10 Patios for Outdoor Drinking and Dining in Fort Collins

Located in the heart of Old Town since 1989, Coopersmith’s is pretty much considered to be a Fort Collins landmark nowadays. No matter where you sit on their double-sided patio, you’ll have views of the bustling downtown – perfect for people-watching and taking in the city’s culture. Coopersmith’s has a diverse selection of craft beers, made right on-site at their very own brewery, which is also the longest operating brewery in Fort Collins.

Located right in the heart of Campus West, Mo Jeaux's is a favorite for students and locals who want to spend an afternoon at a laid back spot with amazing food and drinks. Their BBQ is fantastic, and on Wednesday's enjoy 2-for-1 burgers from 5-9 p.m.

Close to campus, Rainbow Restaurant has been a staple in Fort Collins since 1976. Whether you're enjoying lunch, brunch, or a few beers under the sun next to the gardens, the patio at Rainbow should definitely be on your list!

The back patio at The Rio is an ideal oasis for spending happy hour at or eating dinner under the sky on a warm, summer night. The water feature adds just the right amount of relaxation, and at night, the lights strung across the patio make for an inviting atmosphere filled with good vibes and even better margs!

Serving as a music venue, outdoor restaurant and bar all rolled into one, the back patio at Avo's is truly a hidden gem. With flower gardens, fountains, retractable awnings, and a gazebo, the atmosphere is comfortable and casual, almost as if you were just hanging out in someone's backyard. From May through October, local bands play in the free Patio Music Series, featuring everything from jazz to blue grass. Don't stress about finding a babysitter, besides the family-friendly concerts, there's also a tree house for kids to explore and play on.

During the day, the patio at The Moot House is a charming little area to grab brunch or appetizers at with friends. By night, the ambiance changes to become a bit more intimate, as stone fire pits are lit and surrounded by comfy couches, making the patio perfect for a romantic date night.

Kick off the morning by eating breakfast or sipping mimosas on the cozy patio at The Backporch Cafe. While savoring fresh meals all handmade from scratch, diners get aromatic whiffs of the fresh flowers that fill the gardens. The umbrellas and sweeping trees keep tables shaded from the hot sun, and a fountain also adds to the laid back porch atmosphere.

After a day of hiking or boating at Horsetooth, the multi-leveled deck at The Canyon Grill is a fantastic place to hang out and get recharged with barbecue and beer. The scenic establishment, tucked right into the foothills, is a also favorite stopover for those traveling on two wheels. Along with good eats, a convenient outdoor bar, and unbeatable views, most evenings feature live music being played by local talent or the opportunity for guests to sing karaoke.

The front patio at Lucky Joe's is a casual spot for lunch, dinner, day drinking, happy hour, or partying late-night – whatever your plans may be. Like Coopersmith's, the fenced area juts right out into the center of Old Town, so day or night, you'll never miss anything that's going on! Bonus, at Lucky's be sure to fill up on all the free peanuts you could ever possibly want.

Although you might have to stand in line for a bit in order to get a table outside at Lucile's, it's definitely worth the wait! The patio has a very homey feel to it, with an overall Cajun atmosphere that makes diners feel like they're actually in New Orleans. Eating an outdoor breakfast here always starts the morning off on the right foot.