Five Great Alfresco Dining Spots in Boulder

Chautauqua Dining Hall. Chautauqua’s wraparound veranda boasts gorgeous Flatiron views. Snag a porch seat and linger over the steamed Prince Edward Island mussels or grilled Colorado lamb at sunset. $$; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 900 Baseline Rd.; 303/440-3776.

The Foundry. Fresh-air aficionados, couples, and collegiates swarm the rooftop deck of this venerable bar and billiards hall for highrise sandwiches, redsauced pizzas, and Front Range panoramas. $; lunch and dinner daily, live music Fri-Sat. 1109 Walnut St.; 303/447-1803.

The Mediterranean. Lifted straight from an Italian cafe street scene, the piazza of this hot spot buzzes with revelers soaking up the sun. They feast on paella, risotto, and tapas, and sip sangria alongside the fountain. $$; lunch and dinner daily. 1002 Walnut; 303/444-5335.

Rhumba. Diners gather on the patio for the potent ruminfused cocktails, playful Caribbean cuisine, and seductive Sunday-afternoon and Tuesday-evening salsa bands. Snatch a stool at the outside bar for a mojito and some jerk chicken. $$$; lunch Sat-Sun, dinner daily. 950 Pearl St.; 303/442-7771.

The West End Tavern. Revered for its extensive bourbon list and stacked burgers, the popular watering hole’s rooftop retreat offers movies projected on a wall, views of the Flatirons, and comfy furniture for cocktail sipping. $$; lunch and dinner daily. 926 Pearl; 303/444-3535. ―Lori Midson