The Mile High City didn’t have to do much to earn its nickname. It just, kind of had to exist.
But, Denver is known for all kinds of other things other than its altitude. We’re the gateway to the Rockies, for example. Our airport has all kinds of zany conspiracy theories about it. We have professional-level sports franchises in all major leagues. Oh, and a ton of dog-friendly places to eat, drink and hang out, which might be our favorite part about living here.
- It’s hard to beat Italian food and dogs, which means Cucina Colore is the first one our list of Denver’s dog-friendliest patrios. If you’ve ever been to Italy, then you’ve very likely shared an outside meal with a canine, whether someone’s pet or not. Located in Cherry Creek on East 3rd and St. Paul, this modern eatery with a heckuva wine list blends tradition with contemporary creativity to give dogs and their humans an array of Italy’s favorites on the edge of the Rockies. Just go get the wild mushroom ravioli. Oh, and they add a 3 percent surcharge that goes straight to their kitchen staff, so that’s pretty cool of them.
- Denver Beer Co. is another favorite of ours, and a good option if you want something a little less noisy than Punch Bowl. What’s great about this place is that it has four locations around the city and as the name suggests, is all about being home-grown. Plus, patio pups are a staple at each one of their locales, which can be found on Platte St., Lowry, South Downing, and Old Wadsworth in Arvada. Oh, and it’s the season for their Graham Cracker Porter.
- Just down the road from Denver Beer Co. on Platte is the Carbon Cafe & Bar. There are a few reasons why you’re going to want to get patio seating at Carbon, and all of them involve the menu. This is comfort food at its finest, meaning you may need some help cleaning the plate. Of course you can order a salad, or something vegan … but think about the dogs. Great, now we want a Plattee Melt.
- When work’s out for the day, grab the pooch and trot ‘em over to Recess Beer Garden in LoHi, which might be one of the better known respites for beer lovers’ dogs. The garden is overflowing with Colorado-made beers, classic favorites and some out of towners, too. The food is simple and shareable, and we highly recommend the weekend brunch menu. Mainly the drinks on it. On Sundays.
- Also in LoHi you’ll find Forest Room 5, definitely the most unique place on our list. Its theme is exactly what the name suggests, especially its patio. It’s Earthy, a little haphazard, but totally ideal for your four-legged social circle. There’s a teepee, a bunch of trees and the landscaping looks just tended to enough to maintain the vibe, which is hard to discern. Pull up a stump and enjoy what the world gives you, because that’s what this is all about.
As with all dog-friendly places in the city, please make sure your pup is at least calm enough to have around other dogs when food is being served. We all love our dogs the most when off-leash, but restaurant and bar patios aren’t always the best place for that. And please—please—carry poop bags with you.
We wish we didn’t need to mention that.
