The restaurant and bar scene is popping off right now with oysters, a themed watering hole, and coastal Mexican fare. We’re looking forward to a new sports bar coming to Boulder, as well as the fifth location of a favorite fast-casual brand. On the downer side, a beloved tasting room shutters at the end of the month, and we lost (or will be losing) two popular Chinese restaurants.
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
Fresh Seafood
The team behind Shucking Good Hospitality opened Ash and Agave in the Cherry Creek Mall (3000 E. 1st Ave.) last week. Known for Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood and Oliver’s Italian, the new restaurant offers Mexican fare with a strong coastal influence. The menu features small plates, tacos, roasted veggies and meats, and a raw bar.
Oysters With a View
Shuck Brothers officially opened at Avanti Food & Beverage Denver. 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.” Read more about the concept here.
The 2000s Called
Good Luck Club at 1350 S. Broadway officially opened on April 2, under the guidance of Pouring With Heart hospitality group, which also locally owns Seven Grand, Emerald Eye, and Bonded. The theme leans toward the early 2000s with games such as Uno and Donkey Kong on Nintendo 64, and cocktails sporting time period appropriate names including Burner Phone (a paloma made with mezcal), the Teddygram Old Fashioned, and the gin-based Apple Bottom Jeans.
Join every Friday and Saturday for throwback hits from the DJ stand while enjoying a bag of freshly-popped popcorn. Also unique to the space, the full on ladies lounge inside the women’s restroom, complete with a boombox, CDs, and cozy couches.
Restaurants and Bars Coming Soon
Boulder Sports Bar
The Balam Culinary Collective is launching BuffHouse Sports Eatery in Boulder this year, overseen by founders Oscar Padilla and his wife Norma. As the name suggests, the space will cater to fans of the University of Colorado’s Buffalos, though in general you can expect sports bar vibes and pub fare. Chef Oscar, who also runs Arvada restaurant Agave Blue Cantina and Freedom Street Social’s Gaucho Parrilla and Chulo Taco, said he is excited to do a sports bar concept.
Fifth Location
Chef Mary Nguyen will open her fifth Olive & Finch on April 25 in the Golden Triangle. The first location of her fast-casual concept opened in 2013 in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood. She also runs the coffee shop Little Finch, with outposts downtown and on the CSU Spur Campus.
Making a Comeback
Jack’s Modern Steakhouse in Lone Tree announced plans to reopen on April 28 after an electrical fire shut down the restaurant when it was just two weeks old. Luckily no one was hurt. The southern outpost of the original Jack’s On Pearl serves quality steaks, the best French dip, sushi, and seafood.
Closings
Spirited Away
On May 1 The Family Jones will close its LoHi tasting room, The Spirit House. The stunning venue opened in 2017, serving craft cocktails made entirely in house, from the booze to the vermouth to the bitters. While this chapter comes to a close, the distillery won’t be ending. Fans will still be able to enjoy Juniper Jones Gin and the other small-batch spirits on the retail side.
Sudden Shutting
After 41 years, Imperial Chinese at 431 S. Broadway in Denver has shuttered. The closing happened quickly, with a sign posted on the door telling customers it was no longer open due mainly to the cost of running the restaurant.
The Spice Sizzles Out
After two years of will-it-or-won’t-it, Noodles Express on Colorado Boulevard will officially close at the end of May. There’s no going back since that’s when its building gets demolished. We will miss the Dan Dan Noodles and the spicy Szechuan green beans.
History Gone
Enzo’s on Colfax has closed, just a year after it got a refresh and a new owner. Westword wrote a good homage to the space, including its rich history.
