We live in Colorado for the views and the outdoor vibes, so when it comes to outdoor dining and drinking, we’re all in. That’s especially true during the prime patio season of summer. And fall. And, hey, even catching some warm sunny rays on those bright winter days can make for a perfect alfresco experience too.
So what does it take to be one of the best outdoor dining spots in Colorado Springs? More than just being a restaurant with outdoor seating. The food and drinks must be on point — that’s a given. There also has to be a killer patio. Scenery is important, and some of these patios have jaw-dropping views. Some spots are serene, making you feel like you’re transported deep into the mountains or farther from home than you actually are. Others might be festive and fun, with mood-boosting ambiance, yard games or some special quality that just keeps you coming back.
All that said, we’ve rounded up 15 favorite patios and best outdoor dining and drinking spots in Colorado Springs. Make your reservations. Raise a glass. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
Red Leg Brewing Company
The Red Leg brewery boasts a 2.5-acre multiplex that’s as fun as it is scenic. The sprawling rooftop deck and lawn offer plenty of patio seating and room to play lawn games like cornhole. The beer is some of the Springs’ best, and the micro-restaurants housed in shipping containers provide a variety of local dining options. Bring all your friends, and it’s like your own backyard party with panoramic Westside views.
Atomic Cowboy + Denver Biscuit Company + Dos Santos + Cork and Cask
Take your pick at this hot corner wrapping South Tejon and Moreno in downtown’s New South End. Atomic Cowboy will elevate you to the rooftop where you can see Pikes Peak and the row of adjoining patios below. On the street level, play giant Connect Four or Jenga with an exotic ice cream from Frozen Gold. Or cozy up to a fire pit at Dos Santos or Cork and Cask with tacos or a top-shelf cocktail, respectively.
The Aviator
This swank spot on the ninth floor of the Hotel Polaris is big on style and scenery inside and out. The wide patio blends comfy seating and big scenery of the Front Range and Air Force Academy. Sunsets are gorgeous. The cocktails are creative and on theme. The sushi menu is top level (pun intended). The Aviator soars.
Grand View
When it comes to views of Garden of the Gods, these are unrivaled. Sitting on the airy patio overlooking Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak is an exhale. Grand View is one of the best restaurants in the city and open to the public. Dinner is a fine dining experience. Brunch is serene. And the cocktails are top shelf. Cheers to those stunning views!
Cerberus Brewing Company
Cerberus has long been a local favorite for great beer and excellent eats. Its shady Westside beer garden adds to the laid-back vibe. And as a gastropub drawing its name from a mythological canine — you know, the three-headed beast guarding the gates of the underworld — of course Cerberus is dog friendly.
Ivywild School
Ivywild is an institution, destination and community hub. Grab a beer from Bristol Brewing. Get sent to the Principal’s Office for a craft cocktail or coffee. Take your pick from multiple restaurants, including Salad or Bust, Spark Beer + BBQ, Lazo Empanadas, the Ivywild Kitchen or Decent Pizza. Then grab a seat on the broad stone patio or on the new lower beer garden. It’s a relaxing, local vibe.
Crystal Park Cantina
Discover this terraced hillside gem tucked away from it all in the canyon just outside of Manitou. It’s a quiet mountain setting just right for sipping their top-shelf margaritas. We’re convinced it’s a big reason the Cantina won our People’s Choice award for Best Mexican Restaurant.
Lumen8 Rooftop Social
Lumen8 elevated the Springs dining scene literally, becoming the city’s first rooftop restaurant and highest patio bar. The lofty views of both downtown and the Front Range are beautiful. And those modern fire pits and wraparound outdoor sofas are top-shelf chic. Order a Jess’ Tea Party or Bre Goes to Manhattan and ask for the stories behind the bevies. As for the food? Lumen8 is on our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
The Margarita at Pine Creek
The Margarita is a restaurant of so many personalities, from its Saturday morning farmers market and live music to its flawless prix fixe dinners. It’s quirky with giant carrots marking the entrance to its unexpected northwest location. The quality is long-time consistent. So is the relaxing forested view from the patio, where you’re likely to see deer grazing among the pines or an occasional bear passing by. This is another one of our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Patty Jewett Bar & Grill
Bring your nine iron or leave it behind when you visit the clubby Patty Jewett Bar and Grill, which Golf Digest magazine once named one of the 50 Best 19th Holes in the country. Find out why as you take in manicured Pikes Peak — and a martini, of course — on the sprawling patio in the middle of the historic Patty Jewett Municipal Golf Course, the third-oldest golf course west of the Mississippi.
OCC Brewing
That rooftop perch overlooking Colorado Avenue and Old Colorado City? Yes, please. And you get that Westside proximity that makes Pikes Peak tower. OCC Brewing is a great spot for sun-kissed afternoons and glowing evenings.
Ristorante Del Lago
Sitting at the Del Lago patio or alongside its fully open window-walls is simply peaceful. Your lakeside views include swans gliding by with reflections on the water of the Broadmoor’s historic tower. The Italian cuisine is authentic and exceptional, and it delivers Broadmoor elegance. Yes, it’s one of our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs, Lake Como has never felt so close.
Ryze Skyline Lounge
Ryze stepped up the downtown rooftop scene when it opened in 2025. It’s a cozy and chic gem for craft cocktails and shareable bites. Snag a seat beside a fire pit for front-row views of sunset over Pikes Peak.
ViewHouse
Staking its name on the scenery, ViewHouse delivers a gorgeous Front Range panorama with a big, fat sightline of Pikes Peak. Take a seat on the sprawling downstairs patio and join in the yard games. Or choose an upper deck table to survey the happening scene below.
Pub Dog
If you’re looking for a pup-and-me date, Pub Dog is the spot. Kick back with a craft beer, cocktail, coffee or seasonal pub-style eats for you while your fur-baby has fun playing with the pack in the enclosed Westside patio area. There’s even a dog menu with the likes of a Puppucino whip, Bark Bowls and more.
