Summer Patio Guide

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We’ve scoured the streets of Denver in search of some of the best places to kick it streetside. Taking into account the scene, the location, and the wares, we put together a handy-dandy little rundown of some of our favorite patios. Race you there!

photos by Kailyn Lamb

Ignite

•Must try: Man Candy, an appetizer of maple-glazed bacon topped with spices and pepper.

•The rooftop patio offers great views of Denver and the mountains, and gives off a true downtown vibe.

•Brunch is now served on Saturdays and Sundays with $11 bottomless mimosas.

•The eatery is quickly establishing itself as the authority on all things bourbon.

•Happy hour takes place from 3pm – 6pm every day.

Hamburger Mary’s

•Easily the most colorful patio on the list, Mary’s is the place for all things flamboyant.

•Must Try: Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
The homemade blend of spinach, cheese, and artichokes is prepared with roasted garlic and served with pita bread.

•Games aplenty will tackle anyone’s boredom, not that you could be bored with the diva-like playlist jamming on the speakers.

•Happy hour is from 3pm – 6pm.

Viewhouse

• Its proximity to Coors Field makes this bar ideal for gameday enthusiasts.

• Third-story views make this the highest patio in Denver.

• The ground floor patio includes an expanse of grassy lawn, lawn games, trellis patios, and a firepit for your ultimate backyard away from home.

• Must try: Colorado Sunshine, a Blue Moon Wheat, Absolut Citron, and fresh lemon refresher served on the rocks.

Bistro Vendôme

•Tucked away in Larimer Square, this place is perfect for resting your shopping laurels.

•The full-service bar has more than 65 French wines to choose from.

•Serving classic French bistro fare, the menu is updated using local, seasonal ingredients.

•The courtyard-like patio is a perfect place to take mom for Mother’s Day, or perhaps just to sit and read.

LoDo’s

•This patio has the best view of Coors Field.

•A fireplace and comfortable patio furniture adorn this patio, making it perfect for cooler summer nights.

•Must try: Southwest Chicken Cigars. BBQ sauce, cream cheese, crispy egg roll skin, and sweet thai chili sauce makes these as delicious as they are addictive.

•Happy hour is weekdays from 3pm – 7pm.

•Lodo’s boasts enough TVs to satisfy any and all sports fanatics.

Ace

•Owned by Steuben’s, this bar & restaurant fuses Asian and American cuisine.

•Previously a luxury car storage facility, Ace is now known for its table tennis arenas both inside and out.

•Happy Hour is weekdays from 3pm – 6pm.

•Must try: the Rocksteady, which is ACE Chili-Pineapple soda, Milagro Silver Tequila, and lemon.

Tomayo

•Boasting upscale Mexican taste, the must try on this menu is the Sandia Tajin, a margarita that infuses agavales blanco, watermelon, tajin simple, and citrus.

•Happy hour is from 2 – 7 daily.

•Patios both on street and upper levels with gorgeous views of the mountains.

•While the dining area downstairs remains posh, there is a laid-back quality to Tamayo’s outdoor space that makes this spot a gem.

• Located on Larimer Square, a perfect place for a classy day of shopping.

Tavern Uptown

•Sister bar to Tavern Downtown, this place offers a similar menu at a different venue. It’s also located in a quieter part of the city.

•T.U. has a ground floor patio that’s well-equipped with TVs, a lush courtyard, and a full bar.

•Must try: the Dark & Stormy. Think Myer’s Dark Rum, lime, and ginger beer.

•The location is perfect for bar-hopping around the 17^th St. area.

Rock Bottom

•Rock Bottom’s patio is in the midst of the 16^th Street Mall, perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle (and pushy solicitors) of the shopping district.

•The outdoor firepit adds warmth and spirit to the red-railed patio.

•Every Rock Bottom comes with its own brewmaster, and John McClure is sure to satisfy all your brew needs.

•Must try: The hand-crafted beer. All their recipes are clean, classic, and brewed in-house.

Tony P’s (Uptown)

•Previously the raucous good-time gay bar JR’s, Tony P’s continues to be an awesome place for anyone to go for a good time.

•It’s hard to miss this bright pink and purple floral gem.

•Specialty pizzas and calzones along with buttery, flaky desserts adorn the menu of this authentic Italian bar & restaurant.

•Must Try: Tony P’s Patio Pounders Menu, specifically made for the 2014 summer season.

Lime: An American Cantina

•Lime has one of the only rooftop bars in the 16^th Street Mall.

•This joint is known for its tequila and lime-green deco.

•Daily specials include Dollar Taco Tuesday and Magical Mojito and Burrito Thursday.

•Must try: Chocolate chimichangas. Chocolate filled flour tortillas are served with dulce de leche. (We’re breathing heavy.)

Tavern Downtown

•A high-end sports bar established in an old warehouse near Coors Field, The Tavern has a very large patio on the second floor.

•Must try: the Bloody Mary bar. You’re given a pint glass with a shot of Denver’s own Downslope Pepper Vodka and access to more than 30 spices & fixings.

•The patio is installed with a stage, perfect for live music venues.

•Alcoholic smoothie machines offer a perfect way to cool down in the hot summer sun.

The Melting Pot

•Nothing beats dusk on this fabulous patio. Perfect for a date or an intimate gathering with friends.

•Must Try: The Classic 4-Course Experience allows you to try the best of the Melting Pot.

•One word: ghosts. May 16 & 23, join Colorado Shadow Investigations for a paranormal investigation of this historic building after a late-night dinner.