It’s truly springtime in Colorado. This we know because of the tantalizing mix of sunshine and snow that’s currently taking over the weather patterns.
It’s a bittersweet time of year: Skiers are getting in some of their last days of the season, praying for an April snow dump or two, and the rest of us are champing at the bit for hiking, camping and patio drinks.
No one knows how to dress either. It’ll be warm enough to bust out the flip-flops, but within hours the wind picks up, and it’s time for a winter coat.
Luckily, many bars and clubs in Denver are well-equipped for the springtime weather swings. A few places to consider, when the urge to drink in the sunshine strikes (literally and figuratively) without getting caught in the ensuing blasts of icy air:
What better place than the front porch for enjoying the weather? Sadly, lots of us urbanites don’t have a porch of our own, so we have to make do with the Front Porch (1215 15th St.) in LoDo.
The Front Porch has those handy-dandy slide-up windows in the front to take in balmy breezes. They easily slide down, too, when the weather inevitably turns.
There’s perhaps nowhere in Denver where you can drink so easily for free — almost like mooching at a summer barbecue. Every day of the month, a few first names are selected for free drinks. If it’s your name, it’s open bar for you all night long.
Wednesdays are flip night: Flip a coin with the bartender when you order a drink. If you win, the drink is free. Nights like these are certainly part of the reason the Porch is a popular destination for the young and thirsty.
On the more genteel end of the spectrum is Potager (1109 Ogden St.). The restaurant has a serene, green backyard garden that’s perfect for evening drinks and small-plate snacks.
Even if the patio is closed, Potager’s bar is a friendly place to hang. The large windows at the front of the building let in lots of light, making the spacious room sunny and cheerful.
Find a synthesis of the two scenes at Mexican joint Tambien (250 Steele St.), a sister restaurant to Mezcal on Colfax.
Just like Mezcal, Tambien is casual and hip but not intimidating. For warm-weather days, there’s a cozy patio. It’s below street level, so it offers some protection against the wind but still gets some sun.
If the weather really deteriorates, it’s easy to dart inside to the roomy bar area and snack on some chips and salsa.
Order a margarita, the perfect drink for dreaming of better days — days when it gets warm and stays warm.
Austin in Colorado.
Hipsters who’ve finally recovered from the South by Southwest festival have two chances to rejoin the scene in the next week.
Tonight, Jeremy Dawson guest DJs at the weekly Noise! party at Beta (1909 Market St.). He’s a member of Los Angeles band Shiny Toy Guns, specialists in electronica-influenced indie rock. Presale tickets are $5 on .
Then, on Thursday, Diplo spins at The Church (1160 Lincoln St.). Named after a favorite dinosaur (diplodocus), Diplo whips up a mix of clever ’80s mashups, Miami bass, crunk and whatever else he feels like.
Fans of British hip-hop queen M.I.A. should check it out — the two have collaborated. Tickets are $10 at .
