• Our top spots strike a balance — swanky but not snooty.

Here are five favorites:

Stellar Jay (Populus Hotel, downtown) — This newcomer to the scene offers pristine views of Civic Center Park and the state Capitol. Now open for spring and summer, weather permitting.

54thirty (Le Méridien, downtown) — The city's highest open-air rooftop bar (5,430 feet up) is a year-round staple for craft cocktails and stunning skyline views.

Rare Bird (Halcyon hotel, Cherry Creek) — It's known as one of the city's poshest perches, complete with private cabanas. When it reopens for the season (date TBD), the rooftop will debut a new wood-fired oven for pizzas, meatballs and more.

El Five (LoHi) — This Mediterranean tapas bar holds a reputation as one of Denver's best date-night spots and has a small but mighty patio showcasing sweeping skyline views. Open year-round.

BurnDown (South Broadway) — This laid-back, three-story restaurant, bar and music venue delivers hard-to-beat panoramas of downtown and the Front Range. Open all year.