Best Outdoor Dining in Denver

The food is generally well-prepared and fresh, with many dishes receiving recognition for taste and quality, though some find it bland or lacking flavor.

“Food quality was surprisingly good”

Service is often described as friendly and helpful, but there are instances of staff appearing disgruntled, annoyed, or providing attitude.

“Staff seemed disgruntled”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as pleasant, fitting for its location within the botanical gardens, with ample natural light and comfortable seating.

“Nice ambience”

While many find the food quality good, a recurring theme is that prices are high, especially considering portion sizes.

“Overpriced, but the food quality”

The pizza is well-regarded for its quality, with specific mentions of outstanding crust, balanced sauce, and creative toppings. Other dishes like salads and grinders also receive positive remarks.

“Some of the best pizza around”

Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, with several staff members highlighted for their first-rate performance. However, there are recurring complaints about servers being inattentive, rude, or overwhelmed, particularly during busy periods.

“Server was rarely at our table”

The atmosphere is frequently described as warm, inviting, family-friendly, and lively, with a particularly well-regarded patio.

“Family friendly environment”

The pricing is generally considered fair, especially for the quality of food and the overall experience, with happy hour being a notable value proposition.

“Price was fair”

The food is generally well-regarded, with many dishes known for flavor and freshness, though some specific items like the pretzel sausage sandwich and gluten-free pancakes received less enthusiastic reviews.

“The food was absolutely incredible”

Service is often described as friendly and great, but there are recurring mentions of disorganization, slow service, and occasional poor attitudes from staff.

“Service was the issue here”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as cute, trendy, cozy, and pleasant, with a nice patio area.

“The atmosphere is amazing”

Many diners find the prices high for the quality or portion size, with some specific dishes and drinks noted as overpriced.

“Expensive breakfast for pancakes”

Genuine strengths in salsa, green chili, tacos, and burritos with authentic preparation; significant inconsistency in execution and freshness. Multiple reports of bland, dry, tough, or overly sauced dishes alongside recognition for the same items. Recent quality concerns suggest kitchen variability.

“Food continues to evolve and taste great”

Generally friendly and efficient staff with several named standouts (Cristina, Karla, Javier, Christian, Alejandro). Occasional slow service during off-peak hours and isolated incidents of poor server behavior or forgotten follow-ups. Manager interaction sometimes perceived as rigid or unfriendly.

“Staff is so kind and service is fast”

Charming, vibrant atmosphere with strong appeal. Rooftop patio and upstairs terrace well-regarded; recent renovation noted as significant upgrade. Decor described as colorful, warm, family-friendly with good outdoor space. Music levels generally positive (laid-back, upbeat, not too loud).

“Colorful vibe with lots of outside light”

Significant value complaints emerging. Prices have increased substantially per recent reviews; $27 asada plates, $10.80 for small portions, $6 churros, and à la carte charges for rice/beans on combo meals cited. Taco Tuesday ($2.50) remains a solid value. Expensive for quality delivered.

“Prices have increased like crazy for cheap, poorly made”

Well-regarded for fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and quality toppings. Fish tacos and carnitas are standouts. However, recent signs suggest cost-cutting: frozen potatoes, smaller portions, weaker queso. Quality appears inconsistent across visits and staff.

“Flavor, flavor, flavor! Tender beef, variety of textures”

Generally friendly and attentive, with multiple mentions of staff going above and beyond. But 4 documented instances of rude or impatient service, including complaints about rushing diners and curt interactions. High turnover evident fromdiners mentioning favorite staff departures.

“Downright impatient and disrespectful”

Vibrant, lively atmosphere with Denver pride decor, outdoor patio, lawn games, dog-friendly. Full bar, live music events, young crowd. However, music described as sometimes too loud, and cramped seating during busy hours. A fun, energetic spot that can feel overwhelming.

“Vibrant and youthful. Great dinner enjoyed by everyone”

Positioned as better value than Chipotle/Qdoba with larger portions and fresh ingredients. But recent reviews cite inflation concerns: $15 burritos called 'small as hand', cheese dip 'half full', portions described as 'appetizer size.' Value perception has declined recently.

“$15 burrito smaller than my hand”

Food quality is generally solid with authentic Mexican fare, particularly celebrated carnitas, al pastor, and fresh salsas. However, consistency issues emerge—some diners report dry tacos, greasy dishes, and cold food, suggesting kitchen variability.

“Every bite tastes like straight from the heart of Mexico”

Service varies significantly. Many celebrate attentive, friendly staff; others report slow service, inattentive servers, and staff closing 30 minutes early. One discrimination concern noted (non-Spanish speaker ignored), though isolated.

“Staff doesn't just serve—they treat you like family”

Patio is a major draw—described as beautiful with fountain and alebrije decor, 'mini vacation' feel. Interior criticized as dim, dated (like 'elementary classroom'). Music volume contentious—some enjoy the energy, others say conversation-impossible.

“Beautiful with that fountain and alebrijes”

Contradictory feedback. Many celebrate generous portions and fair pricing; others cite hidden auto-gratuity (18% added without clear disclosure), overpriced guacamole ($7 for 1 slice), and $3.99 for 4 tortillas. Deceptive menu photos noted.

“18% gratuity added hoping somebody doesn't catch it”

Food quality is generally solid with many celebrating fresh ingredients and outstanding chicken sandwiches, but consistency issues emerge with reports of dry, stringy, or overcooked chicken, and concerns about declining quality over time at this location.

“Fresh and tasty food, but declining over time”

Staff attentiveness is inconsistent. Multiple diners celebrate specific employees (Paul, Jennifer, Goryi) for first-rate service, but others report no service (kiosk-only ordering), rude interactions, and staff inattention. Owner responses often blame customers or deflect rather than take responsibility.

“Jennifer was the kindest employee ever”

Atmosphere is a bright spot: modern design, outdoor patio with lounge chairs and Adirondack seating celebrated. Bike station, compostable packaging, beer/wine on tap add appeal. However, limited indoor seating (16 chairs), can feel cramped during busy times.

“Beautiful outdoor seating, modern design”

Consistently criticized as overpriced for fast-casual chicken ($7–$10+ per sandwich, $39.99 for family meal of 3). Multiple diners note better value at Chick-fil-A or Popeyes. Quality-to-price ratio deteriorating, especially with portion/quality complaints.

“Overpriced, better value elsewhere”

Empanadas are well-regarded for their delicious flavors and fresh ingredients, with a wide variety of options including vegetarian choices.

“This is the best Maria Empanada!”

Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, though some instances of dryness or lack of offered sauces have been noted.

“Staff is very attentive.”

The atmosphere is casual and pleasant, with a focus on outdoor seating and a welcoming environment.

“Such a cute location”

While empanadas are generally well-received, some diners find them a bit overpriced for the portion size, especially with extra charges for sauces.

“A bit overpriced for what you get.”

The pizzas, particularly the sourdough Detroit and New York styles, are well-regarded for their first-rate taste, fresh ingredients, and perfect crusts. Creative toppings and appetizers like pizza cupcakes and husky fries are also highlights.

“The pizzas are incredible”

Service is generally positive, with many diners noting friendly and helpful staff, though a pattern of occasional rudeness and inattentiveness has been noted.

“Staff are borderline rude”

The atmosphere is generally described as relaxed and fun, with a great patio space, though some find the indoor lighting too bright and the music excessively loud.

“The overall vibe is relaxed”

While many find the pizza and beer selection to be a good value, some diners note that appetizer pricing is high and extra toppings can quickly increase the bill.

“$14 for 3 tiny "pizza cupcakes"?”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexico City style, with tacos, tortas, and gorditas frequently highlighted as remarkably flavorful and delicious.

“Absolutely amazing street tacos”

Service is generally described as friendly, sweet, and efficient, with staff often noted for their willingness to help.

“The people are so sweet”

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and no-frills, with limited seating options like picnic benches.

“Park, order and eat in your car.”

Most diners find the prices to be very affordable and a good value for the quality and quantity of food.

“Very affordable their tortas”