A local barbecue chain grows while a popular ramen spot in Denver changes hands. Oysters are coming to Avanti Denver, and it’s the last call for a downtown taco spot. Also downtown, a high-end tasting menu concept disappeared without a word, even though it had hundreds of reservations.
Read on for more openings and closings in the Denver metro area and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
Openings in the Denver Area
Denver Food Hall Grows
The Colorado-based G-Que BBQ restaurant chain has opened in downtown Denver. Now you can find the fast-casual concept serving at Milepost Zero Food Hall in McGregor Square. It’s also the first time the brand has entered the food hall format.
Milepost Zero also just added a C-Burger, Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality’s regenerative beef burger spot. It’s the type of fast food you can feel good about eating, and the prices don’t break the bank.
Star Power
Westword reported a changing of the guard at Ramen Star, one of the best places for kids and adults in Sunnyside. Now the restaurant at 4044 Tejon St. has been rebranded as Ebisu Sushi and Ramen Star, showcasing a lineup of favorites by the original owner and chef, Takashi Tamai, and new Japanese dishes and ramen bowls by the new team, Myong and Soon Choi. The couple come with a long history of working in and running Japanese restaurants, but this will be their first standalone operation. Currently it’s in soft opening, but expect more changes to follow.
Coming Soon
More Oysters on the Horizon
Avanti Food & Beverage Denver announced a new tenant moving onto the second-floor covered patio. Welcome Shuck Brothers, who officially enter the food hall on April 1. The concept started as a food trailer and catering service in 2019, led by Jesse Migchelbrink, Riley Campbell, and Garrick Abt. The trio formally shucked for Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, and have officially proclaimed themselves “oyster nerds.” Shuck Brothers will also churn out a New England Americana menu with lobster rolls, lump blue crab cakes, tinned fish, and hot oyster classics.
Thai in Larimer Square
According to the Denver Post, Som Dee Thai Kitchen will launch a second concept in Larimer Square near the end of the summer. Dubbed Som Dee Signature, owner Orrapan Botthaisong takes over the spot at 1442 Larimer St., which formerly housed CRÚ Food & Wine Bar until it closed in 2023. Botthaisong said the menu will be similar to her Uptown spot, though with new items too.
Spanish Fare Flare
Colfax Avenue will be getting its own Mediterranean-influenced spot, opening on March 18. Dubbed FiNO, it’s the latest restaurant on the coastal tapas trend. Run by Steven Waters, FiNO is located inside the The All Inn Hotel at 3015 E. Colfax Ave.
Closings
Adios Denver Tacos
The Denver location of Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar has closed. But fans of the towering nacho appetizer and no-frills tacos can still get a taste at the Arvada restaurant at 15400 W. 64th Ave.
No More Visitors
When The Guest opened again at the end of 2025, it had came with purpose and a lauded tasting menu. But now, about four months later, it’s closed just as fast. The change came quietly, with Google noting the shuttering of the exclusive restaurant last week. While no information as to why chefs and life partners Brian De Sousa and Sydney Younggreen ended their popular concept, sources said a lot of the decision came down to health. Both chefs have deactivated their social media too.
Local Burger Chain Shrinks
Colorado-based Red Robin Gourmet Burger restaurant chain announced it will close at least 20 restaurants across its market. The locations of upcoming shutterings have not been confirmed yet. Last year the company closed 22 stores, all in an effort to recover losses. Red Robin started in 1969 in Seattle, before transferring operations to Greenwood Village in 2000.
