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 al fresco 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. Here they are in alphabetical order.
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.
Cerberus Brewing Company
Cerberus had long been a local favorite for great beer and excellent eats. Its shady Westside beer garden adds to the laidback 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.
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.
Grand View
When it comes to views of Garden of the Gods, these are unrivaled. Whether you sit along the the grassy lawn, on the airy patio or inside the floor-to-ceiling windows, you overlook Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak lined up directly beyond. 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!.
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.
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 unrivaled. And those modern fire pits and wraparound outdoor sofas are top-shelf chic. Order the G&T(ea) and prepare to boost your Instagram cred. 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.
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.
Pamela’s
Pamela’s at Hotel Polaris has been an excellent addition to the north-side dining scene. It leaped onto our Best Restaurants list, and its west-facing patio seating is just another reason why. Sit back in the stylish midcentury environs of the stylish new hotel and restaurant and savor those unobstructed views of sunset over the Air Force Academy.
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.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
The Springs’ oldest craft brewery and gastropub offers excellent brews and an urban-meets-historic downtown setting. Head upstairs, through the billiards hall and upstairs bar and onto the happening second-story patio. It’s tucked away and shaded by awnings with surprisingly good views of the Front Range.
Red Leg Brewing Company
The Red Leg microbrewery 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.
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.
Shuga’s
Shuga’s has always been like eating at your most hipster friend’s house, so of course there’s an eclectic variety of outdoor dining options. Sit out front to feel like you’re on a quiet front porch. Or head for the backyard to feel like you’re in, well, the backyard. And then there’s the funky yurt to split the difference between indoor and outdoor dining. As always, don’t miss the Brazilian coconut shrimp soup.
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.
