If you’re tired of the downtown crowd or simply looking for a mid-show break from the Larimer Lounge, the Meadowlark’s patio is a true urban oasis. It’s big and dark and often quiet, and coming here is like slipping away from a party and into someone’s back yard to share a cigarette and a heart-to-heart.

That’s if there’s no band playing – the owners recently built a stage, and the place can get loud. But catching live music outside has its charms, too.

Meadowlark Bar 2701 Larimer Street 303-293-0251 http://www.myspace.com/meadowlarkbar

• Patio of the Day