Resident

"If you spend one more second in the Financial District after work, you might actually have a nervous breakdown. So head to Resident over in the Arts District. The beer garden/music venue is one of the most reliable places to drink outdoors downtown, and they have a daily Happy Hour that runs from 12-7pm. Come hungry, there’s always plenty of food trucks around." - brant cox

"Resident’s entire setup is outdoor and the bar itself is an airstream, which makes it feel like you’re getting hammered at your cousin's house in Boulder (the cousin who’s still trying to figure it out, you know the one). The vibe is low-key, the drinks are good, there’s always a food truck, and the attached music venue has a great lineup. " - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins

"Barbecues are an excellent place to meet people. But your Weho studio balcony can barely fit you and your cat, let alone a whole party. So use Resident in the Arts District as your personal outdoor barbecue—without the actual barbecue. You order drinks from an Airstream trailer, and then head into the back, where there are long benches to sit next to friendly, laid-back strangers at the fire pits. The attached music venue is a good place to dance with that person whose haircut you were skeptical of at first, but now you’re realizing is kinda cute. " - brant cox, nikko duren

"If all bars were more like Resident, the world would be a better place—or at least an easier place to drink in. That might be high praise, but it doesn’t take long to understand what this Arts District bar gets right. For one, it’s almost entirely outdoors (there's an excellent live music/dance venue inside). Second, the outside bar is located in an Airstream and the cocktails and beer list are fantastic. Third and most importantly, the whole place feels like you’re hanging out in someone’s cool city backyard. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, and there are even water misters to keep you cool on scorching days." - Brant Cox

"After three failed first dates, things are off to a rough start this semester. Time to change things up. Deep in the Arts District, Resident should definitely be considered a bar, but one that has date night glory written all over it. For one, it’s almost entirely outdoors. The bar is in an Airstream and the long community tables are ideal for not getting stuck in a dark corner with nothing to talk about. There’s a rotating list of food trucks on the premises when you both get hungry, and there’s even live music happening inside most nights. You’re welcome." - brant cox