Though it may not feel like it now, summer is slowly coming to an end. But luckily there’s still plenty of time to go out and take your best furry friend along. These five patios all have dog-friendly spaces for pups and their owners, as well as good food, drinks, and vibe worth going out for.
Patio Tables and Fun at Leven Deli Co.
Ever since this sandwich shop opened in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, it’s been a favorite spot to get really good food. Now, your dogs can come and enjoy the scene on Leven’s sunny patio. Come any time, but during the weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. (and all day on the weekend), indulge in great drink deals including $6 draft beers and glasses of wine, $28 mimosa quartets, $24 bottles of wine, and cocktails for $10 and under.
The menu includes items such as the 12-day, house-made pastrami sandwich ($18) on fresh sourdough bread, a huge house salad ($12) with lamb kabob ($8), and charcuterie boards ($18). While technically the food is for humans, no one will bat an eye if some of the meal makes it to certain furry friends under the table. 123 W. 12th Ave., Denver, eatleven.com
Brews and a Dog-Friendly Patio at Denver Beer Co.
When wandering around Platt Street in LoHi, stop for a cold beer and cooling patio spot at this Denver brewery staple. Not only is the large space dog friendly, but it’s covered so you can get those four-legged companions out of the sun.
Water bowls are littered about and humans can hydrate with a Graham Cracker Porter or Incredible Pedal IPA, among other brews. While there isn’t a kitchen here, Denver Beer Co. welcomes a rotating list of food trucks such as Barbed Wire Reef and R&B Tacos. 1695 Platte St., Denver, denverbeerco.com
Fine Dining With Your Dog at Le Bilboquet
It’s not every white-table-clothed restaurant that has a space for dogs, but in Cherry Creek this high-end French spot does. Go for lunch and order the endive salad ($18) and a bavette steak ($44) with fries and green peppercorn sauce. Or head to La Bilboquet for a fine dinner featuring escarto in parsley butter ($21), duck leg confit ($41), and a bottle of French rosé. The serene setting makes for an enjoyable break, and if you’ve brought your pup, the company is just as nice. 299 St. Paul St., Denver, lebilboquetdenver.com
Puppy Happy Hour at Rare Bird
Let’s take an outdoor patio but make it a roof. It’s not common to find this sort of space that also allows for dogs. But during the summer Rare Bird, the rooftop restaurant and bar on top of the Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, started the Bird Dog happy hour. Sure, it’s not all the time, but on the last Wednesday of the month through October (August 28, September 25, and October 30), enjoy dog-inspired dishes prepared by the chefs.
We’re talking Puppy Poke Bowls, Australian Shepard’s Pie, and chef Saura Kline’s peanut butter dog treats. Drinks and food is available for the humans too, and a portion of the proceeds go to support Denver’s MaxFund. 245 Columbine St. Denver, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com
Dog-Friendly Space at Recess Beer Garden
For a long time this LoHi eatery has been a hot spot for dogs and their owners, and it remains one of the best. First, there’s tons of picnic tables and communal seating, so if your dog is hyper, shy, protective, or any other personality, you can choose your spot based on that. The beer garden has dog bowls for water, large television sets playing sports, brunch service, and an easy-to-digest menu for the humans in your group.
Dog-friendly hours run Sunday through Thursday from open to close; Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All dogs must be leashed and, like children, owners need to watch them. While there ask for a gratis treat for your animal, order them a side of bacon ($3) or pup patty ($6), get a pint of beer and pretzel bites ($14) for yourself, and have fun. 2715 17th St., Denver, recessbeergarden.com
