PATIO SEASON is in full swing at these local restaurants
By Jay McKinney
If there’s one thing that winter lovers must concede when it comes to which seasons are best, it’s the ability to dine and drink outside. Just like trees getting their first buds in spring, patios and rooftops that were shuttered over the winter slowly come back to life when umbrellas replace piles of icy snow every spring.
The long days and warm summer nights are essential for outdoor dining, and Colorado has plenty of restaurants and bars that embrace them.
For those seeking a night out complete with games and entertainment, consider visiting Pindustry. The 20,000-square-foot Skydeck has a putting green, cornhole, ping pong, and giant chess and checkers to play. Nothing beats a little friendly competition while sipping a cocktail and looking out at the Rocky Mountains. Pindustry’s frozen drinks are available exclusively on its Skydeck, and they go down easy while eating wings served with the signature duckpin devil sauce. Located in the same vicinity as Pindustry is the Rouge Wine & Bourbon Bistro, which is under the same ownership.
“The Rouge Wine and Bourbon Bistro, located just two doors down from Pindustry, offers a unique and fun Roaring Twenties energy in its ambiance as well as a large patio, also with a scenic and beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains,” says executive director, Christine Gill. Enjoy our sunset DJ event on the patio at The Rouge Bistro every Thursday night while sipping wine or savoring one of our exclusive bourbons. The soft seating around the fire pits creates the perfect setting for a romantic or chill Colorado-style evening.”
While The Rouge is undoubtedly an excellent destination for wine lovers, it’s not the only wine bar with outdoor seating. Postino WineCafe has three locations across Denver, and since the Highlands Ranch location opened in 2022, it’s become a staple in the community. It has an intimate sunken patio complete with lush succulents, plenty of seating and Postino’s signature yellow umbrellas.
“We’d already welcomed many Highlands Ranch residents at our Denver locations, so bringing a spot closer to home felt natural,” says Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of the restaurant group Upward Projects. “From day one, we’ve seen a fantastic mix of guests—whether it’s friends catching up over happy hour, families gathering for a casual night out, or couples sharing a late-night board and bottle.”
You can’t go wrong with a classy wine bar for a date night, but if you’re seeking live music, the Lansdowne Arms bistro and pub should be on your radar. Irish pubs may be stereotyped as dingy bars with a constant flow of Guinness and locals who know the bartender better than their own family, but Lansdowne Arms is challenging this notion. Yes, there is still a steady flow of Guinness, and the menu features classic Irish fare like sirloin shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. Still, the dining space is charming, and the rooftop patio is the antithesis of the stereotypical dingy pub.
“We have one of the largest rooftop patios around,” general manager Steven Gregory says. “There’s a beautiful view of the mountains, and we have live music and a lot of fun, including a variety of events.”
After a late Saturday night, nothing beats Sunday morning brunch. Courtyard Social in Castle Rock has a picturesque patio and dishes that look as good as they taste. From the seasonal French toast to the carne asada skillet, every item on the menu is delicious and will likely induce an afternoon food coma.
“Brunch has become one of our best day parts, and as the patio really spins into season, it’s awesome to enjoy a drink on the patio along with one of the signature brunch items that we offer as you soak up the sun and relax to the waterfall in our courtyard,” says Gary Mantelli who owns Courtyard Social with his wife, Leah. “We are also super dog-friendly, so having the pup with you on the patio is also a win.”
Try these top-notch menu items!
Pindustry
Try the Courtney-Rita (a unique take on a margarita) or the frozen drinks available exclusively on the Skydeck and pair them with a juicy burger or wings.
7939 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village, 720.712.7467, thepindustry.com
Postino WineCafe
Order any of the bruschetta boards for the table—they’re all fantastic. Consider the Nine Iron Panini made with grilled chicken, sugar-crusted bacon, fresh stracciatella, mixed greens, tomato and Dijonnaise as an entree.
1497 Park Central Dr., Highlands Ranch, 720-410-8600, postinowinecafe.com
Lansdowne Arms
Try the Key lime piña colada or a spicy margarita—two drinks not generally associated with Irish Pubs, but Lansdowne Arms is not an average pub.
9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch, 303.953.1704, lansdownearmsco.com
Courtyard Social
For whiskey lovers, ask the bartenders about the selection of allocated whiskeys. Courtyard Social is proud of its raw oyster bar, where East- and West-Coast oysters are flown in daily.
333 Perry St., Castle Rock, 720-762-4015, courtyardsocialcr.com
