One of the best rewards for having hunkered down all winter is the pleasure of dining outside, enjoying fresh air, sunshine, and pretty surroundings. Forget slaving in the kitchen to make the perfect spread or, worse, slapping together haphazard odds and ends from the cupboard. These Denver-area spots make picnicking a deliciously easy endeavor.
Sandwiches on House-Baked Bread from Leven Deli Co.
Any time is the right time to score a sandwich made on Leven’s naturally-leavened bread, which, as we know from our take over with baker Doug Anderson, all get’s made in house. Chose from flavors such as the Italian, Turkey Club, and Pastrami Reuben, which features tender, house-made pastrami that takes 12 days to make. Add on sides like fennel and mint coleslaw, French curry potato salad, and desserts including a giant snickerdoodle, chocolate chip cookie, or rich chocolate-tahini brownie.
You can even get bottles of wine hand-picked by Anthony Lygizos, Leven’s owner and sommelier. Bring your own cooler bag if you plan to get chilled wine, although soon the deli hopes to offer branded bags and coolers, so stay tuned. Items are packaged in to-go containers and bags for easy transport, and utensils and napkins are provided upon request. 123 W. 12th Ave., Denver, eatleven.com
Where to take it: Go to Civic Center Park, a five-minute walk away. The closeness makes it the perfect place to eat when making the rounds of Denver Art Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Clyfford Still Museum, or History Colorado Center.
Build-A-Board from Noble Riot
The Denver Central Market spot gives picnickers the option of choosing three items for $39, five items for $55, and nine items for $99 to create the board of a picnicker’s dream. Options include burrata, aged speck ham, and hummus with crudites, paired with grilled bread, crackers, and house-made pickles. Augment the meal with salad, tinned fish, and even fried chicken with potato salad. In-house sommeliers will help you pair the right wine or bubbles with your food choices. Then, they pack up everything up so it’s ready to go. 1336 27th St., Denver. nobleriot.com
Where to take it: Hop in the car for a quick, 10-minute drive to Commons Park. Once there, spread out on one of the grassy, undulating hills where gleaming cityscapes and the rushing Platte River meet.
Sandwiches and Salads from Gusto
For the ultimate picnic spread, head to chef Lon Symensma’s latest concept, the Italian-inspired Gusto. Here the team puts together the Gusto in the Park ($95) package. Each order includes a custom Gusto picnic backpack fitted with wine glasses, cutlery and plates, all of which you get to keep after the feast is done. Speaking of, nibble on items such as melted leek focaccia and assorted meats. Choose a drink too, either a bottle or red or white wine, canned beer, or a bottle of zero-proof Negroni. Ice packs keep everything fresh. The only caveat, you should order the this special one week in advance. 1671 N. Raleigh St., Denver, cholonconcepts.com/locations/gusto
Where to take it: Head right across the street for a picnic spot at Sloan’s Lake. Lay a blanket under a big shade tree, and enjoy catching the setting sun gleaming on the lake.
Olive & Finch’s Boxed Meals and Large Trays
Order from the catering menu and plan a brunch picnic. Olive & Finch make a great breakfast Burrito Box ($10.50) or the breakfast Sandwich Box ($10.50), both served with an apple. There’s also the Continental Box ($9.50) with choice of pastry or bagel and a side, plus butter, jam or cream cheese. The Lunch Boxes have a bag of chips and include a choice of sandwich like the Ham & Brie or a salad such as the Farro Salad or Chicken Caesar, plus a signature Olive & Finch cookie ($15.00).
Or, make a picnic party of it with individually-wrapped sandwiches on trays for six or more and shareable salads. Sandwich boxes include the sandwich wrapped in butcher paper, a bag of chips, knife, napkins, and condiments in a to-go box. Just make sure to place big orders 48 hours in advance.
Uptown: 1552 E. 17th Ave., Denver; 3390 E. 1st Ave., Denver. oliveandfinch.com
Where to take it: It takes around five minutes from either location to find a great spot to picnic. From the Uptown location, go to Denver Botanic Gardens, which is open in the evenings during the summer and allows picnics. In Cherry Creek, take the spread to Alamo Placita Park where you can picnic among flower gardens on one half, or picnic tables with a playground and basketball court on the other.
Taco Packages to Go From Tamayo
Chef Richard Sandoval’s decades-old Mexican restaurant now serves taco kits to go. It’s the perfect way to jazz up the usual picnic spread with the choice of adobo chicken, carnitas, or carne asada, enough for six tacos. The packages also come with an assortment of salsas, house-made corn chips, garnishes like pickled red onion and pico de gallo, plus rice and beans for ($35 to $42).
To make it easy, everything is packaged separately. While plates are not included, to-go cutlery can be requested. Margarita or sangria pitchers are also available in plastic quart containers with separate garnishes, but you need to bring your own cups. Or go native and chug from the containers. Food and drink can be ready day-of by calling the restaurant, or in 24 hours when ordering online. 1400 Larimer St., Denver, eattamayo.com
Where to take it: With a quick five-minute drive, Confluence Park is the place to be. The park garnered the name because it’s where Cherry Creek and the Platte River meet. Enjoy tacos as kayakers and tubers meander by, creating a sunken oasis in the city.
The Family Love Pack From The Post Chicken & Beer
Grab an order of eight pieces of bone-in, gluten-free fried chicken, which comes with the choice of two large sides. Think green chile mac n’ cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy. Each order also comes with four fresh-baked biscuits and house-made pickles ($58).
If you want something cool, add a metal crowler of house-brewed beer. Food is packaged in shareable family-style to-go packaging. Utensils, napkins and cups are available upon request, just make sure to place your order up to an hour in advance. LoHi: 1575 Boulder St., Denver; Rosedale: 2200 S. Broadway, Denver, postchickenandbeer.com
Where to take it: The Rosedale location is just a 10 minute drive from Washington Park where you have your pick of places to perch, including by one of two lakes or in the midst of two flower gardens. Confluence or Commons Parks are about a 10-minute walk from the LoHi location.
