The Mile High City has a stunning array of views that are best enjoyed over a craft cocktail and a delicious meal. Luckily, the city has several restaurants that boast 360-degree views of downtown Denver and unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains. Call ahead and make a reservation to ensure that you’re enjoying a picturesque view while enjoying a thoughtfully curated menu with friends and family. The dining scene in Denver is constantly evolving, allowing enthusiastic diners to continually try new dishes and partake in old favorites.
1. El Five
Address: 2930 Umatilla Street (5th Floor)
El Five sits high atop the Lower Highlands neighborhood, colloquially known by locals as LoHi. Diners will head to the fifth floor of 2930 Umatilla, where they’ll be greeted with unobstructed views of the downtown Denver skyline. The indoor space is intimate and guests will enjoy the large, open-air patio space that’s perfectly suited for a relaxing Colorado evening while enjoying delicious plates inspired by the Middle East, Africa, and the Spanish region. Small plates are easily shared and they certainly don’t sacrifice any of the bold flavors found in the entrees.
Self-described as “renegades of flavors,” El Five isn’t afraid to get creative and push the boundaries in the Denver dining scene. Guests will appreciate the responsible measures that are taken to ensure that sourcing remains sustainable, as well as the diverse range of vegetable-forward options on the menu. Justin Cucci is the director and chef and continuously creates new and exciting options that Denverites can’t help but rave about. The 360-degree view of downtown Denver from inside El Five is made possible by the massive glass windows. Diners can plan their reservation to ensure that they catch one of the city’s stunning sunsets while sipping on a craft cocktail and embarking on a tour of robust Mediterranean flavors.
PRO Tip: Guests should arrive hungry and enjoy the newest addition to the Edible Beats family. Other restaurants include Ophelia’s, Vital Root, and Root Down. Valet parking is available when dining at El Five.
2. Avanti Food & Beverage
Address: 3200 North Pecos Street
Avanti Food & Beverage is a unique dining experience, made possible by various restaurants that participate in the culinary concept. The food stalls provide solo diners and groups with options that can suit the pickiest tastebuds to the most daring palates. With locations in both Denver and Boulder, Avanti F&B is made possible by four craft bars, fourteen culinary offerings, and two striking views of the mountainous region. Restaurants include Bowls by KO, Gorlami Pizza, Knockabout Burgers, and Pho King Rapidos.
Diners are invited to explore a range of culinary offerings, including over 20 draft beers, cocktails, and a list of thoughtfully curated wines. Avanti has bars on both the main level and the rooftop, as well as several spaces for dining and lounging while sipping on a tasty drink. Voted Westword’s 2023 Denver Reader’s Choice for Best Food Hall and Patio with a View, it’s no surprise that the view is to die for. The patio is well-shaded, making it enjoyable even on the sunniest Colorado days. Whether you’re in the mood for brick oven pizza, modern Mexican, or an authentic East Coast flavor — Avanti has you covered.
PRO Tip: The menu at Avanti Food & Beverage changes based on the season and the availability of the freshest ingredients. Guests should be prepared to try new flavors and unique combinations.
3. The Woods at the Source Hotel
Address: 3350 Brighton Boulevard
The Woods at the Source Hotel is both a market hall and a restaurant collective. Located on Brighton Boulevard, diners can find the restaurant on the rooftop of The Source Hotel. will be greeted with stunning views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. The Woods is located on the outskirts of the River North Art District, which is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and wander around one of Denver’s most popular creative districts. Shared plates include a charcuterie and cheese board, smoked salmon tostadas, and Korean sweet soy cauliflower. Popular entrees feature Rocky Mountain seared trout and chicken piccata glazed with a caper sauce and served over orzo pasta.
Apart from serving a full spread of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, The Woods has an impressive drink menu. Guests can order a cocktail or try something from the beer garden, which serves up a variety of craft beers for diners to imbibe while they’re enjoying the picturesque view of their mountainous surroundings. A mixture of both New Belgium brews that are handcrafted on-site at the pilot brewery and a range of small-batch beers, the menu and the ambiance of the restaurant create an inviting place to enjoy a date night or a celebratory meal.
PRO Tip: When dining at The Woods, guests are encouraged to make reservations before they arrive. Indoor dining, outdoor dining on the patio, and takeout orders are all available. Diners don’t have to be guests at The Source Hotel to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, though upon seeing the venue you may be tempted to book a stay.
4. Peaks Lounge at the Hyatt Regency
Address: 650 15th Street
The Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver provides both guests and visitors with world-class dining options. Peaks Lounge is located on the 27th floor and serves up delicious Colorado cocktails that are best enjoyed while gazing out at the Rockies. Cocktails include a classic old fashioned mixed with single barrel whiskey, a paper plane made with Bulleit Bourbon, Aperol, and Montenegro Amaro, as well as the “Backcountry Smash” which combines Breckenridge Bourbon, ginger beer, honey, lemon juice, blueberries, and freshly muddled mint leaves. The hotel also offers the Assembly Hall and Market as an option for enjoying handcrafted beverages and coffee drinks while eating a casual meal with a serious view. Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps is also located inside the hotel and serves up 16 local Colorado brews that are funneled through copper piping into the specialized keg room.
Assembly Hall and Market is the perfect option for a social occasion, such as chatting over espresso-based drinks and grabbing a quick bite for lunch or even enjoying a glass of wine and a charcuterie board after work with coworkers. Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps features a uniquely inspired menu that’s best complemented with one of their many craft beers and tasty cocktails. Peaks Lounge is open to both guests and those wanting to kick back and relax with a beverage, such as a bottle of champagne, an Irish coffee, or a made-to-order craft cocktail.
PRO Tip: Voted as one of Denver’s “Best Scenic Sixteen,” Peaks Lounge serves up refreshing drinks and an unbeatable view of the city and the Rockies. The wine and champagne collection is extensive, allowing guests to choose the bottle that’s best suited to their specific tastes and preferences.
5. Linger
Address: 2030 West 30th Avenue
Linger is one of the most popular eateries in the Highlands neighborhood, in part due to the delicious menu options and also due to the renowned rooftop patio that offers views overlooking the city. Linger is housed in a former moratory building that has since been repurposed into a charming and intimate dining establishment. The kitchen uses a repurposed food truck, adding to the ambiance that invites guests to experience an adventurous dining experience. Small plates on the menu include a range of bao buns, including the trio option for when you simply can’t decide between the duck, pork, and fried chicken options. Small plates such as chili garlic edamame, spicy pork potstickers, and the “Devils on Horseback” with Medjool dates, are perfect for sharing around the table.
Linger also serves up refreshing cocktails such as sangria, a Baharat old-fashioned, espresso martinis, and a frozen painkiller to top off the end of an especially busy workweek. For those not wishing to imbibe any alcohol, Linger offers N/A options to ensure everybody feels welcome. Linger is perfect for anybody looking for a relaxed environment to sit back with a beverage and try new and exciting dishes. Reservations are generally encouraged, especially for diners wanting to be seated directly by the windows inside of the dining room.
PRO Tip: Don’t leave Linger without ordering the sesame banana torte for dessert. Served with a toasted miso meringue, a homemade banana custard, a bitter dark chocolate ganache, and a sesame caramel — the dessert provides a not-too-sweet note to end the meal.
6. Joy Hill
Address: 1229 South Broadway
Those looking for a low-key option to enjoy a tasty dinner with a spectacular sunset view will want to head over to Joy Hill on South Broadway. Serving up some of Denver’s finest pizzas, the rooftop patio is the perfect accompaniment to a hot slice and a cold drink. With a backdrop of the Rockies, both locals and tourists will be stunned by the view of the painted sky during the evening hours and the profile of the impressive mountains. The full bar places emphasis on serving up drinks made with Colorado spirits and brews, as well as an organic wine selection that doesn’t miss the mark.
Joy Hill makes their mozzarella in-house, while also using natural leavening for their dough. Some of the establishment’s most popular pizzas include the Mushroom Sally with roasted garlic cream and the Chilis N Pep with cupping pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, honey, and aged Grana Padano cheese. Add an appetizer such as the pepperoni rolls or the bison meatballs for an easily shareable plate meant to be passed around the table. Unlike other rooftop patios and restaurants with a view on this list, Joy Hill has plenty of seating, both indoor and outdoor, and doesn’t require a reservation. The casualness of the eatery makes it a solid option for hanging out with friends while taking in a classic Colorado view.
PRO Tip: Joy Hill also hosts exciting events such as Saturday Morning Rooftop Yoga, which occurs every other Saturday at 10:30 AM and is followed by a discounted cocktail and lunch menu.
7. FIRE Restaurant and Lounge
Address: 1201 Broadway
The FIRE Restaurant takes inspiration from American classics, all while ensuring they have a contemporary twist and use the freshest ingredients possible. Located on Broadway in downtown Denver, diners will be treated to unbeatable views and stunning art installations. Guests can spend time on the terrace while sipping a drink or sit around the fireplace and watch the sunset. Regardless of the time of day, diners are guaranteed flavor-packed bites and a comfortable ambiance that invites relaxation. Dinner features options such as a skirt steak with chimichurri and a confit shallot, the popular ART burger with Centennial Cuts beef, Colby cheese, bacon, and an optional fried egg, and a tender pork tenderloin with herb smashed potatoes and an olive crumble.
Dining at FIRE includes impressive art displays that bring together a truly unique dining and cocktail experience. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer up unmatched views of the city, making FIRE one of Denver’s most desirable restaurants with a view. The handcrafted cocktails served up in the FIRE Lounge are unmatched and include a Colorado Mule with Tito’s Vodka and peach liquor, topped with ginger beer and fresh lime juice. The happy hour menu runs from Monday through Friday, 3-5 PM, and features $2 off any item. Diners can enjoy the charcuterie board with artisanal cheeses and local jams, as well as the grilled wings with peach buffalo sauce and blue cheese mousse. Popular sips include the house wine and a bitter aperitif cocktail, such as a negroni or an Aperol Spritz.
PRO Tip: Located in The ART Hotel, the FIRE Restaurant is open to anybody with a dining reservation. Guests can peruse the breakfast, brunch, happy hour, dinner, and dessert menus online before booking their next meal.