Chicken Riot has landed in Denver in an unassuming spot in Cherry Creek. We’re also happy to welcome a Texas breakfast transplant, and say hello again to a beloved downtown Mexican restaurant. Of course the news isn’t all roses, we did lose a family-run distillery, and a favorite bakery closed its original shop to launch a new one.
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
A Clucking Good Party
Chicken Riot has officially opened in Cherry Creek, the smoked rotisserie chicken concept by chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber of Riot BBQ. The grab-and-go place features chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, and platters of pibil-marinated chicken with sides like rice, beans, and cornbread. Read more about the restaurant here.
Sushi Swims Into Union Station
OGO Kitchen is now open inside Union Station, offering a fresh and easy-to-grab take on Korean barbecue and sushi. Created by chef Jackie Cho, the idea stems from his childhood and are meant to be portable, wholesome, balanced, and of course, delicious. Look for grab-and-go sushi rolls, kimbap, and bowls topped with bulgogi.
Back and Better Than Ever
After a long hiatus during the pandemic, Otra Vez Cantina has opened again at 610 16th St. in Downtown Denver. Fans can look forward to indulging in the restaurant’s giant margaritas, tacos, and other comforting Mexican fare. Owner Frank Schultz hasn’t changed the eatery much since the closing a few years ago, but there’s a swank mezcal bar upstairs, new art, and fresh lighting.
Brunch in Highland
Paperboy is now open, dishing up breakfast favorites in a large, light-filled space in Denver. It’s the third location of the Austin-based brunch spot, located at 3940 W. 32nd Ave. Read our latest feature on the spot for details.
Spanish Fare Flare
Colfax Avenue has its own Mediterranean-influenced spot dubbed FiNO. It opened March 18 and the coastal tapas spot is run by Steven Waters, and located inside the The All Inn Hotel at 3015 E. Colfax Ave. Read more about the new restaurant here.
Coming Soon
Growing a Healthy Food Brand
According to a sign on the store front of 1710 29th St. in Boulder, True Food Kitchen is headed to the college town soon. We don’t have an opening date yet, but when it does launch it will be the second Colorado location of the national health food chain.
Fresh Seafood
The team behind Shucking Good Hospitality will open Ash and Agave in Cherry Creek in early April. Known for Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood and Oliver’s Italian, the new restaurant will offer Mexican fare. The menu features small plates, tacos, roasted veggies and meats, and a raw bar.
The Best Cookies
Brooke Vaughn is opening Please and Thank You in the next few months, taking over the former bakery at 2908 E. 6th Ave. in Cherry Creek. The Denver show will feature the chef’s signature chocolate chip cookies, as well as other sweets and a coffee bar.
Closings
On the Move
Though Reunion Bread has left The Source in RiNo, it will be opening again. But “when” has been a question owner Ismael de Sousa has pondered for over a year. He already has a space in Platt Park, but it’s not quite ready yet, he said. But when it does open, expect even more tasty pastries, breads, and sweets, as well as drinks and savory dishes.
Leaving Highland
After five years, Little India on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Lowell Street in Denver will close. Owner Simeran Baidwan told BusinessDen the restaurant wasn’t making enough revenue to continue. However, the original Little India on Capitol Hill and his two other locations are still going strong.
Last Call
After eight years on South Broadway, Denver Distillery has closed so the founder can finally retire. While the tasting room has officially shuttered, you may still find some bottles around town at local liquor stores.
Moo-ving Over
Texas Roadhouse closed its Aurora location at 14200 E. Iliff Ave., though there are still other options for the popular steakhouse chain. In fact, another already exists in Aurora at 2380 S. Blackhawk St. So worry not, there’s enough beef for everyone.
