Patio of the day: Illegal Pete's

Illegal Petes' new South Broadway outpost is teeming with people this weekend, and it's easy to see the attraction. The sprawling space is outfitted with old-school picnic tables, perfect for kicking back with a beer and meeting new friends. Much like summer camp, patrons can shuffle outside after ordering plates...

By Samantha Alviani

July 19, 2013

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Illegal Petes' new South Broadway outpost is teeming with people this weekend, and it's easy to see the attraction.

The sprawling space is outfitted with old-school picnic tables, perfect for kicking back with a beer and meeting new friends. Much like summer camp, patrons can shuffle outside after ordering plates of tacos or burritos and scan the area for open seats. Shy renditions of "can I share this table with you?" quickly give way to conversations that sweep down the bench and include everyone.

Drinks are ordered around the crowded bar and include basic cocktails, margaritas, a huge selection of draft beers and the usual suspects for bottled beers. But once you're settled back down, the patio is host to some of the best people-watching you can behold in Denver: bands and their beards, hordes of hip Baker-dwellers, families and their kids, and dogs tied up to any salvageable parking surface.

String lights, live music, and most importantly, an epic bocce ball court make Illegal Pete's Sobo a summer hangout worthy of spending an entire day at. And with happy hour from 3 to 8 p.m. daily, they make it really easy to do just that.

So next time you're in the neighborhood, grab a burrito and a beer and cozy up with some strangers. It's a welcome addition you'll want to return to.

Denverites love their patios, and we'll be featuring many of them in Patio of the Day. Have a favorite outdoor eating/drinking area? Post your suggestions below, or e-mail [email protected].

For more, visit out Patio of the Day archive.

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