Soak in some sun with that meal, and indulge in a side of fresh air on patios as the warm weather picks up. After all, on perfectly pleasant days few things beat sitting outside with tasty bites and a drink.
This week our patio series slices into the town’s pizzerias, where crust and craft meet comfort in the great outdoors. From boho-chic rooftops to mid-mod-inspired enclaves, these spots sling slices that are worth every bit of the hype. Don’t look at as just satiating an appetite, it’s about savoring the scene as much as sauce and cheese. We’ve scouted the city to bring you five patios where the pies are as compelling as the setting.
Joy Hill
Joy Hill sounds like it could be the name of your next indie band crush, but it’s actually a South Broadway hotspot marrying funky with functional. While the 1970s-era interior has a whole vibe, you’ll want to head up to the roofdeck where a bar and lounge meld rustic elements with flamingo-accented flair. It’s all neon and natural wines, sunsets and style.
On the menu find wood-fired, naturally leavened pizzas made with local ingredients and house-made mozzarella. The uber-chill sanctuary features misting fans for hot days, heat lamps for chilly nights, and western-facing mountain views to keep your eyes occupied no matter the weather. Bonus, you can make reservations specifically for the patio via Tock. However, you’ll still need to get there on the early side to snag one of the seats along the far west-facing wall in order to catch the colorful Colorado spectacle of the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains. 1229 S. Broadway, Denver, joyhilldenver.com
Benzina
Located in Park Hill, Benzina turned a former muffler shop into a mid-mod mecca with Neapolitan-style pizza as the guiding star. Enjoy said meal on the laid-back, family-friendly, and expansive patio in the front. Boulder native Brian Lockwood (Eleven Madison Park, Frasca Food & Wine) has created a tantalizing menu, which features pies such as the Carbonara with pancetta, crème fraiche, pecorino, miso egg, and black pepper. Or, keep it fun with the mushroom pizza, a lovely medley of maitake, shiitake, taleggio, and black garlic fondue.
Plus, if you want each slice comes with a side of friendly competition, play a game or two on the twin bocce courts set amid a spritz of urban planters. Stop by for happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and all night on Mondays, where you can save $6 on all pizzas. 4839 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, benzinadenver.com
Red Tops Rendezvous
You might stumble upon Red Tops Rendezvous if you’re lucky enough, hidden as it is in the cool depths of Jefferson Park. Ascend to the second-floor patio and grab a seat where the garage door rolls up to merge indoor chill with outdoor thrill. Grab one of the handful of tables underneath a slatted roof, perfect for offering protection from the elements. Or, combine the best of both worlds and sit on one of the stools at the indoor-outdoor bar.
Next, start with one of the Detroit-style pizzas such as Too Many Mushrooms. Followed or preluded by a course of garlic parmesan wings or Coney knots, otherwise known as pigs-in-a-blanket that come topped with yellow mustard and onions, and served with a side of Coney chile. There’s so much more to try, and we’ve been a fan since the get go. 2917 W. 25th Ave., Denver, redtopsrendezvous.com
Homegrown Tap & Dough
In the historic South Gaylord subsection of East Wash Park, Homegrown Tap & Dough is home to one of Denver’s best patios. The rustic-chic pizzeria embraces and celebrates everything Colorado via some extremely tasty wood-fired pies. Try the Weekend Warrior with red sauce, smoked mozzarella, pepperoncini, pepperoni, and oregano. Another winner, the Pigs & Pears, a lovely pizza topped with butternut squash, goat cheese, bacon, candied pear, arugula, and balsamic, with a roasted garlic sauce underneath.
But back to the patio. Amid the lush neighborhood’s abundant greenery, this table-service hotspot invites you to settle in for a leisurely afternoon spent satiating all your carb cravings. When day fades to night, strings of overhead lights give the sense of dining under the stars. 1001 S. Gaylord St., Denver, tapanddough.com
Hops & Pie
In the heart of Berkeley, Hops & Pie has been a beloved neighborhood fixture since 2010, slinging some of the best pizza and craft beer in town. The restaurant got a patio upgrade in 2023, which transformed a pandemic-era makeshift space into a permanent outdoor haven. With fire pits, plenty of TVs, and a welcoming vibe, this patio is where you want to be.
Owned by husband and wife duo, Drew and Leah Watson, as the space has grown so has the menu. The team still makes the iconic crust naturally leavened from a sourdough starter aged over a decade, but now diners can also try the Detroit- or New York- style pies. Bonus, with a rotating tap list of craft beers, there’s always something new to pour, making it the perfect place to relax, people-watch, and get some fresh air. 3920 Tennyson St., Denver, hopsandpie.com
