The Flats Beer Garden
The Flats Beer Garden sits at the bottom of the Colorado foothills along historic Highway 93 between Golden and Boulder. With wide open views of the Flatirons and the Front Range and a huge patio with fire pits it is one of the most scenic places in the Denver area to grab a beer. It is also a friendly spot for musicians thanks to a free open mic on the first and third Wednesdays and regular live music on the patio.
From Rocky Flats to The Flats
The Flats has deep roots in the neighborhood. For more than 40 years the property was home to Rocky Flats Bar and Grill which was a classic neighborhood bar famous for its Friday fish fry. Owner Johnny Martinez brought more than 20 years of hospitality experience and a love of European biergartens to the space and reimagined it as a beer garden built around outdoor gathering and community. As he puts it the thing that really makes the Flats unique is the friendly neighborhood watering hole vibe that the staff works hard to keep.
The Vibe
The patio is the star here. There is tons of space with picnic tables and heated outdoor seating and fire pits for cool Colorado evenings all framed by big mountain and sky views. Bar games and sports on the screens add to the fun. The crowd is a mix of locals and cyclists riding Highway 93 and families and concertgoers stopping in before a show at Red Rocks. Kids are welcome with their own menu and dogs are welcome on the patio. The patio has even hosted engagement proposals and weddings and pet adoption events.
Open Mic
On the first and third Wednesdays of each month The Stirfry Sessions presents a free open mic at the Flats from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM with host Graham Butler. Performers get three or more songs which is generous for an open mic. Sign-up is in person starting at 6:00 PM and there are no pre-signups. Two microphones and two instrument cables are provided. There is no keyboard so bring your own if you need one. Playing a set with the foothills glowing behind you at sunset is an experience you will not get at many other open mics.
Live Music
Beyond the open mic the Flats features live music on the patio. Local acts make the most of the outdoor setting and the mountain backdrop. Follow the beer garden on Facebook and Instagram for the latest lineup.
Food
The kitchen serves hearty comfort food made to pair with beer. Favorites include dry rub wings and soft Bavarian pretzels and burgers and cheese curds and fish plates and chicken sandwiches along with soups and salads. For dessert try the s'mores cookies.
Drinks
Expect a rotating lineup of draft beers along with bottled and canned domestic and premium beers. Signature cocktails and seltzers and ciders and wine and non-alcoholic options round out the menu. The S'Mores Martini is a fan favorite.
Good to Know
The Flats Beer Garden is located at 11229 CO-93 between Golden and Boulder. Some listings use a Golden address and others use Boulder but it is the same spot on Highway 93. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Free parking is available and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Call (303) 494-0492 or visit flatsbeergarden.com for more details. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.
