Yes, patio season is here, which also means rooftop season has started. While some hot spots offer an elevated experience all year long, others only open the doors, and the pools, after Memorial Day. The time is now to go out in Denver and catch a great view to go with your cocktail and food.
Linger
There’s nothing new about Linger, it’s been a popular restaurant in LoHi since 2011. But summer is coming, which means the tiered rooftop patio will be open for those looking for some alfresco views to go with happy hour, lunch, or dinner. The cuisine comes from around the world, with options such as steamed bao buns, skewers, and Hot Honey Street Fries ($9.50). The rooftop area also serves one of Denver’s best frozés. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Rare Bird at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
It’s time to take advantage of Rare Bird, the seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant atop Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. This year you can check out items made in the open-air, wood-fired oven such as meatballs, grilled cheese, the venue’s signature Colorado pizza, and more. Enjoy bites alongside a menu of craft cocktails and entertainment. Weekly events include pizza classes, trivia, rooftop poolside movie nights, industry nights, and the Bird Dog happy hour for guests and their four-legged friends. Plus, all the views you can handle. 245 Columbine St., Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
The Woods at the Source Hotel
Located on the 8th floor of the Source Hotel in RiNo, The Woods has been a staple rooftop bar and restaurant since opening in 2018. Sit inside or out, and enjoy one of the 20 local beers on tap and casual eats such as the Southwest Chicken Salad ($17), Korean Sweet Soy Cauliflower ($15), Fried Catfish Sandwich ($18), and more. Best part, you can enjoy the hotel restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week long, and weekend brunch. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, thesourcehotel.com
Sorry Gorgeous
If looking for a swank cocktail lounge that also resides on a roof, well Sorry Gorgeous is the place for you. The inside of the bar is just as beautiful as the view, and when you add on a signature drink the experience elevates even more. Dive into a bowl of Truffled Popcorn ($6) with a Frozen Aperol Spritz ($16) and celebrate the season. Inside Novel RiNo, 1350 40th St., Denver, sorrygorgeousrooftop.com
54thirty Rooftop Bar at Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Order hand-crafted cocktails and globally inspired bites roughly 5,430-feet high at the aptly named 54thirty Rooftop Bar downtown. The setting proves casual, though after 6 p.m., only those 21-plus can enjoy the space. The menu changes seasonally, and though the venue is open most days, it’s dependent on the weather. 1475 California St., Denver, 54thirty.com
Rook at the Catbird Hotel
New on the rooftop scene is Rook, a clubhouse located on top of the Catbird Hotel in RiNo. Rook takes over the former Red Barber space and is filled with games such as backgammon, pool, card games, board games, and more. As you play, listen DJs spinning obscure jazz and dance tracks as the evening progresses.
The beverage menu features house creations like the Rowdy Rowdy with Jack Rye, red vermouth, Fernet, and bitters and Under Pressure with Montelobos mezcal, coconut, amari blend, bitters, and salt. Plus, frozen Espresso Martinis and plenty of zero-proof drinks. Food remains playful and easy with walking tacos, grilled cheese, and gourmet hot dogs. 3770 Walnut St., Denver, catbirdhotel.com
Halo Rooftop Bar at the Kimpton Claret
One of the best views around can be had at Halo Rooftop Bar, which sits on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Claret. In fact, it’s a 180-degree view of the Rocky Mountains, meaning almost any spot you sit at will be perfect. Also on the roof, find outdoor fire pits, live music every Wednesday through Saturday, and food whipped up by chef Christian Graves. 6985 E. Chenango Ave., Denver, clarethotel.com
Hey Kiddo/Okay Yeah
On top of id est’s bustling eatery in Berkeley is Okay Yeah, the rooftop space open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to close. There are only 15 first-come-first-served seats, so it’s an intimate and special spot. The menu proves simple with a bespoke cocktail creation suited to each person, and daily hand roll specials. 4337 Tennyson St., Denver, hk-oy.com
Stellar Jay at the Populus Hotel
When Stellar Jay opened on top of the beautiful Populus Hotel in Downtown Denver, it came with one of the best views of the capitol building and surrounding areas around it. Head up here any time of the year for a cocktail on the rooftop patio, and bites cooked over a live fire. Think the show stopping Bison Tomahawk ($145) with chimichurri, charred asparagus ($16), and Ruby Trout ($31) with fennel gremolata and pickled fingerling potatoes. 240 14th St., Denver, populusdenver.com
Apple Blossom at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
This downtown hotel has a spacious top-floor rooftop with drinks and small plates cultured by the lobby restaurant, Apple Blossom. Think crudite, charcuterie boards, olives, and housemade chips with wine, local canned cocktails, and beer. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., guests can sit back in the plush seating and take in the stunning cityscape views. Plus, this pet-friendly rooftop is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the dog days of summer. 1776 Champa St., Denver, hyatt.com
Avanti Food & Beverage Denver
Since opening in 2015, this LoHi foodhall has been the place to be for rooftop extravaganzas. One, the view of Downtown Denver is gorgeous, and two you can get drinks and food from any of the seven restaurant vendors to enhance your experience. And, if it rains, enjoy the rooftop safely inside the building. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Kisbee on the Roof at the Jacquard Hotel
Score a day pass to enjoy the pool, craft cocktails, and tasty bites at this Cherry Creek rooftop oasis. Rent a private cabana, or simply snag a lounge chair by the water. Live DJs enhance the mood every Friday and Saturday night, which is 21-and-up. Otherwise, all can enjoy the serene setting and gorgeous view of the mountains. 222 Milwaukee St., Denver, thejacquard.com
Spritz Rooftop Pool Bar at the Sheraton Denver Downtown
Escape the heat of Denver at the now-open Spritz, a rooftop pool and bar right downtown. Spritz is open to guests of the hotel as well as the public through reservations on ResortPass, which can help you book a cabana for all your summer needs. Expect to enjoy a pool bar, a game room, and casual bites such as salads, burgers, sandwiches, and a kids’ menu. Of course, as the name suggests, drinks include an Aperol Spritz, as well as a Mai Tai, Raspberry Fizz, Margarita, and more. 1550 Court Pl., Denver, marriott.com
FIRE at The ART Hotel Denver
Head to The ART Hotel Denver to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a series of curated events and experiences. Plus, there’s a great outdoor patio that’s as close to being on the roof as possible. Order a drink from FIRE, the property’s restaurant, and sip alfresco. 1201 N. Broadway, Denver, thearthotel.com
BurnDown
This South Broadway spot offers a view as vast as its interior’s square footage. The casual eatery is massive, some 24,000 square-feet over three floors, all centered around an atrium that resulted from a fire in 1978 that destroyed much of the building’s interior.
But from those ashes rose a restaurant bathed in natural light. On the second level, an open-air sun deck collects spillover crowds from around the venue, which includes an all-day lounge and acoustic stages. But the jewel in BurnDown’s crown is the roof deck, accessed from the indoor-outdoor third floor. The visage from up there is an all-encompassing front row seat to the Front Range. Plus, the view of downtown’s skyline is the little cherry on top of the umbrella drink you’re using to wash down the gastropub’s signature dishes like the BurnDown Burger ($20), made with wagyu. 476 S. Broadway, Denver, burndowndenver.com
Clayton Beach Club at Clayton Hotel & Members Club
Summer starts at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club with the opening of Clayton Beach Club each Saturday. The only caveat, it’s only open to Clayton members and hotel guests, which really makes us want to join or at the very least take a staycation. The weekly event includes fun beverage activations, live DJs, and themed parties for a new experience every Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The menu includes poke bowls, bento boxes, inventive spritzes, and cocktails by the pool. 233 Clayton St., Denver, claytondenver.com
