Though it sits several stories up, this venue atop the Catbird Hotel in RiNo flies somewhat under the radar — which means those in the know can often have the run of the sprawling space, complete with an indoor/outdoor bar; games on the picnic lawn; and of course stellar, near-360-degree views. In keeping with the vibe, both the drinks and the food are geared toward easy sociability — think kicky cocktails, bubbles by the bottle, and charcuterie plates or vegan nachos.

It’s well worth the trip to the top of the Source Hotel for the unparalleled views of skyscrapers and mountain peaks alone: New Belgium beers brewed right downstairs, fun cocktails like the Frozen Irish Coffee, and eats ranging from lager-brined wings to pizza with Fat Tire–infused sausage are all just bonuses.

Several years after its debut, this LoHi food hall is as hot as ever, thanks not least to a rooftop deck with killer views of downtown and the Rockies that make the food — be it stuffed corn cakes from Quiero Arepas, 22 Provisions’ cheesesteaks, Gorlami Pizza’s meatball pie, or anything from four other concepts — taste even better. The upstairs bar keeps the party going with myriad craft beers and seasonal cocktails like the Frost Bite with mezcal, almond, aloe, and lavender.

Catch all the colorful action on Larimer Street from the rooftop of this RiNo watering hole, where the vibe is lively, the drinks skew classic, and the grub comes courtesy of Soi Kowboi.

Atop this onetime LoHi mortuary turned eclectic Edible Beats “eatuary,” spectacular sunsets enhance the mood set by cocktails served from an old VW van alongside snacks like devils on horseback and BBQ duck bao — which were in fact made for lingering over while waving to the people in the endless line for Little Man ice cream below.

A rooftop patio is just the icing on the cake of this LoHi hot spot — a combination fast-casual eatery, full bar, and neighborhood market that’s at once quirky and au courant. Al fresco people-watching couldn’t be more fun than with a drink like the Limoncello Spritz in one hand and a “dimeroll,” or flatbread wrap, in the other.

On the site of a historic grain mill, this Golden food hall became an instant west-side destination when it opened back in April. Two banks of self-service taps; a quintet of vendors serving up barbecue, sushi, fried chicken, and more; and a live music calendar are the main draws — but the expansive, fire pit–dotted rooftop deck, boasting views of North and South Table Mountain and Clear Creek, is also key to its appeal.

One of Jefferson Park’s better-kept secrets, this true brewpub pours intriguing beers like a spicy guava kettle sour and a rosemary–white pepper rye saison for guests to pair with green chile–black bean burgers, fish and chips, or brunchtime chicken and waffles on the chill upstairs patio overlooking the green space for which the neighborhood’s named.

Amid the sweeping changes facing Larimer Square, the rooftop deck at Richard Sandoval’s contemporary Mexican longtimer remains a happy constant — a suave sanctuary for soaking up the sunset along with hibiscus margaritas, queso fundido, and plenty more.

Named for its elevation in feet above sea level, Le Méridien’s spacious rooftop lounge is currently the highest open-air bar in Denver. Also elevated are the snacks and sips, from short rib guacamole with chips and lamb meatball sliders with whipped burrata to lemongrass-laced French 54s and hibiscus–infused Tequila Sunrises — but fancy or not, everything looks good against this panoramic backdrop. (Note that capacity is strictly regulated, so there’s usually a waitlist for entry.)

Sloan’s Lake spreads out in all its blue glory before the patrons lining the rooftop picnic tables at this outpost of Fort Collins’ famed Odell Brewing Co., where 16 taps are devoted primarily to experimental exclusives, from a hibiscus-lime sour to a stout infused with pistachios, green tea, and matcha. The full kitchen, meanwhile, specializes in pizzas like the Chile con Queso topped with mojo-marinated bison, mozz, cheddar, and green chiles.

Glendale may not be the first place one would look for either stellar seafood or sweeping views, but look again: Here comes Jax with rooftop seating to boot. Tucking into a bowl of crawfish gumbo, a lobster roll, or a mess of peel ‘n’ eat shrimp on a sunny, breezy day is as good as it gets 1,000 miles from the nearest ocean.

One of Denver’s top pizzerias is also one of its best bets for rooftop relaxation. Come for the sourdough pies and snappy drinks from the smartly curated bar; stay for the glow that suffuses the partially covered patio, strung with lights and dotted with potted plants, as the sun sets over the mountains.

This Mexican charmer has a double identity as both a neighborhood joint to the regulars who are here for the margs and chimichangas and a serious purveyor of agave sipping spirits to connoisseurs, who come to sample small-batch mezcals, tequilas, and more. But they all meet and mingle on the sun-dappled second-floor patio overlooking quaint downtown Littleton.