It may be the middle of winter, but who says patio season is over? Thanks to creative social distancing solutions turned buzzy dining sensations, outdoor eating is a year-round event now, and Denver restaurants have really upped the ante. Covered patio, you say? How about fairy-light filled tents, private yurts, and heated bungalows? Here are our favorite winter patios in the city.
The Wolf’s Tailor’s Private Tents
The garden patio at The Wolf’s Tailor is the restaurant’s crown jewel in the summer months — private, intimate, and brimming with fresh herbs and produce for the kitchen. But ever since the restaurant erected the roomy canvas tents out back to accommodate social distancing, the patio is the place to be even in cold weather months. Each tent is complete with gorgeous furnishings, a toasty fireplace, and its own four-course, Japanese-style tasting menu. For $185 per person, you can book one of the private tents for parties of 2-6.
American Elm’s Greenhouses
It doesn’t get more private and personal than American Elm’s miniature greenhouses fit for small groups of 2-4. Arranged spaciously under the restaurant’s towering namesake tree, you can dine beneath the stars in a cozy and secluded (and heated!) glass-paned hut. To make it a truly personalized experience, each house is outfitted with a bluetooth speaker for you to plug into.
Annette’s Yurt
In true glamping fashion, when you dine in Annette’s private yurt, you’ll forget you’re “outside” at all. Delivering warm alpine ski lodge vibes, this 30-foot-wide, insulated tent can host private parties of up to 16, or you can book a table for 5-8 if you don’t mind sharing the experience with others.
Barolo Grill’s Bungalows
This Italian institution turned a pandemic-era necessity into a can’t-miss dining experience with its mini village of private bungalows. Outfitted with heat, air conditioning, romantic mood lighting, and a door that opens up to the restaurant’s dreamy Italian-inspired courtyard, these weather-proof dining quarters make for the perfect date-night getaway any time of year.
