Damon Martin hoisted what would certainly not be his last margarita of a sunny Saturday afternoon and took in the sweeping cityscape from the patio atop The Tavern Downtown in LoDo.
“This is the greatest thing for a bar to offer in the history of bars,” Martin said. “Seriously.”
All apologies to the cocktail slingers, but he wasn’t talking about the margarita.
Rooftop patios are enjoying a surge of popularity among area restaurants and watering holes. The concept isn’t exactly new, but folks in the hospitality industry recognize that opening their roofs to customers is a rather easy way to expand an establishment without the expense of enlarging its footprint.
And with Denver enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine each year — granted, not all of them are short-sleeve weather — rooftop patios offer a way for patrons to bask in the warm air and restaurants to revel in the resulting profits.
The Tavern Downtown, 1949 Market St., is one of the most recent entrants in the rooftop sweepstakes. After months of construction and more than $2 million in expenses, the 6,500-square-foot patio was launched just before baseball season started.
It proved a first-pitch home run. The Rockies’ opening day saw a line halfway down the block and a two- hour wait to enter the restaurant. Some bartenders made their rent payment in one shift.
“Remodeling the rooftop more than doubled our space and was an investment in the neighborhood,” said Frank Schultz, president and co-owner of the Tavern Hospitality Group. “We planned the patio as a place where people could actually sit down and have a meal, rather than just milling around with drinks. We wanted to make it really special.”
Across the street from The Tavern Downtown sits LoDo’s Bar & Grill, at 1946 Market St. Its rooftop is smaller but quite popular, especially on sunny weekends.
“What’s not to like?” asked Jenny Senna, who was hanging out with two friends on a recent afternoon. “You sit in the sun, work on your tan, visit and watch the world pass by on the street.”
Pass the chips and salsa.
While these open-air conversions make economic sense, they are also dependent on the weather in a way enclosed restaurants are not.
Schultz has been encouraged by the success of his rooftop patio, but notes that the recent hit-or-miss weather — springtime in Colorado! — has been frustrating.
“Obviously you need some cooperation from nature,” he said. “We’re crossing our fingers that the fair weather will stay with us. We’d love to see a long run of sunny days, especially on weekends.”
Smart bar owners give themselves an edge against the weather. For starters, they try to choose southern and southeastern exposures to max out the sunshine. They augment the rooftops with awnings, umbrellas and radiant heaters, too.
Swift service is crucial. The patience of patrons can wear thin if they feel they are marooned in a cloak of waitstaff invisibility.
“You definitely need to feel that you actually have a waiter,” Senna said as her lime-topped Corona arrived.
One of Denver’s prettiest rooftop patios is at the charmingly named Fainting Goat, 846 Broadway. Weather permitting, it is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The bar is a handsome wood and red-brick affair, and the patio proper seats 42.
“When the sun’s out, people are there no matter what,” said bartender Dominic McKeon. “They just like to be outside in the sun and are looking to catch those rays, especially at this time of year when you’re just starting to get the warm weather.”
Like many rooftop patios, the chance to snag a cigarette is part of the draw at The Fainting Goat. “The whole drinking and smoking thing goes hand in hand for some people,” McKeon said.
Rooftop conversions can be costly. Moving from “deadload” roofs — built to accommodate HVAC units, but not much else — to “liveload” spaces that involve tons of additional foot traffic doesn’t come cheap. Industry architects estimate conversions cost $150-$200 per square foot, according to Nightclub & Bar magazine.
Putting in a rooftop patio can also be a bit of a dice roll, depending on how well the building’s sightlines are buffered from future construction.
Boulder’s West End Tavern, 926 Pearl St., has a lovely open-air patio. But the longtime views of the Flatirons have been restricted in recent years because of the rise of taller buildings in the neighborhood.
Still, the benefits of these patios for patrons and owners are palpable.
Vita, at 1575 Boulder St. in Denver, has drawn patrons with the spectacular views from its rooftop patio. Ditto for Tamayo, 1400 Larimer St., where patrons can soak in the sun while noshing on classic cuisine from Mexico’s interior just a short walk from the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Boulder residents — and Coloradans willing to make the drive — can enjoy the rooftop patio at Bácaro Venetian Taverna, 921 Pearl St.
“The rooftop is basically set up all year long, and of course the summer is really busy,” said Bácaro owner Corrado Fasano. “We do live music on weekends, and it’s a big draw. You know how it is. Warm weather in Colorado, and everyone comes out.”
William Porter: 303-954-1877 or wporter@denverpost.com
More places to raise the roof
It’s (almost) summertime, and the living is rarely as easy as when you’re sipping a refreshment and soaking up the sun while surrounded by friends on a rooftop patio. Here’s a sampling of the fun rooftop scenes in and around the Mile High City. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
3014
3014 E. Colfax Ave., 303-981-9720,
Although some rooftop patios brag about killer views, this one is special because of the absence of a view — or any sense at all that you’re in the city. It’s cozy, tasteful and charming.
Bar Standard
1037 Broadway, 720-235-8593,
Designed in the vein of a modern-day speakeasy, this building actually has two alluring, easygoing patios. Formerly the Jonas Brothers Furs building, it also has the oldest known surviving illuminated rooftop sign in downtown Denver, according to Colorado Preservation Inc.
The Foundry
1109 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-447-1803,
The bustling college-town hangout that lays claim to such platitudes as “best place to dance,” “best singles hangout” and “best place to play pool,” extends the revelry to its rooftop deck.
The Funky Buddha Lounge
776 Lincoln St., 303-832-5075,
Hot DJs and a cool crowd keep this popular rooftop hopping after dark.
Jose O’Shea’s
385 Union Blvd., Lakewood, 303-988-7333
When the clock strikes happy hour, the rooftop of this kitschy Mexican-food institution is the place to be for Lakewood’s margarita- and taco-loving crowd.
La Sandia at The Vistas at Park Meadows
8419 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, 303-586-5511,
Come for the taco, Tecate and cocktail specials, stay for the expansive downtown Denver view from the rooftop lounge.
Landsdowne Arms Bistro and Pub in the Highlands Ranch Town Center
9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch, 303-346-8273,
Fans describe this spacious, south suburban rooftop hangout as “warm and fun.”
Merle’s
2609 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-797-6008,
Housed in what used to be a gas station and garage, this burger bar serves casual comfort food and boasts an inviting rooftop terrace.
Mo’s Denver
1037 Broadway, 720-235-8593,
Warm-weather patio parties are a common occurance at this gay bar boasting cheap daily drink specials and campy weekly events.
The Morrison Inn
301 Bear Creek Ave., Morrison, 303-697-6650
Four brick walls with only an open ceiling enable this rooftop patio — a favorite of music fans on their way to Red Rocks Amphitheatre — to retain an Old West mystique.
The Pour House Pub
1435 Market St., 303-623-7687
A heated rooftop bar makes this patio one of the pub’s standout features and a destination unto itself.
The Sports Column
1930 Blake St., 303-296-1930,
Tipplers thirsty for a quintessential downtown Denver experience will relish the mountain, city and Coors Field views from the spacious rooftop of this converted LoDo industrial building.
Vinyl
1082 Broadway, 303-860-8469,
This partially enclosed, heated rooftop is home to the long-running “Reggae on the Roof” party on Thursday nights — one of the venue’s many hot late-night bookings.
West End Tavern
926 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-3535,
This recently renovated rooftop cultivates classic style with potted plants, string lights and a pleasant view of the foothills.
