Denver’s original steakhouse, this National Historic Landmark is located in the city’s oldest neighborhood, just five minutes from downtown Denver, and has been serving Old West fare since 1893. A charming roof-top patio overlooks downtown, and is open year-round, thanks to the patio heaters. Downstairs, you’ll dine with a wide assortment of mounted game heads – FYI, this is a spot for meat lovers, vegetarians, beware! Prime grade beef steaks, buffalo prime rib, elk, salmon, quail, game hen, and baby-back pork ribs are just some of the offerings on the Buckhorn’s menu. Exotic appetizers such as alligator tail, rattlesnake and buffalo sausage are available, as is the house specialty, Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Here’s the place for Argentine (that means Spanish- and Italian-tinged) cuisine, in a casual, yet fancy bistro in lower downtown. The enchanting patio is off-street and nestled in a courtyard, filled with flowers. That Argentine beef you’ve heard so much about? It’ll be carved right at your table! Start out with some provoleta, grilled provolone cheese with oregano and olive oil, and follow with risotto al pescador, or Lomo al Malbec. A glass or two of Argentine wine and you’ll be dancing the tango…or strolling the streets of LoDo.

This wildly popular Tech Center café is hopping any time of the year, but summer evenings are perhaps the most festive. The wraparound patio is filled with flower pots and warm breezes make for very pleasant hours spent nursing margaritas and mojitos, and maybe a bit of schmoozing as well with the attractive, well-dressed clientele. Cool River is famed for their excellent steaks and seafood as well as more casual fare.

In the center of Denver’s historic Northwest neighborhood, amidst beautifully restored Victorians, Highlands Garden is loved for its intimate antique-filled rooms but especially for its glorious gardens, flower-bedecked and lushly green, with several patio areas in which to dine. Nothing could be more romantic than a table for two on the patio, with a bottle of wine and a gourmet repast of some of the finest cuisine served in Denver. Consistently making the “Best Patio” and “Most Romantic” lists of many reviewers (including accolades from Zagat and Wine Spectator,) this is truly a “don’t-miss” in Denver.

With more than 30 types of fish and seafood flown in daily, you can be sure of top quality here. The enormous umbrella-shaded patio offers a calm respite from the summer heat, and McCormick & Schmick’s in Denver lives up to its national reputation of serving excellent cocktails and one of the best happy hour pub menus around. Not a fish or seafood lover? No problem – you can select from a wide range of poultry, beef, pasta and vegetarian choices as well. Choose the Tech Center location for the patio – or the Downtown site when the weather is not amenable.

The place is known and loved for its outstanding burgers and Bloody Mary’s, its exceptionally pretty enclosed patio (open in the warmer months only) and its unusual (and refreshing) classical music – but it’s also stellar for its microbrew and import selection. Bonus – it’s kid-friendly and within walking distance to Coors Field. My Brother’s Bar was cool before the rest of the area was cool – and it still is!

The site of the Paramount Cafe once served as the entrance and lobby of the Historic Paramount Theatre. Once among seventeen theatres in the downtown area, it is now the only remaining grand movie palace of its era. Today, the theatre’s entrance located around the corner on Glenarm Place, the former lobby's huge concession stand and soda fountain now serves as the Paramount Cafe's bar. The Art Deco terrazzo tile floor and ornate hand crafted gilt work are original features of the theatre. A huge menu and even bigger bar AND one of downtown’s largest, coolest patios complement this happening place – ideal for checking out those cruising the 16th Street Mall.

One of Denver’s most charming patios, set in the quiet garden behind this popular spot in the pedestrian-flocked South Pearl Street neighborhood. Family-friendly, but perfect for a romantic evening as well, Pearl Street Grill’s patio is peaceful and just right for a conversation that needs to be heard. Two happy hours daily and a delightful Sunday brunch, along with a relaxed menu that fits every craving.

Another of the famed Richard Sandoval’s signature restaurants, Tamayo has been embraced by Denver’s connoisseurs for its creative, yet authentic, adaptations of fine Mexican fare. The roof-top patio, partially enclosed, is excelente for viewing the sunset over the Rockies amidst the lights of downtown’s skyline. You might start with chile ancho fried calamari in a chipotle chile and blood orange reduction sauce, followed by tequila-flambéed shrimp, and finishing with a creamy tres leches made with Frangelico liqueur.

Catering to the young, hip crowd and post-sports event fans, and offering a beautiful bar, fireplace, lounge, plasma television screens, game room, dining room and dance floor. The three roof-top decks overlook Coors Field won the Tavern Downtown a spot on none other than Playboy Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Rooftops in America,” as well as accolades from Sunset Magazine for “Best Rooftop Patio in the West.” The menu features ballpark favorites like Chicago Dogs and Polish sausage, salads and sandwiches along with classic “back East” favorites such as New England clam chowder, stromboli, pizza and Philly cheese steak sandwiches.