There’s something about the long summer days that make you crave a sunny patio, a cold drink and some good food and company. Thankfully, Fort Collins has a plethora of options for you to choose from! You could spend all summer patio-hopping in pursuit of your favorite. Here's a list of the best patios to perch on in Fort Collins.
Funkwerks Brewery
You simply can't miss the Funkwerks Brewery patio - because the building is so brightly colored! This patio is especially beautiful when the surrounding trees start blooming. Grab one of their award-winning beers and enjoy the warm weather on this gorgeous patio - you can even bring your four-legged friend as well!
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
Discover the enchanting two-sided patio of this delightful Old Town brewpub – an essential stop! On one side, soak in the lively ambiance of Mountain Avenue or hone your people-watching talents. Adjacent to Old Town Square, this patio becomes the ultimate spot during concerts or special events. Indulge in a refreshing beer flight and savor the diverse menu offering hearty pub classics, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, alongside pocket-friendly options for the kids.
Equinox Brewing Company
Sidle up to a specialty flight at this Old Town brewery that has a laid-back vibe. On these nice summer days, this shady patio is the perfect spot to sip on whatever strikes your fancy. With 18 taps from which to choose at Equinox, your hardest decision will be narrowing it to six. Now with delicious Postcard Pizza right inside on Thursday-Saturday evenings, it's a great option for a evening outside!
Ace Café
Ace Café, located in the lobby and outside of the Armstrong Hotel, showcases stellar craft cocktails and shared plates. Wednesday through Sunday, enjoy brunch (whatever you do, don’t skip the “Wafnut,” a hybrid waffle/doughnut, or the legendary Dynamite Tots!) and bottomless mimosas. Lounge on the patio seven days a week to enjoy your cocktails, flatbread pizzas, and more al fresco, surrounded by our vibrant downtown energy.
Penrose Taphouse & Eatery
Penrose Taphouse & Eatery is located in The Exchange in Old Town Fort Collins. The restaurant boasts not one but two outdoor patios. Nosh on mac and cheese topped with pork belly, jalapeno or even lobster, inventive sandwiches, eight types of burgers, salads, and more. Take part in their “Beer it Forward” program by buying a drink for a friend, stranger, teacher, or anyone really; their name goes on a board, and that person can cash in their drink with an ID. Being kind is always cool!
The Mishawaka
(Photo Credit: Mishawaka)
While this iconic outdoor amphitheater isn’t technically in Fort Collins, it is entirely worth the trek. Mishawaka is the only patio around located in a stunning canyon. Watch the winding Poudre River just steps away as you relax and enjoy the views. This unique restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for dine-in via reservation or takeout. Make sure you stick around to catch a show there after eating!
Back Door Grill
The fun patio at Back Door Grill is not to be missed! Located near the Colorado State University campus, this burger and beer joint hails from Steamboat Springs, where it’s been serving up hand cut french fries and onion rings (made fresh every morning) and uses only all-natural Colorado beef for their burgers.
Ginger and Baker
Located in a 100-plus-year-old historic mill in Fort Collins' revamped and refreshed River District, Ginger and Baker has a rooftop patio worth writing home about. Enjoy cocktails with a view on Ginger and Baker's aptly named 'The Rooftop' patio area. We recommend The Rooftop because it's an all-year patio! In the warmer months, the widows are open to welcome the summer breeze; in the cooler months, the widows are shut but you'll still feel like you're one with nature. There's also a special bar menu featuring unique small plates, and you can also order something from The Cache in case something isn't catching your fancy.
Avogadro’s Number
A treehouse isn’t the only thing that sets Avogadro’s sweeping, flower-filled back patio apart. It’s also open year-round, so you can take advantage of the warmest winter days. Plus, the large stage is often filled with talented musicians during the summer months. Like beer, live music is just better served up patio side.
Union Bar and Grill
Union Bar and Grill offers brunch, lunch and dinner everyday and breakfast service on Saturday and Sunday. Known for their comfort food and the wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on the menu (try the milkshake - trust us on this one), Union is a great stop for any occasion. Their patio offers ample seating in the sun and shade and the plants provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Fort Collins.
DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery
DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery is the first southeast Fort Collins brewery with three outdoor patios from which to choose. Enjoy beer brewed in-house as well as suds from plenty of guest taps. Named after a historic Colorado logger and businessman, the eatery’s menu features updated American comfort classics.
otto PINT Pizzeria
Set inside an old gas station, otto PINT serves up signature pizzas with inventive ingredients (the sauce options alone tell the story: honey Sriracha, chevre cream, basil pesto, and more). On warm days, the eatery’s walls open so the whole restaurant feels like a great patio. Plenty of picnic tables, cornhole, a grassy area where the kiddos can squeal and skip, these details and more add up to make otto PINT a great spot to grab a bite and relax in the sun.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
No patio blog would be complete with out mentioning the patio at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Whether you're looking for a fun place to grab drinks with friends or a sit-down meal for the whole family, the patio at the Rio (as the locals call it) is a great stop on your exploration of Fort Collins. The fountain provides ambient background noise and they even have a patio bar.
