As the snow melts and Denver welcomes its golden spring and summer months, the city comes alive with open-air dining and rooftop sipping. Whether you’re chasing golden hour with a craft cocktail in hand or planning a chic al fresco dinner, this curated list of Denver’s most elevated bars and restaurants with stunning outdoor space is your essential warm-weather guide.
From sweeping rooftop views to intimate garden patios, here are the best places to toast the season — all with that distinct blend of style and sophistication you expect.
1. El Five – LoHi
What to Expect:
A Mediterranean tapas lounge with dramatic, panoramic views of downtown Denver and the Rockies. Elevated both in taste and setting, this rooftop spot is a LUX favorite for sunset cocktails and late-night ambiance.
Don’t Miss:
The Ras El Hanout lamb ribs and a Smoke & Mirrors mezcal cocktail.
The Clayton Members Only Club + Hotel
2. The Clayton Members Club & Hotel – Cherry Creek
What to Expect:
An exclusive, design-forward experience in the heart of Cherry Creek. While parts are private, the rooftop restaurant Of A Kind is open to the public and offers a relaxed-yet-refined setting perfect for a warm evening.
Don’t Miss:
Brunch on the rooftop and their signature Caviar & Chips.
3. Nocturne – RiNo
What to Expect:
Elevated jazz, elevated food. This modern jazz supper club offers rooftop vibes during warm months, plus a refined prix-fixe tasting menu and curated wine pairings.
Don’t Miss:
Plan a date night with live jazz under the stars.
4. The Woods at The Source Hotel – RiNo
The Woods Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
What to Expect:
A contemporary rooftop bar and restaurant with unobstructed mountain views and casual fine dining. A collaboration with New Belgium Brewing keeps the beer list elevated but unpretentious.
Don’t Miss:
Weekend rooftop brunch and their house-made ricotta toast.
5. The Cruise Room – Downtown Denver
What to Expect:
Denver’s original cocktail bar, steeped in Art Deco charm. While the bar itself is a moody interior gem, the Oxford Hotel now offers an intimate patio extension where guests can enjoy craft cocktails outdoors in warm weather.
Don’t Miss:
A classic martini and a dose of Denver history.
6. Tavernetta – Union Station
What to Expect:
Italian elegance at its finest, with a spacious, garden-inspired patio perfect for warm evenings and people-watching near Union Station. Ideal for both date nights and power lunches.
Don’t Miss:
Their house-made pasta and exceptional wine list curated by Frasca Hospitality Group.
7. Forget Me Not – Cherry Creek
What to Expect:
A chic, design-driven cocktail lounge with a lush outdoor patio. It’s a scene — but an upscale one. Ideal for a fashionable happy hour or girls’ night out.
Don’t Miss:
The seasonal gin and elderflower cocktails served in artful glassware.
8. Death & Co at The Ramble Hotel – RiNo
What to Expect:
The iconic New York cocktail bar’s Denver outpost lives up to the hype. While the main bar is indoors, their cozy outdoor courtyard offers the perfect blend of intimacy and sophistication.
Don’t Miss:
A reservation-only cocktail tasting experience.
Corrida- Boulder
9. Corrida – Boulder (Worth the Drive)
What to Expect:
Just 30 minutes outside Denver, Corrida offers an elevated rooftop dining experience with unobstructed Flatiron views. Spanish-style steakhouse meets modern design.
Don’t Miss:
Dry-aged beef and a bottle of Rioja on the terrace at sunset.
10. Tamayo – Larimer Square
What to Expect:
Modern Mexican cuisine by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. Their rooftop terrace offers a lively, upscale vibe with unbeatable downtown views.
Don’t Miss:
Bottomless weekend brunch or sunset margaritas with street-style tacos.
LUX Denver Recommends
- Reservations are highly encouraged — patios and rooftops fill quickly during peak season.
- Check for rooftop-specific hours — some outdoor spaces close for private events or weather.
- Opt for valet or rideshare — many of these gems are in busy districts like RiNo or Cherry Creek.
Ready to Elevate Your Summer Dining Plans?
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, entertaining clients, or simply indulging in Denver’s best weather, these upscale bars and restaurants promise unforgettable ambiance and taste.
Looking for more curated experiences? Connect with LUX Denver — your guide to Colorado’s finest homes, lifestyles, and elevated living.
