If there are two things I know about eating in Denver, it’s that most people are down to try something new and ideally on a patio, especially with over 300 days of sunshine. Although the leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and Fall is (technically) here, the ever present 80-degree heat in Denver is no joke. These eight outdoor spaces are not

only my favorite spots to grab a bite and sip a cocktail but to enjoy views for days.

Lucy

Directly above Comedy Works at the Landmark, Lucy not only boasts a killer menu but provides outstanding views of the Denver Tech Center! With a bright red interior, gorgeous décor and a glass wall patio, the space feels warm and inviting. Despite the reputation of the area, Lucy provides a laid back, unpretentious atmosphere with a splash of class – providing all the views without the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Indulge

Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar – Highlands Ranch

Whether in Golden or Highlands Ranch, Indulge does it right. The Highlands Ranch location not only offers the best view but pours world renowned wines, and an extravagant menu. With a sleek, modern interior and dreamy chandeliers, the space exudes class and sophistication. The outdoor patio provides intimate seating options, lush flowers, and the perfect view of the foothills.

Carboy Winery

Angelo’s Taverna/Carboy Winery

Three years after its rebirth, Angelo’s is taking Littleton by storm. Offering costal Italian classics and Carboy Winery‘s unique wines next door, this spot is a favorite and always crowded. With a large outdoor patio overlooking the mountains and a cozy fire pit for cooler nights, the space provides the perfect place to sit back and relax.

Finns Manor

Finns Manor

Progressively becoming one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods, Finn’s Manor, makes the perfect addition to the RiNo scene. The large, colorful outdoor space hosts a variety of local food trucks while pouring up Colorado classics, including 16 rotating taps and 400 spirits. While the indoor bar provides limited seating, the extensive outdoor patio is filled with community tables and a fire pit – creating the perfect place to mingle with locals and soak up some sun.

Ignite Kitchen and Cocktails

Ignite Kitchen

Voted Ballpark’s Best Rooftop Patio by natives, Ignite Kitchen effortlessly frames the Denver skyline and Coors’ field. With a mouth-watering menu, the rooftop cocktail lounge provides the perfect space for shareable bites with friends, in a welcoming energetic atmosphere.

Linger

When it comes to Denver, Linger has earned the gold medal for eats with a view. Not only is the menu outstanding with a decent price, the 365-degree view from its rooftop is magical. Having dined for happy hour, it’s difficult to snag a spot in the famed space, but worth the wait.

Tupelo Honey

Tupelo Honey

Martini lunch, Frose’s happy hour and scratch-made Southern food is Tupelo Honey‘s claim to fame. With classic dishes hailing from the Carolina mountains, the food is damn good, but the side patio overlooking Union Station is better. The space allows for parties large or small, is spacious yet quaint, and features all the southern touches – right in the heart of Downtown Denver.

The Hornet

With an unassuming patio out back, The Hornet allows diners access to their best kept secret.

The Hornet

Since opening in 1995, the space has undergone some changes, but the quaint patio has remained, and is a South Broadway’s staple. With a killer happy hour and rated #1 for brunch, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular.

As Summer continues to linger, there is no better way to soak up the last bit of the season before the snow moves in!

Katie Friedel Bites with Blondie

Katie traded in her flip flops for hiking boots at age three when her family moved from sunny Florida to even sunnier Colorado.  Katie’s passion for food began at an early age when she would retrieve a strip of bacon from the counter each morning - a daily treat from her nanny.  That was only the beginning for her love of food.  After graduating with a degree in Communications (with an emphasis in Public Relations), she got her foodie start as Yelp Denver’s first intern and has been scouting places to nosh all over Denver since.  For the past 9 years, Katie has maintained Yelp Elite status and made lasting relationships with local business owners, while continuing to be an avid food consumer and writer.  Her latest cravings and discoveries are frequently documented on her Yelp page.  Katie is known for her unique and witty writing style, obsession with avocados, and is considered the go-to girl when it comes to finding a place to dine.  When she’s not finding a way to quit her day job to be the next Guy Fieri, she can be found slinging balls on the golf course, binging on true crime podcasts or indulging at a local brewery in the burbs.  Look for her work each Friday under Bites with Blondie.