outdoor dining

Outdoor Dining: 5 Patios ‘Out of Denver’ Not To Miss

Food and drink always seem to be more enjoyable outdoors. With summer around the corner, patio season is heating up. Let’s take a look at the areas top patios for those eager to dine outside.

Augustine Grill External patio 

Augustine Grill

The backyard of a Victorian home built in the 1900’s has become one of the most enjoyable spots to indulge in food and drink. You can’t help but feel at home on the garden patio of the Augustine Grill. A fancy country feel exudes from the white picket fence, large trees bringing cool shade and fragrant blooming flowers. Weather permitting; a guitarist is strumming weekend nights.

The Grill has been serving up classic fare made from scratch for that last 15 years. Husband and wife owners create a new menu with the seasons. At lunch you can choose from salads, soups and sandwiches but come nightfall the dinner menu flips to fine dining. Among the most popular items are the lamb rack with sweet Thai chili and goat cheese.

519 Wilcox, Castle Rock

303-814-3663

 

Cafe Terractotta.

Café Terracotta

Tucked away just a half of a block from the Littleton Main Street, the cozy patio of Café Terracotta brings a relaxing feeling. The deck offers large umbrellas for shade while blooming flowers in the quaint spot surround you. The shaded front porch overlooking the lower patio and quiet neighborhood street is an excellent spot to take a seat.

The café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and Lunch menus include classical fare. Come 5 o’clock, the dinner crowd starts to mingle. The Pan-Seared Scottish Salmon comes with a mediterranean salsa verde, artichoke hearts and a parmesan and sun-dried tomato risotto. On Mondays you can order any bottle of wine for ½ price day or night.

5649 S. Curtice St., Littleton

303-794-6054

 

Platte River Bar & Grill

Platte River Bar & Grill

Sitting on the buzzing wooden deck of Platte River Bar & Grill is one of the best places to capture a sunset. Located on the Platte River in Littleton, this restaurant is a common pit stop for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. No need to leave one of the 300 seats on the deck to order up one of the 15 beers on tap- a bar just so happens to be located on the patio as well as inside.

Come hungry for homemade Mexican cuisine and classic burgers. The attire and atmosphere are both casual. Live Music is played from the deck Thursday thought Saturday from 8-midnite and Sundays from 2-4 p.m.

5995 S. Sante Fe Drive, Littleton

303-798-9356

 

Merle’s patio

Merle’s

What used to be an old gas station in the 1930’s has transformed to a
restaurant with a booming rooftop patio. The view from the top overlooks the Front Range and the bustling and quaint main street of Downtown Littleton. The covered deck offers plenty of seating in a causal atmosphere.

Choose from juicy burgers, fresh wraps or classic entrees. Happy hour (M-F 3-6:30 p.m.) offers $4 margaritas and specials on appetizers. You don’t want to miss the specialty hot wings or fried pickles. When it comes to burgers beef is not the only option- choose from buffalo, veggie or the prime-time to fuel your fancy.

2609 W. Main Street- Littleton

303-797-6008

Gabriel's Restaurant & Tuscan Bar

Gabriel’s Restaurant & Tuscan Bar

Gabriel’s has become a classic and timeless icon to the quiet town of Sedalia. The patio offers a magical ambiance with charming gardens and classic gazebos to share an unforgettable evening. The enchanting patio is attached to a Victorian Manor House and enhances a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere.

Gabriel’s specializes in elegant four course dining. Selections include from Lobster Gorgonzola, Bison Ribeye and Chicken Parmigiana. If you are looking for lighter fare check out the happy hour (Tuesday-Friday 4-6 p.m.) for specialty cocktails like the Peach Bellini or Mandarin Cosmo for $5. Appetizers including Grill Top Sirloin Steak and Stuffed Mushrooms are also served during happy hour from $3-$12.

5450 Manhart Ave., Sedalia

303-688-2323