Opening a new restaurant or bar at this stage in 2020 seems far from ideal, but that hasn't stopped a handful of entrepreneurs from doing so, including the team behind The Patio at Sloan's, at 4032 West 17th Avenue.
"People are really excited to have us here," says Damien McHugh, the Patio's general manager. "We even have a neighbor who objected to the liquor license who's now a regular."
Located right across 17th from Sloan's Lake, the spot is a sure draw for the groups of moms strolling their babies around the lake, thirsty folks walking their dogs, other park-goers and anyone living in the newly minted complexes surrounding the south side of the eatery. The owners also claim that the Patio is closer to a lake than any other bar or restaurant in Denver, so the views are great. On paper, the setting makes perfect sense for the neighborhood, and until Odell Brewing Co. opens its outpost in the Kuhlman Building next door, the bar has little to no competition. But with winter setting in and the pandemic shutting down indoor dining, things haven't gone quite as planned.