Courtyard seats aren’t hard to come by in sunny Denver. But it is a little hard to find courtyards that are offering pleasant views along with great drinks and food.
These 15 spots offer a rare combination of special surroundings and memorable food. Whether it’s just a coffee break, a multicourse tasting menu or something in between, we have a place to sit and linger a bit this summer.
Provided by Lucy Beaugard, American Elm
A view of the courtyard through the open garage door at American Elm on 38th Avenue. The restaurant is named for its centuries-old trees that shade the outdoor space in summer.
American Elm (Highland)
Go for a morning meal of shrimp and grits or deviled egg toast before the heat of the day begins. The restaurant is named for the century-old tree that shades its patio along 38th Avenue.
4132 W. 38th Avenue, amelm.com
Provided by Annette, from Hip Photo
Annette’s courtyard in Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace will be updated for the 2022 summer season with roofed and louvered windows to protect it from inclement Colorado weather.
Annette (Aurora/Central Park)
A new roof enclosure on this romantic patio keeps it well populated even in inclement summer weather. Happy hour and dinner are the meals to be enjoyed here. You’ll forget you’re right outside a bustling food hall.
2501 Dallas St., Aurora, annettescratchtotable.com
Provided by Bistro Vendome
Bistro Vendme has a courtyard on Larimer Square, almost like you’ve been transported to France. (Provided by Bistro Vendome)
Bistro Vendome (Lower Downtown)
A Larimer Street institution that stands out from the crowd, this bistro is the stuff dinner dates are made for. Go for French wine and moule frites in the garden courtyard.
1420 Larimer St., bistrovendome.com
Josie Sexton, The Denver Post
A combo taco plate with house-made tortillas from the Gentle Heritage Food Incubator.
Komal Heritage Food Incubator (River North)
A lunch counter with a purpose, Komal serves regional specialties from local immigrant and refugee chefs who are training to start their own food businesses. Onsite growing beds flank its parking-lot patio.
3455 Ringsby Court, comaldenver.com
Copper Door (Cheeseman Park)
It is best enjoyed with house-brewed coffee drinks such as honeycomb espresso, where there are always neighborhood pups to pet and the Denver Botanic Gardens in bloom to admire.
1085 York St., Copperdoorcoffee.com
Josie Sexton, The Denver Post
Corner Beet continues its pandemic-era street dining with planter-lined tables surrounded by raised garden beds in the heart of Cap Hill. (Josie Sexton, The Denver Post)
Corner Beat (Capital Hill)
Superfood lattes, acai bowls and vegetarian toast and sandwiches make this urban cafe feel like a garden-sourced oasis, especially when you’re sitting on a street-side patio.
1401 N. Ogden St., Cornerbeet.com
Josie Sexton, The Denver Post
Outside Dang Soft Serve during the ice cream shop’s opening weekend on September 22, 2019 in Park Hill. (Josie Sexton, The Denver Post)
Dang (Park Hill)
Soft-serve and lawn games are on special at this funky Oneida Park dessert shop. We recommend a side “pint” of fries for sneaky dipping.
2211 Oneida St, dangsoftserve.com
Hyung Chang, The Denver Post
Shake Oyster Wolf Oysters outside Forget Me Not Bar in Cherry Creek on Friday, March 11.
Don’t Forget Me (Cherry Creek)
The people visiting this cocktail bar are second to none. Enjoy it with lavish cocktails like the Four-Person Firebird, as well as snacks like oysters, caviar, and lobster crunch wraps.
227 Clayton St.
Joy Hill (Overland)
This South Broadway bar and pizza parlor sets the new standard for rooftop decks. Inside, a ’70s lounge sets the mood. Upstairs and back, there’s no bad seat for the sunset views.
1229 S. Broadway, joyhilldenver.com
Provided by Harry Watters, Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream is famous for its cream-can patio in Lohi, Denver. We also love the patio at its Constellation location in Central Park.
little man (lohi)
The giant Little Man Cream can still sit in the center of a bustling neighborhood full of dining options and outdoor courtyards. Visit during off-hours to enjoy the cone without the crowds.
2620 16th St., Littlemanicecream.com
related: 15 Colorado restaurants worth visiting this summer
El Noa Noa (Lincoln Park)
Along Denver’s artsy Santa Fe Drive, El Noa Noa offers the best patio refuge for platters of margaritas and heaping Mexican food. The restaurant started in 1980 but somehow continues to feel like a local secret.
722 Santa Fe Drive, denvermexicanrestaurants.net
Provided by Noble Riot
Some street art, some wine and an alleyway-dining space at Noble Riot in RiNo.
Noble Riot (RiNo)
For the ultimate River North Alley experience, head to Noble Riot, a wine bar named one of the best in the country for its selection of natural bottles. You can admire the street art as your mon breaks up some of the flavor profiles.
1336 27th St., nobleriot.com
Josie Sexton, The Denver Post
Wine and popcorn in the back garden at Potager, a Capitol Hill staple for 25 years. (Josie Sexton, The Denver Post)
Potegar (Capital Hill)
If ever there was a candidate for favorite small patio in Denver, this would be it. The teeny backyard garden at Cap Hill’s original farm-to-table restaurant is a covered outdoor dining room. Either is a great place to enjoy seasonal fare – even if just a snack – and a wine list.
1109 N. Ogden St., potagerrestaurant.com
The Wild. provided by
The Wild’s patio across from Union Station feels like an oasis in the heart of Lower Downtown.
Wild (Union Station)
Of all the courtyards around Denver’s Union Station, this is our favorite latest find. The world seems to be away from the hustle and bustle of Lodo, and the cocktail and wine list are equally pleasant surprises.
1660 Winkop St., thewilddenver.com
Aaron Ontiroj, The Denver Post
The outdoor seating area at Wolfs Teller on Thursday, September 26, 2019.
Wolf Taylor (Sunnyside)
For special occasions, the “assigned” menu served from the backyard, garden edge, or from a cozy tent feels like the ultimate treat. Menus are always changing, but expect in-house fermenters and breads, wood-fired meat and fodder products.
4058 Tejon St., thewolfstailor.com
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