Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Highlands Ranch

"Since the day this jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring shrine to Japanese cuisine opened in 1985 in Platt Park, diners have waxed poetic, often waiting for hours on the sidewalk to snag a coveted seat in the stunningly appointed space. And it’s easy to see why: Owners and brothers Yasu and Toshi Kizaki source impeccably fresh fish from Japan and then masterfully create painterly mosaics that are as breathtaking to eat as they are to ogle. If you can score stools at the sushi bar, you’ll get dinner and spectacular knife skill theatrics."

"Pearl St. With 4.5 stars out of 1,776 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar, bar and Japanese spot has proved to be a local favorite."

"Originally founded in a funky old Victorian house off Boulder’s Pearl Street, this quaint morning eatery now generates long lines across the Front Range for its chicory coffee, beignets, pain perdu, and more Creole specialties."

"A 40-year-old tradition, but still with only a handful of locations around Colorado, this Creole cafe is always charming. Highlights include chicory coffee, beignets, eggs sardou and buttermilk biscuits and gravy."

"Sputnik is the place to go in Denver when you want a delicious breakfast or brunch without the meat. The breakfast burrito topped with stewed black beans and vegan cheese is delicious and filling, and the quesadilla with macaroni and “cheese” and a side is tasty, too. You’ll also love the veggie fajita with purple kale topped with avocado, and the Israeli falafel sandwich makes for a satisfying meal as well."

"The location operates as a bar and as a restaurant that doesn’t have a lot of traditional bar food. Instead, this eclectic joint offers more vegetarian and vegan alternatives. You can feast on rice bowls or Israeli falafel while enjoying the perks of a full espresso bar and free Wi-Fi."

"American , Vegetarian"

"Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery is a distillery in Denver known for its American Single Malt whiskey. This distillery’s flagship product is made up of 100% malted barley mixed with water from Eldorado Springs. Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery & Cocktail Bar produce their whiskey by using special oak barrels and are aged at least a couple of years before shipping them out."

"Kalamath St. in Baker, the whiskey bar which offers beer, wine, spirits and more, is the highest rated distillery in Denver, boasting five stars out of 439 reviews on Yelp."

"Adam Hodak and Alex Lerman are among the handful of bartenders who helped shape Denver’s craft cocktail scene over the past decade-plus; now they’re running this Baker newcomer. Spare but for the profusion of flowers painted on one wall, the space ensures the focus remains where it belongs: on the drinks and the conversation surrounding them, be it a salted, nitro-charged espresso martini or the Campari- and Aperol-based, basil-infused Rome with a View. The El Camino with avocado-infused mezcal, Manzanilla Sherry, watermelon, celery, aloe, lime, and black pepper at the L."

"Looking to get into some high-class cocktails without the posh attitude that you find at most cocktail bars?. Then the L is your new go-to spot. The brainchild of industry vets Adam Hodak and Alex Lerman, the L offers cocktails that will blow you away but in a friendly and welcoming neighborhood bar atmosphere."

"Part of a local chain, this family-friendly brewpub showcases a rotating roster of house-made beers. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 303-451-5767"

"Lakewood’s almost-three-decade-old Cafe Jordano has just the right amount of old-school charm. The recently expanded and revamped dining room—located next door to the original location in an unassuming strip mall—is warm and romantic, the wine list is incredibly affordable, and the warm bread is free-flowing. Napoli-born Elisa Heitman’s moreish recipes have cultivated a devoted following over the years; regulars are known to line up outside before dinner service to snag seats."

"Cherry Creek State Park is a full outdoor recreation wonderland just a few minutes from downtown Denver. At the center of the park is a large reservoir and marina where visitors can engage in all manner of boating and fishing activities. There’s also some 35 miles of trails for biking and hiking."

"Enjoy boating, fishing, jet skiing, sailboarding, and swimming at Cherry Creek State Park. The sandy beach has a roped-off swimming area, and bathrooms at the beach for convenience. Parents should note that the beaches don’t have lifeguards on duty, so kids must be supervised at all time."

"Cherry Creek State Park, located in south Denver, is a natural prairie and wetland. The park is home to an 880-acre reservoir, a fun place to have a beach day!. Dock your boat at the boathouse or rent jet skis in the summer months."

"January 16, February 20, March 19, June 18, July 16, August 20, November 19, December 3. Free Day hours 10 a.m."

"It's got a little train set that runs around the whole restaurant!. That's all you need to know!. Sushi Train lives up to the "sushi" part of its name just as well as it lives up to the "train" part."

"This Speer neighborhood restaurant may be more than halfway into its fourth decade, but based on the 30-minute-plus wait you’re likely to face on any given night, it’s got another four in it (not to mention a new-ish sibling in Littleton, attached to Carboy winery, that opened in 2016). A maze-like floor plan and stained-glass windows give it a charming, well-worn quality, while the menu marries a classic oyster bar with a neighborhood Italian joint. Once you’ve had your fill of bivalves—raw on the half-shell or char-grilled and topped with garlic, butter, and Pecorino cheese (among other options)—you can move onto pizzas and pastas, all of which are made from scratch daily."

"Homemade pappardelle pasta with cream and parmesan cheese—the Pappardelle Bolognese from Angelo’s is an actual slice of heaven. No matter what we’re in the mood for, we’ll never say no to this im-pasta-bly delicious dish."

"The gist: Chef Ty Leon, beverage director Austin Carson, front-of-house master Heather Morrison opened this fresh pasta haven in the former Cafe Marmotte space in January 2020. The food: When Leon and his team first purchased Cafe Marmont in 2019, they kept the French cuisine intact, but after a brief makeover, they reopened with a new name and a dedication to Italian cuisines with a focus on Leon’s area of expertise: handmade pasta (do not skip the lobster spaghetti with black truffle). Carson’s cocktails are impeccably crafted whether you opt for a classic or one of his creative spins, like the caprese negroni (yes, there’s tomato and basil involved).The cost: Starters are $8.50 - $16.50, entrees are $12.50 - $19.50, and cocktails are $15.50."

"Late last year, three Mizuna vets—chef Ty Leon, barman Austin Carson, and hospitality ace Heather Morrison—transformed Cafe Marmotte on South Downing Street into a charming yet modern trattoria inspired by Morrison’s eponymous (and equally charming) 10-year-old daughter, who loves Leon’s glorious handmade pastas almost as much as we do. His modern Italian offerings run the gamut from take-and-bake lasagna family meals to dine-in and takeout tasting menus, all designed to go with Carson’s wild grape French 75s or fig old fashioneds. With Morrison running the floor, Olivia is the full package—a neighborhood spot where every meal feels like a celebration."