13 JULY 3-6, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NEWS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | The Sky’s the Limit! CHEERS TO THE TEN BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN DENVER (AND A CHASER). BY MOLLY MARTIN Whether the weather is sunny, cloudy or cool, Coloradans love being outdoors — maybe even more than we love going out for a good cocktail or craft beer. But why pick just one activity when you can do it all at once? Many bars and restaurants have patios we love, but some spots take al fresco drinking to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a spot with killer views where you can imbibe, here are the ten best rooftop bars to visit right now in metro Denver: 54thirty 1475 California Street 303-893-1888 When it debuted in late 2017, this spot on the twentieth fl oor of Le Méridien Hotel was the highest open-air bar in the city. Although it’s since lost that status by a few hundred feet, it still has stunning views of the city and a Rocky Mountain backdrop. This upscale spot often draws a crowd that appreciates being seen as much as the view; since it operates on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, you may need some luck (or patience) to snag a spot. Once you’re in, enjoy craft cocktails, small bites and swanky vibes. BurnDown 476 South Broadway 720-899-3827 In 1978, a fi re left a gaping hole in a 1940s storefront on South Broadway that, after some quick repairs, fi rst held a furniture store and a year-round Christmas shop. In 2023, that building was transformed into BurnDown, a multi-level bar and restau- rant with an atrium that stretches from an expansive fi rst-fl oor dining room through a second-fl oor lounge, where a small acoustic stage is located, to a third indoor/outdoor level. That’s where you’ll fi nd the rooftop deck from which you can see the entire Front Range, including Pikes Peak to the south. There’s a clear view of downtown, too — you can even catch a glimpse of the gleaming gold on top of the Capitol. A stun- ner for sunsets, it’s also a prime place to view July 4th fi reworks...and the Indy Eve drone show at Civic Center Park. El Patio 1949 Market Street If partying late-night on a rooftop with a view of Coors Field is your idea of a good time, this is the spot. El Patio is part of a multi- concept space that also includes the tacos- and tequila-centric Con Safos; a speakeasy dubbed Agua Bendita; dance club the Jaguar Room; and Tony Tenderonis, where you can load up on chicken fi ngers and fries. El Patio is also Jack Harlow-approved; it’s one of the spots he visited to fi lm the music video for his song “Denver” in 2023. The Golden Mill 1012 Ford Street, Golden 720-405-6455 This historic mill-turned-food hall opened in 2021 and has quickly become a destination for anyone looking to head (a little) west for some staycation fun in Golden, where Clear Creek’s cold waters beckon tubers in the summer months. The expansive rooftop has a view of Coors Brewery and another big bonus: some of the best sushi in the state, at chef Jesus Silva’s Sushi Sora. Fill a glass at the pour-your-own-beer wall downstairs, then settle in for an afternoon of sunny sip- ping and noshing. Halo Rooftop Bar 6985 East Chenango Avenue 983-999-0399 Feeling high on life? You will after a visit to the new Halo Rooftop Bar, which tops the Kimpton Claret hotel in the Denver Tech Center. That puts it at 5,817 feet above sea level (downtown’s 54thirty is on the twen- tieth fl oor, but that hotel starts out at a lower altitude), and tourists and regulars alike fl ock to the place at sunset, to take a photo against the backdrop of the setting sun over the Rocky Mountains. It’s like being at the southernmost point of Key West at sunset, but with mountains instead of the ocean! And that spot doesn’t have the extensive cocktail list at this spot, or the upscale plates, or the fi repit, or the live music from local artists and DJs Thursday through Sunday. Historians Ale House 24 Broadway 720-479-8505 Several spots along Broadway have rooftop patios that are more intimate and less trendy. If that’s your vibe, head to pizza spot Joy Hill, the Fainting Goat or Historians Ale House, a longtime staple that also stands out for its many specials. Our favorite — which is a great excuse for a weekday rooftop lunch session — is the $10.95 cheeseburger that comes with fries and a ten-ounce draft beer, well drink or soda and is available from open until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Joyride Brewing Company 2501 Sheridan Boulevard, Edgewater 720-432-7560 In 2014, Joyride became the fi rst brewery to open in Edgewater — an area that’s since gotten a lot of new reasons to visit, including its own food hall, Edgewater Public Market (which also has a great rooftop bar). In 2019, Joyride’s owners fi nally debuted a longtime dream: the brewery’s rooftop patio, which boasts not only its own bar with sixteen taps and room for 150 people, but stunning views that take in Denver’s skyline to the east, busy Sloan’s Lake Park just across the street and, on a clear day, Pikes Peak to the south. CAFE continued on page 14 FIND MORE FOOD & DRINK COVERAGE AT WESTWORD.COM/RESTAURANTS Halo is now Denver’s highest rooftop bar. Burn Down’s rooftop bar is hot this summer. EVAN SEMÓN PHOTOGRAPHY EVAN SEMÓN PHOTOGRAPHY
