While our dreams filled with parking lot hangs and cozy mountain lodges are getting closer and closer, we still have a few long summer days ahead of us. We’re standing in front of the shop freezer with the door open, reminiscing about waist-deep powder and crisp mountain air. But if we have to suffer through hot asphalt and blinding sunshine, we’re going to do it right—hydrating heavily on a patio with an ice-cold beverage in hand. Presenting: our favorite patios in Golden, for soaking up the sun and embracing the heatwave.
The Brewery — Golden City Brewery
What’s better than a couple of cold beers under a big canopy of trees surrounding you in old town Golden? Tucked into the backyard of an old Victorian home on 12th Street, GCB proudly claims the title of the second-largest brewery in Golden (we’ll let you guess who holds number one). Operating out of a converted carriage house, GCB delivers pure, unpretentious backyard beer garden vibes. It’s shaded, dog-friendly, lined with classic wooden picnic tables, and regularly hosts local food trucks. Grab a pint of Clear Creek Gold, pull up a bench, and swap backcountry stories with the locals.
An Elevated Hang — Bridgewater Grill
For those days when you want to trade dirt-bag charm for a slightly more polished creekside experience, head straight to The Bridgewater Grill inside The Golden Hotel. Their open-air patio sits directly above Clear Creek, offering front-row water views, a full outdoor bar, cozy lounge spaces with fire pits, and live music on summer evenings. It’s the premier spot in town to sip a handcrafted cocktail while watching tubers float by, all while convincing yourself that winter is right around the corner.
Something for Everyone — The Golden Mill
With not one, but two outdoor spaces, The Golden Mill has a stronghold over the summer scene in Golden. If your ideal summer afternoon looks like a choose-your-own-adventure mountain day, The Golden Mill is your spot. Perched right on the banks of Clear Creek, this local food hall boasts a massive creek-level patio and a positively cosmopolitan rooftop deck with killer views of North Table Mountain. The real draw, though, is the rooftop self-serve tap wall featuring over 50 rotating craft beers, ciders, and wines. Pair a self-poured pint with tacos, sushi, or BBQ from their local food vendors, and you’ve got the ultimate group hang.
A Hidden Gem — Columbine Cafe
Every proper ski town needs an unpretentious, historic local dive, and the Columbine Cafe is ours. Don’t let the modest storefront fool you—out back lies a deceptively great outdoor patio space complete with a stage for live music. It’s got an old-school, zero-attitude atmosphere where you can grab a Banquet, catch up with neighborhood regulars, and enjoy a chill afternoon away from the main tourist strip. If you appreciate local heritage and zero fuss, this patio feels like home.
