Denver, COBeer Halls and Biergartens

Westword writes that dozens of long picnic tables line up behind this family-friendly garden, evoking images of Viking mead halls of old, except outdoors in the sun. It sits behind an old airport hangar in the redeveloped Air Force base neighborhood, which Westword says makes it the most family-friendly garden on its Denver list and gives parents a respite for a draft. The magazine reads it as a local hangout rather than a visitor destination. Order a draft and take one of the long tables.

Westword asks whether this is the largest patio in Denver and notes the owners seem to think so. The Walnut Street space takes over a significant swath of the industrial-artsy district, and the magazine describes a massive indoor-outdoor layout built for group gatherings, combining sports-bar energy with beer-hall aesthetics, large communal seating areas, multiple bars and a patio that stays busy year-round. Westword says the brunch service draws the crowd early, so come then and take a communal table.

Westword places this garden in the historic, 120-year-old Evans School, where a 5,000 square-foot outdoor space holds picnic tables, fire pits and room for dogs and large groups. The magazine calls it one of the city's newest warm-weather hangouts, which is the season to plan around, and notes it sits within striking distance of Denver's museums, sports venues and downtown. Order a beer and take a table near the fire pits before a game or a museum visit.

Westword describes a sprawling outdoor space in LoHi packed with picnic tables, yard games and large groups nearly every sunny weekend, with a crowd that leans younger and livelier than the rest of its Denver list. The magazine reads the room as less a traditional Colorado brewery than a big backyard party, open all day. Order from the menu of easy-drinking staples and get the sandwiches and snacks Westword says come with them.

Westword notes that sitting outside Denver's busiest nightlife corridors makes this garden feel less hectic than downtown patios while keeping a lively social atmosphere. The 4,500 square-foot open-air patio occupies a former 1940s fire station a few blocks from the water, and the magazine reports it has become a community hub where beer clubs and other social groups meet up. Order a beer and a burger and settle in for one of the long summer evenings Westword describes.