Best Rooftop Patios
With the warm weather approaching, we have been asked a lot lately about our favorite rooftop patios. Who doesn’t love a refreshing cocktail and good eats with an amazing view? There is somewhat of a rooftop patio shortage in Boulder, so we had to do some digging! Here is a list of our go-to spots.
Corrida
Why we love it: great tapas, fancy cocktails, excellent service
Corrida is a new Spanish style steakhouse in Boulder. They have arguably the best rooftop patio we’ve ever been to. With sprawling mountain views, fun lounge seats, fire pits, and indoor/outdoor bar seating, they have created something really special. Here we have the gin and tonics, which are prepared for you table-side. We each ordered a different type - they have 5 different options - and both were super refreshing. Without getting into it too much, the food is excellent (see previous blog post on our full review). It is definitely more of an upscale dining spot, but rumor has it they will be rolling out a happy hour menu soon!
Rio Grande
Why we love it: delicious margaritas, reasonably priced, fun vibe
Rio is also located in downtown Boulder. It offers a similar sprawling mountain view and some of our favorite margaritas (there is even a 3 marg limit because they’re so strong!) They offer both 'on the rocks' and 'frozen' with a variety of flavors (Manberry, anyone?) Pair it with the complimentary chips and salsa and you have a match made in heaven! It's a really popular spot, so you will likely have to wait to find a table if you go during happy hour. They have a really fun vibe and we love that it’s open til 10pm!
West End Tavern
Why we love it: fabulous happy hour prices (and late nigh HH!), BBQ, whiskey drinks
West End has our hearts for their delicious whiskey and BBQ. The interior is cozy with dim lighting and wooded walls, but the rooftop is where it’s at. They don’t take reservations on the weekends, but we’d recommend a reservation during the week to secure a spot with a mountain view! One our favorite drinks is the “Not Your Grandma’s Bourbon & Ginger”, but they also have margs and sangria (pictured here) for those who aren’t whiskey drinkers! We usually go for happy hour M-F 3-6pm or the LATE NIGHT HH Th-Sat 9pm-midnight.
Element Bistro
Why we love it: daily happy hour, little to no wait time, good food
This one is sort of a hidden gem. It’s in Gunbarrel and we stumbled upon it just driving by. The rooftop is huge and even has a full bar up there! We have never had to wait when we’ve gone which is a HUGE plus. Pearl Street is great, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to fight for parking. We’ve tried a handful of appetizers and were really happy with all of them. The flatbread and burgers were really tasty too. Even better, you get an entire view of the Front Range. If you’re willing to venture (just slightly) outside of Boulder, you will not regret it!
Tamayo
Why we love it: brunch, margs, fun atmosphere
We know this one isn’t in Boulder, but we love it, so we’re including it! First, it’s on the adorable Larimer Street. The rooftop is a really good size. Part of it is covered and perfect for that rooftop vibe but not getting pelted by the sun. There’s a spot that is open as well, and it has cute lounge seating and views of Larimer. We really enjoyed the food and margaritas. This rooftop also has its own bar, so you never have to wait long for drinks. It all around just has a great vibe. Plus, they have a delicious brunch that includes Guava and Mango Mimosas!
We love each of these rooftops for different reasons, so we really can’t pick a favorite! Do you have a favorite rooftop patio is the area? Comment below!