The 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Denver, CO
Denver is known as the “Mile High City” for a reason. The gorgeous skyline juxtaposed against the majestic rise of The Rockies is a sight worth seeing at least once. Fortunately, people in Denver get the enviable joy of this amazing visual experience just by stepping outside.
You can see the mountains everywhere. The only way to get a better view is to climb up to the rooftops to get closer to that heavenly landscape. What’s even better than that is being on a rooftop that offers fine dining. It’s a reality that you can make happen, too. Here is a list of twenty of the best rooftop restaurants in Denver.
1. The Golden Mill
Located on Denver’s west side, The Golden Mill is located on the grounds of an old grain mill. A huge deck was built into the rooftop. The panoramic view covers Clear Creek, as well as South and North Table Mountain. Some days, patrons can enjoy music from live bands and a vast array of beer taps.
2. Linger
Linger is one of Edible Beat’s five signature restaurants. When the company decided to establish the rooftop restaurant “Linger”, they combined the concepts of a hippie haven, innovative cuisine, and a (gulp) funeral parlor.
Yes, this was once a mortuary. Don’t worry though. Lingering spirits aren’t what makes this fabulous place a great place to dine. It’s the amazing food and views that make this a go-to place for grub.
3. Kisbee on the Roof
On the rooftop of the Jacquard Hotel is a little place called Kisbee on the Roof. Patrons can sample some yummy morsels while sipping a few cocktails. This place has one of the best mountain views that Denver has to offer.
4. The Red Barber
If you come across the Catbird Hotel, head on up for an amazing dining experience at The Red Barber. It’s a huge space featuring fire pits, backyard-style games, live entertainment, and downright delicious food. If you like a home-like atmosphere with a gorgeous view of Denver’s skyline, this is the perfect spot.
5. Izakaya Den
Anyone that likes Japanese gastropub cuisine will get great food and service at the rooftop restaurant, Izakaya Den. Located on Pearl Street, this place features some of the best sushi and sushimi in Denver. Styled in traditional Japanese decor and structure, this popular place is one of the top spots to book in the city.
Described as a “sake house with tapas”, fresh seafood arrives daily from the Sea of Japan, and all sauces are made fresh in the restaurant. Healthy and delectable, this is a “must-see and taste” destination for rooftop restaurants Denver.
6. Fogo de Chao
This popular Brazilian restaurant has many locations throughout the world. Luckily, Denver is one of them! Located near Union Station in the LoDo district, Fogo de Chao features churassco cooking and a lounge centered around a cozy fireplace. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Fogo de Chao maintains the spirit of Brazil and all of South America in its food, wine, and atmosphere.
Serving specially selected South American vintages, diners can also expect sumptuous entrees such as Chilean sea bass, lamb pincaha, and many other options. An in-house butcher even lets diners choose meat cuts for their meals. Chill on the rooftop area with a taste of Brazil on your plate.
7. Colorado Campfire
Colorado Campfire takes pride in locally sourcing its menu, including the beer selection. A true “ranch to table” restaurant, diners can stop in for Coloradan-inspired fare while taking in the sights of the city. This place is designed to replicate the camaraderie of a group campfire and the rooftop gatherings somehow accomplish that feel.
One of the popular menu items that ties that spirit together is the Smore’s pop. However, the BBQ plate and shrimp tacos are excellent choices, too. Known as a super chill venue, dog lovers will enjoy bringing their fur babies to the pet-friendly patios.
8. Avanti F&B
Avanti F&B is a unique rooftop restaurant in Denver because of its setup. Technically, Avanti is more of a food hall and describes itself as a “collective eatery”. Avanti F&B offers smatterings of different types of cuisines from various vendors. In fact, there are about seven different food concepts to choose from.
No matter what food you order, patrons can make their way to the rooftop and join others on the expansive deck. Enjoy some delicious food while taking in the wide-open skies of the Rockies.
9. Dimestore Delibar
Dimestore Delibar is another unique restaurant that sports an awesome rooftop for diners to experience. This place is as much a top-tier restaurant as it is a neighborhood store.
Diners can indulge in something as simple as a bread and butter plate, or more sophisticated fare like roasted lamb shoulder. Meanwhile, the scenic views on the rooftop patio add even more joy to the dining experience.
10. FIRE
The Art is one of Denver’s sleekest hotels and at the top of it is FIRE, a top-rated restaurant that has curious and hungry diners clamoring for a reservation. Featuring elevated American fare, FIRE prides itself on using the freshest ingredients possible for its dishes.
Combining creativity with innovation, FIRE offers full breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus. Later on, you can make your way to the rooftop for a popular social hour, sipping on wine and cocktails.
11. Briar Common
Briar Common bills itself as being an unaverage brewery — and it’s true. Briar Common is unique in its approach to the menu because beer is the centerpiece of its dishes. Each meal is designed to pair perfectly with brewery selections to create an ultimate dining experience.
Whether it’s the Ahi Tuna Poke Salad or Buff + Bleu Burger, there’s a perfect beer for it. Between the beer garden and the rooftop patio, diners will find something to enjoy in this Jefferson Park restaurant.
12. Los Chingones Central Park
If you’re craving Mexican food and rooftop views while in Denver, you have to go to Los Chingones Central Park. This mainstay of the RiNo district has been around since 2013 and its staying power has a lot to do with its delicious food.
Exceptional tacos and enchiladas are always on deck but don’t ignore the carne asada either. The rooftop patio is a great place to soak up some sun while noshing on carnitas. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed and your eyes will love the sights.
13. Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse and Pizzeria
Sitting at the corner of Perry and 17th in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood is a gorgeous rooftop brewhouse and pizzeria called Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse. The brewhouse has 10 barrels of specialty brewed beer that can only be found here. Of course, it’s also a pizzeria and each pizza is delectably handmade.
One of the nicest things about this restaurant is part of why the food is so good. It’s 100 percent employee owned. So, the staff is invested in its customers. The rooftop patio provides stunning views of Sloan’s Lake and the Rockies. Pizza, beer, and a view are a nice way to wind down a day.
14. El Five
Here’s another culinary gem from Edible Beats: El Five. This rooftop restaurant Denver is right next door to Linger and offers extraordinarily scenic views of Denver’s skyline. The inspiration for the cuisine is drawn from the Mediterranean region of Gibraltar and the menu truly reflects that.
Its signature dish is tapas from Gibraltar. However, diners will find other fares that reflect all parts of the Mediterranean. Moroccan lamb sausage, Lebanese garlic dip, and harissa eggplant fries are just a few samples of the expansive menu options. Show up and dig in. Dine under the stars with the spirit of the Mediterranean Sea.
15. The Woods
If you should ever visit The Source Hotel, make a beeline for The Woods. This rooftop restaurant is known for New Belgium Brews, specially crafted cocktails, and astounding views of Denver. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Woods is a popular destination for events such as weddings, holiday gatherings, bridal showers and more.
Making a reservation is highly recommended because there’s always something going on. After enjoying a meal and taking in the sights, you can also take a dip in the rooftop pool!
16. 54thirty
54thirty boasts the highest-leveled rooftop restaurant views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. Located on the 20th floor of Le Meridien, the restaurant’s menu is comprised of various cuisines from around the world.
Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired Meza plate or indulge in the Wagyu Short Rib Tacos. Relax with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a satisfying draft beer. It’s first-come, first-serve here and there is a waitlist, so be on time to dine.
17. Viewhouse Ballpark
When you cross the street from Coors Field, you can walk right into the doors of Viewhouse Ballpark. This popular eatery and bar has one of the most festive atmospheres of any of the rooftop restaurants Denver. There’s a sporty spirit about this place and be prepared for flatscreens showing all sorts of games.
This place is so focused on sports fans that it has a special Tailgate menu. Diners will find brunch, lunch, and dinner menus featuring salads, sandwiches, pasta bowls, and more. Grab a plate, pull up a chair, and watch a game while lounging on the rooftop patio.
18. Elevated Rooftop Bar
At the top level of the Halcyon Hotel is a cool rooftop restaurant known as the Elevated Rooftop Bar. Designed for the views and social gatherings, diners will get a good look at the Rockies and downtown Denver’s skyline. On top of that, you’ll always get a great meal.
The menu features cleverly named cocktail selections such as Destiny’s Other Child and We Were On A Break. Pair those with the tuna tartare, melon salad, shrimp ceviche, or other menu offerings. Whatever you choose, your eyes and tummy will be satisfied.
19. Peaks Lounge
Go all the way up to the 27th floor of the Hyatt Regency Denver and you will find a nice dining spot called Peaks Lounge. As it’s situated so high up, your view of the Rocky Mountains is guaranteed. Your palate is also sure to be delighted!
Lobster mac and cheese, carpaccio, and braised rabbit tacos are some of the sophisticated fares to be found on this rooftop restaurant’s menu. Charcuterie trays and fresh Reuben sandwiches are also culinary highlights of this sky-high jewel of an establishment.
20. Joy Hill Denver
Joy Hill has a casual vibe as a neighborhood pizza restaurant, but it’s a lot more special than that. Locally sourced, organic ingredients and freshly made mozzarella are two hallmarks of these handcrafted pizzas that are baked in a wood-fired oven.
This is a place that prides itself on a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and its rooftop patio is made to bring people together. Plenty of pizza selections (you can build your own, too), appetizers, and salads are available. So, head over to South Broadway and get a slice while admiring the views of Denver.
If you get a chance to visit, the rooftop restaurants Denver are something you must experience. There is nothing in the country like the Rockies and Denver’s food scene is spectacular. Both are unparalleled. Between those two realities, there is no excuse to let this kind of dining experience pass by.
During your next trip to the Mile High City, make the most of it by visiting one of these rooftop restaurants Denver. You won’t regret it.
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