Alfresco, Anyone?

We’ve been waiting for you, patio season. Here, seven of the best restaurant verandas in the area—i.e., one great patio for every day of the week.

shanahans-stetakhouse

SHANAHAN’S STEAKHOUSE 
Denver Tech Center
303.770.7300

Combining luxury with comfort, the big city feel of this patio elevates the alfresco experience. Modern loungers are shaded by sweeping umbrellas and the monochromatic, gray-on-gray décor helps you and your nosh stand out in photos. Don’t miss the restaurant’s lauded outdoor summer concert series; reservations for the patio are recommended. 

FOGO DE CHÃO
Park Meadows 
303.481.4001

The Brazilian steakhouse’s second Colorado location, opened in November of last year, comes with not one, but two patios—one on the first floor and one on the second—with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Tip: The “Full Churrasco Experience”—a prix-fixe menu with a “continual service” of salads, veggies, feijoada (a traditional black bean stew served over rice), fire-roasted meats carved tableside and more—makes for an unforgettable feast; the plates created by the chefs in the kitchen (like the mango Chilean sea bass) create a solid light lunch.

SIERRA
Lone Tree 
303.662.8800

This chalet-style restaurant offers amazing views of the city both inside and out. The patio, however, is a local favorite. The outdoor space is anchored by a horseshoe-shaped bar and fire pit, plus sparkling lights, exposed brick, a flagstone floor and greenery.  

yayas-euro-bistro

YAYA’S EURO BISTRO
Greenwood Village
303.741.1110 

Whimsy meets elegance, and then creates an award-winning outdoor dining experience at this American, French, Italian and Greek mash-up concept. The wrap-around patio looks out over a sizable pond with fountains and is covered with pleasant yellow umbrellas. 

PARK PLACE AT THE RIDGE
Castle Pines 
303.688.4301

Serene—that’s the one word that describes this mountain lodge-inspired patio, also known as the best outdoor seat in Castle Pines. Every spot features a splendid view of The Ridge at Castle Pines North, a daily-fee golf course. 

LOS CHINGONES
Denver Tech Center
303.567.4258

Head to this DTC eatery for a downtown vibe without all the hustle. The urban concrete patio is draped in string lights, electric blue hoop chairs and other eclectic accessories. When open, large garage doors connect the patio to the inside bar. People-watch along South Newport Street and, when you are ready to move about, explore the neighboring grassy courtyard. 

indulge-bistro-and-wine-bar

INDULGE BISTRO AND WINE BAR 
The Streets at Southglenn 
303.730.7200

Indulge puts you in the center of the action. The eatery’s third location, this spot opened in the fall of last year. The wrap-around, partially-covered outdoor area looks out at the Southglenn fountain on the large, oval roundabout.