When the weather is fair and the sun is shining, it’s impossible to stay inside, even when dining out. And nothing beats having a cold beverage, some good eats and a warm summer breeze while appreciating Colorado’s mountain views.
Words by Kelly Branyik
The patio at TAPAteria. Photo by Pollinate Marketing.
Jake and Telly's Greek Taverna. Photo by Jesus Lozoya.
Lumen8 Rooftop Social. Photo by Jesus Lozoya.
Pizzeria Rustica. Photo by Pollinate Marketing.
Ristorante di Sopra. Photo courtesy of Ristorante di Sopra.
TATAteria. Photo by Pollinate Marketing.
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When the weather is fair and the sun is shining, it’s impossible to stay inside, even when dining out. And nothing beats having a cold beverage, some good eats and a warm summer breeze while appreciating Colorado’s mountain views.
CERBERUS BREWING
Cerberus Brewing is an upscale pub settled on the west side of Colorado Springs. Their bright red motif draws patrons in for a taste of their yummy brews on tap, pub-style food anddog-friendly outdoor patio. It’s a great place to slow down and find contentment with your favorite people.
702 W Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 636-2337 • cerberusbrewingco.com
Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna. Photo by Jesus Lozoya.
JAKE AND TELLY’S GREEK TAVERNA
There’s nothing like a bit of fresh tzatziki dip to keep you cool on a hot summer’s day. Perch atop the rooftop balcony overlooking Old Colorado City and sample Yia Yia and Papou’s Greek-eats straight from the kitchen. Satisfying gyros, delicious moussaka andcocktails are among the crowd favorites.
Near downtown Colorado Springs, this hostel-hotel hybrid brings the outdoors in with a quaint cafe full of dangling plants, greenhouse dining andan expansive outdoor patio perfect for summer nights. Try an earthy, hand-mixed Drunken Botanist cocktail or a crisp and refreshing Ranch Water with a savory hand pie or choice of hearty bowls.
415 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs (719) 203-9309 • kinshiplanding.com/homa
LUMEN8 ROOFTOP SOCIAL
Located on the 8th floor of the SpringHill Suites, LUMEN8’s classy rooftop dining experience gives a locally-sourced and expertly-crafted menu of delights. And did we mention their unbeatable rooftop views? With their shareable dishes and unique cocktails, LUMEN8 is great for date night, girl’s night, or any celebration.
402 S Tejon St., Colorado Springs (719) 822-2889 • lumen8cos.com
PARAVICINI’S
In Old Colorado City, on the corner of Colorado Ave. and 28th St., is a sweet little bistro with award-winning Italian cuisine. Inside is a bustling ambiance indicative of an expertly-crafted menu with hearty plates of Italian favorites. Try reserving a spot on their patio under sparkling lights.
2802 W Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 471-8200 • paravicinis.com
PHANTOM CANYON BREWING COMPANY
Housed in three rustic stories with over a dozen beers on tap, Phantom Canyon is a downtown staple. It’s outfitted with an award-winning menu, multi-level bars, pool tables galore andeven cornhole. You can enjoy the downtown views from the inside or take a seat on the rooftop or floor-level patio.
2 E Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 635-2800 • phantomcanyon.com
PIKES PEAK BREWING CO.
Known for a variety of frothy and fresh lagers, Pikes Peak Brewing has 16 different bubbly delights on tap. Gather on the rooftop patio with your best buds for a flight of your favorite beers, some savory tacos or flatbreads, or to marvel at the beautiful Colorado sunset. This downtown spot will surely be a highlight of your summer.
514 S Tejon St., Colorado Springs (719) 208-4098 • pikespeakbrewing.com
RISTORANTE DI SOPRA
The sister restaurant to Paravincini’s, Ristorante DiSpora is an Italian fine-dining experience with a menu created by Paravinci’s very own Chef Franco. Dine on their patio and experience a four-course meal or select from their extensive menu of fresh dishes crafted daily.
4 S 28th St., Colorado Springs (719) 344-8119 • ristorantedisopra.com
PIZZERIA RUSTICA
Take a trip through time to an Italian trattoria where wood-fired, thin-crust pizza is the specialty. This secret Old Colorado City hideaway found its home in an 1880’s historic building, complete with its own patio and enoteca wine repository. Begin with your favorite bottle of wine paired with antipasti and finish with a Neapolitan slice of pizza.
2527 W Colorado AveColorado Springs (719) 632-8121 • pizzeriarustica.com
SHUGAS
Normally packed with patrons, this cute and artsy restaurant—complete with paper birds suspended from the ceiling—rests on the south side of downtown. Famous for gourmet eats and a long list of innovative crafted beverages, don’t miss the Naked Beekeeper or the Shuga Smash, and be sure to try the Mediterranean Fare snack board.
702 S Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 328-1412 •shugas.com
TAPATERIA
Old Colorado City’s Tapateria promises an elegant Spanish menu with a “cozy and romantic” vibe. Join them every Sunday for Paella on the Patio—sangria and authentic Spanish rice dish included. For something smaller, try an array of Bocados (snacks) and tapas (small plates), all of which are 100% gluten-free.
2607 W Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 471-8272 • tapateria.com
TILL NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO & BAR
This downtown, upscale neighborhood bistro brings a modern atmosphere to any small wine dinner or a meet-cute date. Begin with gourmet appetizers paired with one of TILL’s crafted cocktails or select from a wine list of over 180 labels. Get comfy indoors or take your evening to the lounge-worthy patio area.
616 S Tejon St Suite C, Colorado Springs (719) 470-6040 • tillsouth.com
VIEWHOUSE
A splendid place for views of Pikes Peak, ViewHouse is the pinnacle for rooftop dining. With a robust outdoor patio complete with turf and cornhole amenities, you’ll have a place to sip and snack all night long. Try anything on their expansive menu, including sushi, tacos, pizza andhandhelds. And don’t skip out on their fan-favorite “Mules” of grand variety.
Underneath a glowing black sign, White Pie’s shimmering downtown patio is a welcome beacon in the evening. Inside the pizzeria is a bright and homey interior celebrated by calming wood tones. Try a New Haven-inspired or a sourdough Sicilian-style pie with some time-honored house cocktails. Dine on the patio for an urban summer night ambiance.
330 S Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs (719) 755-4144 • whitepie.com
Growing up in the small town of Florence, Colorado, Kelly has always had a deep passion for writing. Her aspirations to be a romance novelist took her to CSU – Pueblo where she obtained her BA in English (Creative Writing). Since then, she has written for a handful of publications throughout Colorado including Fluent in Three Months, the Gazette’s Pikes Peak Editions, and the Pueblo PULP. A study abroad trip to Europe in 2012 inevitably sparked her desire to see the world. Shortly after graduating, her next greatest adventure took her to Chongqing, China for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Kelly is a published author of “It Depends: A Guide to Peace Corps” and has more novels on the way. In her spare time, she explores all corners of Colorado and pilots her own travel blog, travelbranyik.com. She loves reading books, studying Mandarin Chinese, spending time with her family, and exploring the outdoors. She currently resides in Colorado Springs.
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