitol Hill and Beyond

The Irish Snug: One of the few Irish pubs with outdoor space, The Irish Snug is a fun place to cozy up to fellow drinkers on the small patio.

The Cheeky Monk: Enjoy an amazing selection of Belgian beers and some pommes frites on the patio at this authentic beer bar on Colfax.

The Fainting Goat: This multi-level pub features a main level bar, a second level floor with all of the classic bar games, and a great rooftop for enjoying warm days.

Governor’s Park Tavern:  This is one of the oldest pubs in Denver and a great place to watch a game or meet up with friends and neighbors on the good sized patio.


Southwest Denver

Cafe | Bar: Surrounded by trees, and ivy covered stone walls, the patio at this friendly neighborhood cafe is one of the best in town. The rotating beer and wine lists and ‘community dinner’ specials that keep the locals coming back for more.

The Hornet: A hipster diner and bar in the trendy Baker neighborhood with a great beer list, good food, and one of the few outdoor dining spaces in this area of town.

Tavern Wash Park: The Tavern is known around Denver for great outdoor drinking spaces and this bar on Old Gaylord is the best on the street for outdoor beers and cocktails.

Bittersweet: The beautiful patio gardens you’re surrounded by at this West Wash Park restaurant and bar are probably also on your plate and in your cocktail. Bittersweet grows herbs and produce on site and changes their menu to reflect what’s in season.


Cherry Creek/ Southeast Denver

Marg’s Taco Bistro: Marg’s has one of the best indoor/outdoor party atmospheres in all of Cherry Creek North. The tortilla’s here a made from scratch and the creative margaritas are all fresh, a dangerous combination.

Chopper’s Sport Grill: Tucked away on the corner of a residential street, Chopper’s is one of the best sports bars in South Denver and the newly added TV’s outside make it a near perfect place to watch a game.

Lowry Beer Garden: The outdoor space is huge! Modeled after the beer gardens of Bavaria, Lowry Beer Garden features oversized picnic table seating, a selection of local and German beers, and artisan sausages. The drive to get there is worth it!

Bull and Bush: A hidden gem in the middle of Glendale that locals have known about for years. The sizable patio is great for trying a few of the 15 or so house beers on tap at any given time.

The Cherry Cricket: A Cherry Creek North staple, locals and visitors alike clamor for a table on the patio at ‘The Cricket’ to enjoy some of the best burgers in Denver.

Photo via Linger on Facebook