Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Bust out the SPF—it’s outdoor dining season
  3. The 11 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Denver
editorial list heading

The 11 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Denver

A photo of Red logo
by Linnea Covington
Updated May 28, 2024

Eating alfresco in Denver is practically a pastime, and its best outdoor dining setups are designed to take advantage of the city’s many sunny days.

For some of Denver’s best people-watching, head to a sprawling patio at a standout Mexican spot. A family-friendly cider house is adored for its playground and massive lawn. Food trucks sling globally inspired street food on a rooftop with mountain views.

Denver’s scenic side is on full display at these charming open-air spots. Read on for a guide to 11 restaurants that ace outdoor dining in the city.

A photo of Corrida restaurant
4.8
4.8 (930)
$50 and over
Northwest Spain
Boulder
About the restaurant

One of the prettiest Flatiron Mountain views can be found on the outdoor patio at Corrida, restaurateur Bryan Dayton’s Spanish-influenced chophouse. Take a seat outside on warmer days (ideally during sunset) while digging into excellent Mediterranean-accented dishes. Beef is also a Corrida specialty—the restaurant sources Japanese Wagyu and American beef from places practicing regenerative ranching. Level up your alfresco feast with a drink from the roving gin and tonic cart.


Top review
Susie
Dined 2 days ago
Other than needing to move tables due to sitting by the door to outside dining, all was great! And they were very accommodating about that as well. Favorite was the anchovies in oil with grilled bread. Mmmm
A photo of Briar Common Brewery restaurant
4.9
4.9 (629)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Jefferson Park
About the restaurant

Head to this Jefferson Park brewpub for a craft beer, burger, and a killer view from the rooftop patio, and you’ll see why it’s been a local favorite since 2013. The beer list is prolific, with rotating options like It’s Dangerous to Gose Malone, a watermelon gose. On warmer days, there’s partial covering to keep the sun from bearing down on diners. Go downstairs for a more casual outdoor biergarten experience—it gets bonus points for being dog friendly.


Top review
SheriVIP
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
Another great meal ahi nachos and chicken shawarma. Followed by a refreshing strawberry rhubarb blonde. Truly unique flavor and delicious. Service was excellent and consistent with past visits. My favorite spot in Denver before shows or when I am lucky a lunch out. Only disappointment was they had no marshmallows for the s’more creme brulee- next time!
A photo of the plimoth restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2408)
$50 and over
American
Central
About the restaurant

the plimoth was one of the first restaurants in Denver to go all-in on farm-to-table dining when it opened in 2014. Chef-owner Peter Ryan works with local farms to source the best produce for dishes like spinach salad with Calabrian chile almonds and cracklin’ chicken with hot-honey mushrooms. Sit along the street on the restaurant’s rustic-chic brick-laden patio under soft lights when the weather permits. But outside tables are limited—and popular—so secure a spot by reserving well in advance.


Top review
LuisVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The Plimoth is a true gem in Denver’s vibrant food scene. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm, intimate ambiance that feels both upscale and approachable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their craft, making the experience feel personal and special. The menu is a masterpiece of creativity, offering dishes that blend familiar comfort with unexpected twists. Each plate is beautifully presented, almost too stunning to eat—but once you do, you’ll be glad you did. The flavors are complex and perfectly balanced, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. A standout for me was the Seared Hokkaido scallops, saffron paella cakes, smoked roe, bacon glazed squash, celeriac velouté, frisée. The layers of flavor and texture were simply unforgettable. Pair that with a glass from their thoughtfully curated wine list, and you’re in for a treat. If you’re looking for a restaurant that embodies culinary artistry and impeccable service, The Plimoth should be at the top of your list. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their inspired
A photo of Happy Camper Pizza restaurant
4.7
4.7 (369)
$30 and under
Pizzeria
The Strip
About the restaurant

The airy lot at Happy Camper is decked with twinkle lights, picnic tables, and faux grass. The lively beer, cocktail, and comfort food spot comes from Chicago, where the two original locations are going strong. Given its Windy City roots, it’s no surprise pizza is a big deal here. And the alfresco fun doesn’t stop once the summer ends: A full canopy and outdoor heaters give diners full access to patio seats, even when it’s snowing.


Top review
Selena
Dined 3 days ago
This place always delivers! The food is great, the vibe is great and the staff is EXCEPTIONAL. I’m a local and I bring everyone to Happy Camper and it’s always a hit.
A photo of Ace Eat Serve restaurant
4.6
4.6 (930)
$30 and under
Asian
Uptown
About the restaurant

Play a couple of rounds of ping pong before digging into ramen and spicy tiger wings at this high-energy Uptown restaurant. Ace Eat Serve lives in what used to be a mechanic’s garage and is loved for a large open space ideal for year-round outdoor dining on a partially covered and heated patio. Ping pong tables pack the place, but even if you don’t play, the creative pan-Asian plates and an eclectic sake and craft cocktail menu are reason enough to spend an evening here.


Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
A wonderful meal in a beautiful holiday winter wonderland setting with the most delicious food and exceptional service! 
A photo of Acreage by Stem Ciders restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1555)
$31 to $50
American
Lafayette
About the restaurant

This orchard-side cider house restaurant is about 30 minutes from Denver and has one of the dreamiest mountain views around. Snag a reservation on the outdoor deck for the full foothills effect, or grab a seat in the dog-friendly cider garden. The menu changes with the seasons, but you might find tasty cider-friendly food like Asiago lobster dip, or a Colorado lamb burger with goat cheese. Plus, there’s a playground and large kid-friendly lawn, which make it great for the whole family.


Top review
Heather
Dined today
Great service, great cider and the food was awesome! This is my second time visiting and I will continue to come back! Love this place!
A photo of Linger restaurant
4.6
4.6 (7653)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Highlands
About the restaurant

Sweeping downtown views are the draw at this LoHi eatery, best experienced at sunset. Linger is all about global street food, and the outdoor menu is a more compact version of what’s served inside—a lot of it gets dished out from a food truck perched on the rooftop. Get a warm-weather drink like a frozen rosé or a rum-forward frozen Painkiller and snack on Korean fried chicken bao, salmon poke tostadas, and king trumpet skewers.


Top review
Sean
Dined 4 days ago
Great server, wonderful food, unique space. Great dining experience.
A photo of Tamayo Restaurant restaurant
4.4
4.4 (4390)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown / LoDo
About the restaurant

A recently expanded outdoor space at this downtown Mexican destination means you can now choose whether you want to sip your margaritas on the lower level patio or take the party to the roomy, flower-filled roof deck and look out over the Rocky Mountains. There’s no wrong answer, as long as you have smoked crab guacamole and chicken tinga enchiladas to feast on. No matter where you end up parking, it’s easy to see why this Richard Sandoval restaurant has been going strong since 2001.


Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Always top notch service with wonderful food selections. I had tofu tacos and asked for all the sauces on the side and they accommodated without hesitation. Our waiter (I believe his name was CJ) was super attentive, friendly and welcoming. This place is a family favorite
A photo of Mizu Izakaya and Sushi restaurant
4.6
4.6 (751)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Highlands
About the restaurant

Mizu Izakaya is popular for a roomy outdoor seating area that can be curtained off when the Denver sun shines a little too brightly. In the warmer months, the windows open onto the patio, making part of the interiors feel breezy, too. Come winter, portable heaters keep things toasty. While sushi is the house specialty, the bustling izakaya also serves sizzling skewers, uni carbonara, and more. Wash it down with a drink from the large sake and cocktail menu.


Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
The food was amazing. Service was great. Also the drinks were unique. Will definitely be back.
A photo of West 29th restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1808)
$50 and over
American
Wheat Ridge
About the restaurant

This gem of a bistro is home to a quaint patio that feels like it could be plucked from a Parisian street with string lights and wrought-iron furniture. Large blue umbrellas shield you from the heat in the summer, and when the temps drop, there are bowls of steaming bison chili. West 29th’s warm and unpretentious backdrop is a great match for fuss-free French American food like ratatouille lasagna and pan-seared Colorado striped bass.


Top review
Joan
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
West 29th has been consistently good, food, service, atmosphere in the many years I've eaten there. Highly recommend.
A photo of Bar Dough restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1333)
$31 to $50
Italian
Highlands
About the restaurant

If this stretch of Highlands feels like an endless patio, it’s because Culinary Creative—the hospitality group behind Bar Dough—has other standout outdoor spots (Fox and The Hen, Highland Tap & Burger) on the block. When the Italian cravings hit, book a seat under an outdoor umbrella for chef Russell Stippich’s green garlic cream and roasted maitake pizza and duck fat potatoes. The restaurant’s outdoor space also shines in the winter for its patio heaters, fire pits, and festive lights.


Top review
Sam
Dined 5 days ago
Our server was fantastic, offering great recommendations on wine & food pairings. We shared many plates among five people & it all meshed nicely. Hoping to get back before the restaurant closes permanently in January.
Explore other cities and regions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo