Best Patio Restaurants in Northern Colorado

If you're like me, the moment the weather starts warming up, even just a little, you want to do everything outside. Especially eating and drinking. Here are some of the coolest patios in Northern Colorado to celebrate the sunshine!

1.) Mishawaka, or “The Mish” as locals call it, is the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink and a hot meal right along the rolling Poudre River. Don’t forget to check out their hummingbird sanctuary right on the patio.

2.)  Door 222 Food & Drink in Loveland, Colorado offers a quiet and intimate patio setting with some of the best food Colorado has to offer. There’s nothing better than a large glass of white wine, a specialty pizza, and soaking up the warm sunshine.

3.) Sweet Heart Winery  another stunning patio in Loveland, located right along the Big Thompson River. Nothing pairs better than wine, water, and sunshine.

4.)  Penrose Taphouse, located in downtown Fort Collins, offers an extensive craft beer selection while also featuring not one, but two stunning and vast patios. That means you’re more than likely getting a spot in the sun.

5.) Luna's Tacos and Tequila is a locally owned and operated Mexican restaurant offering a vast menu of authentic dishes and great views of the surrounding murals and city atmosphere. Plus, my favorite part, aside from the scenic patio, are margaritas and tacos that us locals love.

If you're like me you enjoy patio sitting, but what about my kid? Many of these patios are indeed kids friendly, but here are just a few tips to keep the kids happy while you relax. How about bringing some coloring sheets? These are always a huge hit for our family when we eat out. Why not stop by the dollar store and grab a cheap coloring book and crayons your kids will love. Why not encourage a game of I-Spy. My Dad loved this game when I was a kid because it's simple and free and it always kept us happy and engaged. How about patio people watching. If adults love it, then surely kids will too… right?

Here are 5 perfect patio drinks to enjoy on a warm day

• Margaritas, whether iced or blended and available in tons of different flavors, are my go-to drink all summer long.
• White wine or rosé is perfect when you want something light, crisp, and refreshing. There’s truly something for everyone.
• Craft beer is always a great choice because nothing hits the spot quite like a cold, locally brewed beer.
• Mimosas are perfect for all my fellow basics out there. Try switching the orange juice for grapefruit juice, or swap the champagne for vodka if you want a little extra kick.