We are well into patio season here in Northern Colorado! It’s time to take advantage of the many outdoor patios in our midst, providing open air dining experiences enhanced by lush foliage, sparkling lights, sunshine, fresh air and incredible views.
Let’s take a virtual tour of some of the best outdoor patios in Loveland, each providing a unique atmosphere. From classy wine-centric pizzerias to delicious BBQ joints, you’ll find a mixture of foods to please every palate.
COVID NOTES:
1) At this time, many restaurants have added additional outdoor seating as a part of the Loveland Patio Program in order to accommodate more guests. Many of the restaurants mentioned below (and others that previously had no outdoor seating) are able to increase their capacity for outdoor seating at this time.
2) Be sure to check with each restaurant (including their website and social media pages) before you go, as each one has varying guidelines in place at this time. Overall, guests are asked to wear a mask while they are not at their table, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and avoid standing around or waiting in common areas.
Bent Fork the Grill
Bent Fork the Grill serves up traditional dishes that are inventive, fresh and flavorful in their fun and inviting atmosphere. From the most casual occasion to a formal gathering, Bent Fork the Grill has the ambiance, diverse menu and price points to meet your needs. Their outdoor patio overlooks the water feature and splash fountains at the Promenade at Centerra, providing a peaceful spot ideal for people watching and wine sipping on a warm day.
Door 222
Photo Courtesy of Door 222
Door 222 is a favorite in Loveland for a variety of reasons. For starters, the menu is crafted with extensive detail in every bite with a special focus on tapas and inventive cocktails. In addition to providing one of the freshest seasonal menus in the region, this locally owned spot gives back to the community in incredible ways. And to make things even better, Door 222 has a dreamy outdoor patio out front adorned with sparkling string lights overhead. While there are no umbrellas, they have canvas shields to protect guests from the sun.
Betta Gumbo
Formerly called Mo Betta Gumbo at an entirely different location, Betta Gumbo is slinging the best Cajun and Creole cuisine in the region. Growing up in the South taught Chef Clay Caldwell the basics of Southern hospitality and true home-cookin’. He made the move to Colorado in an effort to slow down and enjoy life which, of course, he found. But he also found a community craving Southern classics, so he opened Betta Gumbo as a cozy family spot serving Jambalaya, Famous Asiago Shrimp & Grits, Hush Puppies, Beignets and even homemade, flavored moonshine! Their new location at The Foundry offers plenty of outdoor seating, in a covered area protected from the sun.
Origins Wine Bar and Wood Fired Pizza
Photos Courtesy of Origins Wine Bar and Wood Fired Pizza
Origins Wine Bar and Wood Fired Pizza is known for their artisan wood-fired pizza, paninis, bruschetta and handcrafted gelato. But this award-winning eatery in the heart of downtown is also known for their extensive wine selection, craft cocktails and brews on tap. The best place to enjoy all of the above? Their airy outdoor patio that extends along both sides of the restaurant, which also happens to be situated on a corner. Some areas are naturally shaded from the building and there are a number of umbrellas throughout the patio.
The Boot Grill
The Boot Grill is a locally owned and operated bar and grill with a fun atmosphere, weekly events and delicious pub food. They offer multiple unique seating areas: the main restaurant and bar, a quiet family-friendly dining room, and an upstairs indoor seating area with a bar, which also doubles as a catering room. The Boot Grill has two additional outdoor spaces, one of which is a rooftop patio, offering great mountain views and a fire pit.
Serious Texas Bar-B-Q
Photo Courtesy of Serious Texas
This Colorado chain has three locations in Northern Colorado, two more near Durango and one across the border in New Mexico. When you stop in any Serious Texas location, you’ll find the must-try smoked turkey paired with homemade cranberry habanero salsa, award-winning pulled pork with fruity, fiery cherry-chipotle salsa, and a whole menu of savory, flavor-packed barbecue favorites. At their Loveland location, enjoy your BBQ meal of choice on the spacious patio offering beautiful mountain views, colorful hanging baskets, string lights and plenty of shade.
Tilted Barrel Brew Pub
Once operating under the name 40th Parallel Brewery, the team behind this much-anticipated project recently purchased the old Tilted Barrel restaurant. Since March 2018, they’ve been brewing beer and cooking up delicious pub food under this beloved Loveland name. As a destination for families and beer lovers alike, Tilted Barrel Brew Pub is a great place to be — especially if you’re seated on their patio adorned with string lights and umbrellas.
Loveland Tap and Tavern
Photo Courtesy of Loveland Tap and Tavern
Opened in 2018, Loveland Tap and Tavern is a relatively new bar/taproom in downtown Loveland focused on quality Colorado beers, wines and spirits, served in a comfortable lounge setting. Plus, they have a great pub food menu and also allow outside food if you have a beer or two, which can all be enjoyed either inside or out on the back patio. This idyllic patio space is shielded from the wind and offers plenty of shade during the day and sparkling lights for a magical atmosphere at night.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
Whether you’re at the Mariana Butte Golf Course location in Loveland or the downtown Estes Park restaurant, you’re guaranteed a view at The Wapiti Colorado Pub. After all, it’s part of their mission! As a true Colorado pub, they promise breathtaking views, unpredictable yet sunny weather, homegrown food and the largest, all-Colorado beer list in the state. Whether you just finished a round of golf or you’re simply there for the food and beer, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to take it all in.
CJ’s Patio Grill
Photo Courtesy of CJ’s Patio Grill
With “patio” in the name, it’s only right to include CJ’s Patio Grill. It’s situated on the quiet side near the south end of the King Soopers parking lot, accompanied by plenty of parking and beautiful trees nearby. The menu is filled with classic American food, from Buffalo wings and nachos to burgers and sandwiches, plus pot roast and meatloaf to some Mexican dishes. CJ’s offers happy hour every day from 3–6 p.m., which means you can take advantage of food and drink specials while basking in the afternoon sunshine on their patio.
The Black Steer
The Black Steer is the place to go for some exceptional steak in Loveland. Their house-aged choice beef is cut daily into filets, New York Steaks, kabobs, steak sandwiches and their famous Pepper Steak. But don’t miss the rest of The Black Steer’s delicious menu, featuring seafood, salads, pastas, homemade soup, desserts and more. They have a smaller outdoor patio area in the front and some additional outdoor seating in the back, called “the Rear of the Steer.”
Bon Appétit — Al Fresco Style!
What outdoor patio in Loveland is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below — whether or not it’s on this list!
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