Chicago

Photo by Kate Golembiewski, courtesy of Field Museum

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

The world’s largest predatory dinosaur, the awe-inspiring Spinosaurus, is here in Chicago, having been lifted into its new home at the Field Museum on June 2.

The World’s Largest Predatory Dinosaur Just Debuted at the Chicago Field Museum

New York

Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts

Lifestyle

We don’t mess around when it comes to our kicks—we mess around in them.

Make Your Kicks Spotless Again After Gov Ball with a Free Sneaker Spa

Nation

Nobythai/Moment/Getty Images

Every summer, fireflies around the world flicker their abdomens in search of love.

6 Places Around the World to See Fireflies Illuminate the Night Sky 

Philadelphia

Sea Isle City NJ

It’s summertime and the living is sandy.

Get Some Sun and Boardwalk Fudge at the Best Beaches Near Philly

Nashville

The Dive Hotel

Spring was lovely in Nashville this year.

How to Still Have Fun in Nashville When It’s Stupidly Hot Outside

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's weekly guide to everything you can do this weekend—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend

imageSPACE/Shutterstock

Events

The annual CMA Fest in Nashville draws thousands of country music fans to Nashville to celebrate the current chart-toppers and next big stars.

Country Music Fests, Drag Brunch, and More Fun Things to Do in Nashville This Weekend

Houston

Photo courtesy of Alternative Symphony



We don’t always get behind the foodie holidays, but when it’s National Rosé Day this Saturday, we totally do.

Groove to Orchestral Dr. Dre and More Fun Things to Do in Houston This Weekend

Las Vegas

Photo by Carol Rosegg, courtesy of HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis

This weekend looks a lot like last weekend, and that's a good thing as Las Vegas continues to celebrate Pride, the World Series of Poker, and of course, the Vegas Golden Knights, who are up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup finals.

Hit Up a New Bar, Get Hypnotized, and More Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas This Weekend

Seltzerland

The calendar-watchers will tell you that summer doesn’t “officially” start for another week and a half, but in Chicago we know better.

Music Festivals, Food Festivals, and More Fun Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend

San Diego

Photo courtesy of San Diego Brew Festival 


SanDiegoTourism_1021045_Jan23

Drink Beer, Eat Fried Fair Food, and More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Rendering courtesy of The Shed 

So, uh, it’s been pretty apocalyptic out there this week.

Fun NYC Weekend Plans to End the Apocalyptic Week On a High Note

San Francisco

Photo by Kevin Berne, courtesy of Toni Rembe Theater 


Follow the Yellow Brick Road to endless amounts of fun this weekend in the form of a theatrical production of The Wizard of Oz unlike anything you can even begin to imagine, several Juneteenth celebrations, Design Week, a birthday bash at SF’s oldest Bavarian beer hall, the return of West Coast Craft, live music all over the Mission, and more.

See SF’s First-Ever Juneteenth Parade, Visit Oz, and More Fun Things to Do in SF This Weekend

United States

Federales

Hit up these bars and restaurants for the ultimate Denver patio experiences, whether you’re heading out for brunch, afternoon libations, or late night drinks.

Denver

Courtesy of Tamayo

We don’t dare claim 2022 as our year given the recent history of, well, everything. But the one thing we can count on in Denver time and time again is patio season. Catch every possible space filling up this spring and summer for bottomless mimosas, house cocktails, free-flowing beer, and the best parts that patios have to offer, like spending quality time with your pups or enjoying live entertainment. Looking to patio hop? Grab sunshine <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/denver/best-brunch-denver" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">brunch at one spot</a>, then meander over to somewhere you can show off your ping pong or volleyball skills. If there’s one thing Denver knows best, it’s how to have a good time outside—all hail Mile High al fresco.

We don’t dare claim 2022 as our year given the recent history of, well, everything. But the one thing we can count on in Denver time and time again is patio season. Catch every possible space filling up this spring and summer for bottomless mimosas, house cocktails, free-flowing beer, and the best parts that patios have to offer, like spending quality time with your pups or enjoying live entertainment. Looking to patio hop? Grab sunshine <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/denver/best-brunch-denver" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">brunch at one spot</a>, then meander over to somewhere you can show off your ping pong or volleyball skills. If there’s one thing Denver knows best, it’s how to have a good time outside—all hail Mile High al fresco.

A chic cocktail lounge at the corner of Court Place and the 16th Street Mall has its home in Sheraton Downtown but is perfect for anyone needing a cozy patio beverage—hotel guest or otherwise. Indulge in some of the most fun-named cocktails, like the Dapper Don, Ambrosia Smoke Signal, and Tally Me Banana, or check out the vast beer, wine, cider, and mocktails available, with small bites—sweet and savory—to boot.

Courtesy of Bezel

Bezel

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

This place might have settled into its digs by now (and we know you know about the famed ice shots and basically that this is the after-dark spot in RiNo), but we’re focusing our love on its spacious patio for all your margarita-drinkin’, taco-lovin’ needs. And when the weather’s good (it’s Denver, so almost always), even the indoor roof opens up to let in sunshine and fresh air.

Federales Denver


The neat thing about this enormous space is that you can show up at 9 am and start your day with an iced latte and stay late into the night for beers, specialty cocktails, and various food truck delights. The patio is sizable, meaning you and the whole gang are sure to find a spot, and heck, bring the pups along too. Leashed dogs are welcome to hang out while you enjoy patio life in Denver—one of its best features. &nbsp;

Improper City


Three words for you: Bottomless Margarita Brunch. And even if brunch isn’t your thing, the margaritas, queso, and sunny patio overlooking Larimer Square are more than enough reasons to visit. Sit in the sun or underneath the cozy canopy and enjoy the best that Chef Richard Sandoval has to offer, then do it again next week, and the week after, and the week after that.

Tamayo

Looking for a Secret Garden-esque vibe while you sip something bubbly and refreshing? This semi-secret patio space has got woodland vibes in the heart of LoHi with a cocktail menu and tap list to keep you occupied far past sundown. Pull up a stump and warm yourself by the firepit if things get a little chilly and feel the weird blend of mountain–urban vibes. &nbsp;

Forest Room 5


Two words: wine slushies. Get ‘em in red, white, or swirl while soaking in the sun on the large patio at this restaurant. This spot is the sister restaurant to long time South Broadway favorite The Hornet and the menu features the same honey stung fried chicken (which also happens to be gluten-free).

Photo courtesy of Acova

Acova

With fire pits, picnic tables, and sparkling lights aplenty, this backyard-style escape is made for long afternoons sipping your way through the beer list. They’ve got 24 brews on tap, most Colorado-made, along with bottles, cans, wine, and cocktails. Plus they smoke their own meats in house daily, including their chicken wings—get the bourbon BBQ.

Recess Beer Garden LoHi

Recess Beer Garden

This 17th Ave staple is a known patio spot for catching some of that sweet Colorado sun while snacking on daily happy hour specials from Korean fried wings to Floral Fridays’ $5 Daiquiris. On Saturdays and Sundays, swing through for Japanese pancakes at the best brunch in town, or head over on Thursdays for a Peking duck date night.

Ace Eat Serve

Colorado was the 38th state to join the Union and Number Thirty Eight is an ode to all things Coloradoans love—aka, craft beer and being outside. This venue (which managed to open in the fall of 2020 despite the ongoing pandemic) features a drool-worthy menu from <a href="https://www.splitlipeatplace.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Split Lip Chicken</a>, a beverage program highlighting locally made spirits and a wide array of Colorado brews, an outdoor stage for live music, and even sand volleyball courts. It’s basically an adult playground, and we’re here for it.

Courtesy of Number Thirty Eight

Number Thirty Eight

One of the Mile High’s OG food halls, Avanti is an incubator for chefs and restaurateurs to test out new concepts, each operating out of seven shipping containers where current options include burgers, poke bowls, arepas, and more. But it’s also got one of the most popular rooftop patios in the city, with views of downtown and backyard party vibes. And in October 2020, Avanti opened a second location in Boulder which also boasts a patio with panoramic views.

Photo courtesy of Avanti

Avanti F&B, a collective eatery

Dreaming of a Paris getaway? You can find a slice of Parisian life right here in Denver at Bistro Vendome. One of the staples of historic Larimer Square, this French bistro from chef and restaurateur Jennifer Jasinski features a patio tucked away from the busy street where it’s easy to forget you’re actually still in Colorado. Pair your patio seat with wines by the glass and traditional French fare like mussels, escargot, and steak frites.

Photo courtesy of Mark Piscotty

Bistro Vendome

Bacon flights (yup, you read that right) and bacon bloodys flow freely at this north Denver brunch fave. But what really sets this spot apart is its large courtyard patio that’s tucked away from the main street and makes you feel like you just discovered Denver’s best secret daytime party when you arrive. For anyone down south—they’ve also got a location in Littleton with killer rooftop views of the Rockies.

Photo courtesy of Bacon Social House

Bacon Social House

With an expansive outdoor beer garden, this spot south of Denver is a day drinking oasis. In warmer months, outdoor concerts are a huge draw. But live entertainment aside, this is the kind of place you can go for a time-out from life as you sample their brews (and seltzers—they’ve got a line of those too) while enjoying eats like the Avalanche Ale beer-battered fish and chips or pulled pork sandwich with Hop Peak BBQ sauce.

The Farm House Breckenridge Brewery

Breckenridge Brewery

Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-dinner drink or imbibing in late-night cocktails, this bar and food truck pod on Larimer Street in the heart of RiNo is located close to tons of other bars and restaurants… though once you settle in with a drink, you’ll probably want to stay awhile. The eclectic bar is stocked with over 800 spirits and sixteen rotating taps and often features a rotating schedule of food vendors posted up out front.

Finn's Manor


<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/molly-martin">Molly Martin</a> is a freelance writer in Denver, Colorado who is always on the lookout for fun things to do. Follow her Mile High adventures @mollydbu on<a href="https://twitter.com/mollydbu"> Twitter</a> and<a href="https://instagram.com/mollydbu"> Instagram</a>. 
 
<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/erica-buehler" target="_blank">Erica Buehler</a>&nbsp;is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/e_buehler/" target="_blank">@e_buehler</a>&nbsp;on Instagram and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/e_buehler_" target="_blank">@e_buehler_</a>&nbsp;on Twitter for more updates on Denver food and other Mile High shenanigans. 
&nbsp;

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Bars

The Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in Denver

Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in Denver

For outdoor dog-friendly drinking and patios with live music, these are your best bets for al fresco dining in the Mile High.


We don’t dare claim 2022 as our year given the recent history of, well, everything.

Federales

Featured In

The Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in Denver

More From Thrillist

The World’s Largest Predatory Dinosaur Just Debuted at the Chicago Field Museum

You may remember it from ‘Jurassic Park 3.’

Make Your Kicks Spotless Again After Gov Ball with a Free Sneaker Spa

Show your Gov Ball tickets to get a free clean for your shoes.

6 Places Around the World to See Fireflies Illuminate the Night Sky

The magical spectacle is one you won’t want to miss.

Get Some Sun and Boardwalk Fudge at the Best Beaches Near Philly

These beaches close to Philadelphia are all within a two-hour drive.

How to Still Have Fun in Nashville When It’s Stupidly Hot Outside

Here’s how to beat the heat in Music City.

Country Music Fests, Drag Brunch, and More Fun Things to Do in Nashville This Weekend

These are all your local must-hit food and music festivals, events, movies, markets, deals, and concerts to help you make the most of your weekend.

Groove to Orchestral Dr. Dre and More Fun Things to Do in Houston This Weekend

Plus, shop at a summertime flea market and toast to National Rosé Day.

Hit Up a New Bar, Get Hypnotized, and More Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas This Weekend

A new sports bar debuts with a Knights viewing party.

Music Festivals, Food Festivals, and More Fun Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend

These are all your local must-hit music and food festivals, events, movies, markets, deals, and concerts to help you make the most of your weekend.

Drink Beer, Eat Fried Fair Food, and More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

You can hit up to 70 breweries all in one place and find even more food at the county fair.

Fun NYC Weekend Plans to End the Apocalyptic Week On a High Note

Dance it out at an after-hours party and more fun things to do in NYC this weekend.

See SF’s First-Ever Juneteenth Parade, Visit Oz, and More Fun Things to Do in SF This Weekend

From parades to plays, there is a ton of fun stuff to do in San Francisco this weekend.