The Denver Wanderer

Tag: food

  • 5 Dog-Friendly Bars in Denver Where You and Your Pup Can Hang Out 🐾

    5 Dog-Friendly Bars in Denver Where You and Your Pup Can Hang Out 🐾

    Let’s be honest — in Denver, dogs are basically VIPs. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or just running local errands, chances are your pup is tagging along. And when it comes to grabbing a drink, why leave your four-legged friend at home? Thankfully, Denver’s got plenty of bars that welcome both humans and their dogs with open arms (and treats).

    Here are 5 of the best dog-friendly bars in Denver — perfect for patio hangs, pup playdates, and golden-hour drinks with your furry sidekick.

    1. The Watering Bowl

    This place is basically a dog park disguised as a bar. Known as “the dog-friendliest bar in Denver,” The Watering Bowl has a giant off-leash backyard where pups can run wild while you sip a cold beer. They’ve got shaded seating, food trucks, and plenty of water bowls for the dogs (naturally). Think casual, relaxed vibes with tons of fellow dog lovers around.

    📍 East Virginia Village
    🐾 Off-leash yard, food trucks, and dog events!

    2. Recess Beer Garden

    Recess in LoHi is one of the most popular patio spots in the city, and they love their canine customers. The spacious outdoor area is super dog-friendly, with lots of room to chill out while you enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and comfort food. It’s perfect for sunny afternoons when you and your pup just want to soak it all in. Bonus: they usually have water bowls on standby, and the staff is always happy to say hi to your dog!

    📍 LoHi Neighborhood
    🐾 Large patio, casual eats, and good people-watching.

    3. The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill

    With a name like Lazy Dog, it’s no surprise this spot welcomes pups. Their Westminster location has a big dog-friendly patio where you can kick back with sports on the TVs, tasty bar food, and plenty of brews on tap. Bring your dog along for game day or a casual lunch — it’s laid-back and fun for everyone.

    📍 Westminster
    🐾 Dog-friendly patio and chill sports bar vibes.

    4. Forest Room 5

    This one is a hidden gem. Tucked away in LoHi, Forest Room 5 feels like a little mountain escape right in the city. The outdoor space is rustic and cozy, with fire pits, woodsy décor, and — you guessed it — a super dog-friendly patio. It’s a great spot for cool evenings, especially if you love a quirky, relaxed atmosphere. Dogs are more than welcome, and they’ll love lounging by the fire while you sip on something craft.

    📍 LoHi Neighborhood
    🐾 Rustic patio with fire pits and a cozy, dog-welcoming vibe.

    5. Denver Beer Co.

    No list is complete without DBC. This iconic brewery is not only home to some of the best craft beer in town, but it’s also proudly dog-friendly. Their huge outdoor patio is always full of pups lounging while their humans enjoy a flight or two. Plus, they host dog-friendly events throughout the year, like dog costume contests and “Yappy Hours.”

    📍 Platte Street, LoHi
    🐾 Spacious patio, dog events, and top-notch local brews.

  • The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Denver for Killer Views & Good Vibes

    The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Denver for Killer Views & Good Vibes

    There’s just something about sipping a cocktail while taking in the Denver skyline and those Front Range sunsets. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Mile High City, rooftop bars are a must for soaking up the best of the city’s views and vibes. Lucky for us, Denver delivers.

    Here’s my go-to list of the top 5 rooftop bars in Denver — perfect for everything from happy hours to golden-hour dates.

    1. 54thirty Rooftop

    Let’s start with the highest rooftop bar in Denver — no, seriously, this one’s sitting pretty at 20 floors up. 54thirty is sleek, modern, and has unobstructed panoramic views that are hard to beat. Expect stylish cocktails (yes, they’re a little pricey, but worth it), fire pits for chilly evenings, and an energy that feels both upscale and laid-back. Hot tip: Get there early, especially in summer, because this place fills up fast.

    📍 Le Méridien Denver Downtown

    2. The Red Barber

    If you want a rooftop that feels like your best friend’s backyard party but with a way better view, The Red Barber is your spot. Located in the RiNo district, this funky rooftop has a massive green space, lawn games, fire pits, and tons of seating. The vibe is casual, the cocktails are creative, and the views stretch from downtown to the Rockies. Bonus: Live music nights and fun events keep it lively year-round.

    📍 Catbird Hotel, RiNo

    3. ViewHouse Ballpark

    A classic. ViewHouse is almost synonymous with rooftop day-drinking in Denver. It’s always buzzing, especially on game days since it’s right next to Coors Field. The rooftop overlooks the stadium and skyline, with TVs everywhere if you’re keeping an eye on the score. Expect a lively crowd, pub-style eats, and solid drink specials. It’s not the most “elevated” spot (pun intended), but it’s a Denver staple for good reason.

    📍 Ballpark Neighborhood

    4. Elevated Rooftop Bar

    This hidden gem at the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek is a little more polished and perfect for a date night or chill evening with friends. Elevated offers plush lounge seating, a sophisticated menu of small plates and craft cocktails, and gorgeous views over the tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. It feels a little like an escape from the bustle of downtown, and we’re not mad about it.

    📍 Halcyon Hotel, Cherry Creek

    5. El Five

    If you want a rooftop with serious “wow” factor, El Five is it. Perched above LoHi, this spot delivers breathtaking skyline views paired with an incredible Mediterranean tapas menu and inventive cocktails. The ambiance is romantic and eclectic, making it perfect for special nights out or impressing out-of-town visitors. Pro tip: Time your reservation for sunset — trust me.

    📍 LoHi Neighborhood