12 MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Another Round RAISE A GLASS TO DENVER’S TOP ROOFTOPS, PATIOS AND OUTDOOR BARS. BY CAFE STAFF Thirsting for a chance to eat and imbibe outdoors? Denver has just the place for every taste, occasion and activity. For some, sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar while watching the sunset is the quintessential Colorado activ- ity. Others seek out an outdoor beer garden, where they can enjoy one of this state’s many craft brews while mingling with friends...or making new ones. If patios are your thing, there are plenty suited to either day drinking or evening eating...or both. With summer just around the bend, here are the rooftop decks, beer gardens and patios worth seeking out this year. EAT, DRINK AND PLAY AT THESE PATIOS While Denver’s best rooftop bars certainly deliver the views, they can feel a little… limit- ing. The ground fl oor, meanwhile, offers up not only much more space but also more activities and opportunities to enjoy the vastness of Colorado’s outdoor spaces. So whether you’re day drinking, night noshing or just playing games, here are our favorite patios to head to right now. Eating: Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere. By Antony Bruno Bon Ami Bistro 295 S. Pennsylvania St. A shaded slice of Europe in Wash Park, Bon Ami Bistro features one of Denver’s most charming neighborhood patios. Café tables are tightly packed into the relatively small space, but the leafy greenery creates a re- laxed atmosphere perfect for lingering over that last glass of wine or espresso. Unlike many of Denver’s louder patio destinations, Bon Ami leans quieter, upscale and more romantic, making it ideal for brunch dates or low-key evening dinners. The French- inspired menu of crepes and bistro staples match the mood and setting to perfection. Chez Maggy 1616 Market St. Chez Maggy took a chance on the renova- tion of Denver’s 16th Street, extending din- ing out to a patio area that borders the often unpre- dictable pedestrian mall. The result is an enviable French brasserie perfect for enjoying a serving of steak frites or sipping on morning champagne during brunch made by celebrity chef Ludo Lefe- bvre. The patio’s presence elevates its surroundings, bringing a much-needed sophistication to the area with an outdoor space equally suitable for busi- ness meetings and cel- ebratory meals. Cimera 3330 Brighton Blvd. One of Denver’s newer rooftop destinations, perched atop the Source hotel, Cimera combines panoramic city and moun- tain views with a vibrant Pan-Latin menu from former Hop Alley chef Geoff Cox. Since this is a hotel, the menu caters to all dining occasions — breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner — so there’s no bad time to visit (and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the place). Domo Japanese Country Food 1365 Osage St. Domo’s outdoor seating area is one of the most magical, memorable spaces in the city. That it backs up to a barely noticeable light rail line speaks volumes about how effectively this traditional Japanese garden was designed: from the relaxing koi pond, to the cherry tree, to every bush and plant placed just so around the tables. Whether you’re enjoying curry, rice bowls or udon, you’ll feel transported to the countryside of Japan at every turn. Joy Hill 1229 S. Broadway It’s easy to visit Joy Hill more than once and never realize that it has one of the city’s cool- est outdoor patios. The elevated backyard deck perched above South Broadway offers a breezy rooftop atmosphere without the boisterous rooftop activity. It has a holistic balance between stylish and approachable, with misters to cool off the peak summer heat. Add in some top-rate sourdough pizzas and an approachable wine list, and a summer evening doesn’t get much tastier. Sherpa House 1518 Washington Ave., Golden There’s chill, and then there’s Sherpa House chill. The patio at this Nepalese restaurant — a secluded hideaway just off the main road — is covered in Buddhist prayer fl ags and has a relaxing atmosphere to match, with a food menu that won’t disappoint. From the Nepalese momos (dumplings) that are catching on across the city, to the where-else-are-you-gonna-get-it yak stew, the menu of this peaceful patio invites you to come back again and again to work your way through all the options. Ultreia 1701 Wynkoop St. People-watching is part of the appeal at Ultreia’s outdoor patio, which juts into the vast sea of humanity that is Union Station. The Spanish-inspired, tapas-heavy menu that you can order in rounds helps keep the show going, as travelers, cyclists, families and other colorful characters fl ow by. Whether you’re there for a relaxing lunch or a livelier dinner, this small and distinctly urban patio offers a unique look at this city’s best, worst and most interesting sights. Drinking: Because Sunday Funday should be every day. By Sara Rosenthal Champagne Tiger 601 E. Colfax Ave. If your ideal day-drinking setup involves drag queens strutting across turf in six-inch heels while someone orders another round of mi- mosas, Champagne Tiger is your spot. The French-American diner’s expansive back patio promises to deliver “Country Club” vibes all summer long, with cabanas available to reserve, an outdoor bar pouring discounted cocktails, and a limited menu of chicken ten- ders, burgers, sandwiches and popsicles. The party goes all weekend long with lunch service on Friday featuring $5 martinis, brunch on Saturday, and drag brunch on Sunday, as well as a new queer summer dance party dubbed Tea Party on the fourth Sunday of each month. Platte River Bar & Grill 5995 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton Tucked along the Mary Carter Greenway trail, this laidback Littleton hang draws everyone from motorcyclists and cyclists to families and longtime regulars looking to spend an afternoon on the sprawling deck. Bikes line the front, live music drifts through the air, and groups settle in for buckets of beer and margaritas. The expansive out- door space is fi tted with umbrella-shaded tables, prime views of the Front Range and the Platte, and plenty of room for dancing, dining and day drinking. The menu sticks to approachable bar bites like wings, burgers and tacos, plus a full kids ‘menu and happy- hour specials Monday through Friday. My Brother’s Bar 2376 15th St. Part historic landmark, part neighborhood watering hole, the patio at My Brother’s Bar practically invented day drinking in Denver. As the city’s oldest bar, this Platte Street staple remains one of the best spots for an unfussy afternoon, no matter how busy the corridor gets. With a full bar and 20 beers on tap, the beverages pair perfectly with the joint’s comfort-food classics like its famous jalapeño cream cheese burger, jalapeño poppers and stacked sandwiches. Weekend brunch adds items like a breakfast CAFE FIND MORE FOOD & DRINK COVERAGE AT WESTWORD.COM/RESTAURANTS The patio pop-up Country Club at Champagne Tiger. CHAMPAGNE TIGER
