5 Denver Al Fresco Dining Options for Summer
Photo Credit: Visit Denver/Facebook
Dining al fresco in Denver has never been more in vogue than right now in the summer of Covid 19. And many of the Mile High City’s restaurants and bars are getting creative this summer with patio and open space expansions to allow for social distancing without losing too much capacity.
In some cases, like Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions downtown and in the RiNo art district, entire blocks of streets have been shut to cars and filled instead with dining tables. In others, individual restaurants have applied for permits to expand their outdoor dining space, whether that’s converting a parking lot or adding a pup tent.
At Frontgate Realty we love eating out and we believe it is important to support local businesses as much as possible, so we’re making sure to dine out a little more than usual this summer. Remember if you do choose to check out one of these restaurants, reservations are highly recommended as none are operating at full capacity. Also note that menus may be more limited and you will still need to wear a mask when not eating or drinking and no more than eight people may dine together.
Brightmarten Restaurant and Bar, Bonnie Brae/Wash Park
The expanded outdoor dining at Brightmarten. Photo Credit: Brightmarten/Facebook
A favorite neighborhood restaurant for Bonnie Brae and Wash Park residents, Brightmarten is open for dinners Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm this summer. Known for their creative New American cuisine and craft cocktails, this summer they are serving a limited menu and also doing food theme nights.
If you love their beer can chicken then head here on Tuesdays (check out their Facebook page for specials and menu updates). The new extended patio includes a lighted pup tent to keep you cool on hot summer afternoons.
Contact Info: 730 S University St, 720-541-7696, www.brightmarten.com
Cabana X at bar helix, RiNo Art District
Cabana X at bar helix in RiNo. Photo Credit: Cabana X/Facebook
One of the most creative transformations has to be RiNo’s bar helix, which this summer has morphed into Cabana X. While Bar Helix was a cozy, indoor wine and cocktail venue, Cabana X is entirely outside and features an international beach destination theme. The pop-up concept uses rotating food and cocktail menus designed to transport you to Ibiza, Spain or Negril, Jamaica. You’ll need to make reservations online first. It fills fast.
RiNo has also closed of a few different streets including Larimer Street is closed between 27th and 28th Streets, 25th Street is closed between Larimer and Lawrence Streets and 35th Street is closed between Wazee and Wynkoop Streets. Around 25 different bars and restaurants have gained extra al fresco seating from these closures.
Contact Info: 3440 Larimer Street, 720-449-8587, www.barhelix.com
Sputino, Highlands
A bowl of pasta at Sputino in the highlands. Photo Credit: Sputino/Facebook
A popular eatery in the Highlands, Sputino has created a new pop-up version of itself for summer called “All’ Aperto,” which translates to open-air in Italian. They’ve put up a giant tent covering their parking lot and added lots of greenery and twinkling hanging lanterns to create some ambiance.
The restaurant is serving a modified la carte menu Wednesday through Saturday nights from 5pm to close. For mains, it features four pasta choices and four entree with a fish, meat, chicken and vegetarian selection. Check out their changing menu online.
Contact Info: 2639 West 32nd Ave, 303-433-0949, www.spuntinodenver.com/all-aperto
Postino Wine Cafe, LoHi
Bruschetta boards at Postino. Photo Credit: Postino Wine Cafe/Facebook
They take reservations, even during the Covid-19 era, but you can put your name on the wait list online here. Which you will need to do if you’re arriving after say 3pm but before 5pm daily. That’s because Postino has a fabulous outdoor patio in LoHi and some of the best happy hour beer and wine specials in town.
For just $5 you can get a mini pitcher of your favorite microbrew or any of their wines by the glass. The special starts when they open but only lasts until 5pm, however. After that it is full price. Postino also does the most delicious bruschetta boards in town — there are around a dozen different choices. On Monday and Tuesdays after 8pm stop by for a $25 bottle of wine and bruschetta board. Another steal of a deal.
Contact Info: 2715 17th St, 303-433-6363, www.postinowinecafe.com/p/lohi.html
Larimer Square and Union Station, Downtown Denver
Union Station has expanded its outdoor dining space. Photo Credit: @mana5280
The block of Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets has always been filled with restaurants, now it is also closed to cars. Restaurants that are open and operating with expanded street seating include TAG, Bistro Vendôme, Rioja, Capital Grill, Ocean Prime, Cru Food & Wine Bar, Osteria Marco and Corridor 44.
Also downtown, Glenarm Place is closed between 15th and 16th Streets at the Denver Pavilions. The restaurants at Union Station also have plenty of expanded outdoor seating. These nclude Stoic & Genuine, Ultreia, and the Cooper Lounge among others.