Forget Carmy Berzatto, there’s a different Bear and chef we have our eye on, Señor Bear in LoHi, and its new chef, Joe Mazzocco.
If the name Mazzocco sounds familiar, it should since he ran the now closed Mama Lolita’s Mexican in Broomfiled. Now, Mazzocco brings his decades of culinary prowess back to Denver and into Señor Bear, refreshing the Latino-inspired dishes and putting his own spin to the menu.
Get To Know the Chef
Mazzocco honed his skills at Rick Bayless’ acclaimed Chicago restaurants Topolobampo and Frontera, which helped solidify his love for Latin American flavors. The chef took those skills to Denver, winning over diners while cooking at Fruition, and Root Down, as well as the now shuttered Lola’s Coastal Mexican and Beast & Bottle.
In 2022 the chef opened his own place, Mama Lolita’s. Here he featured family recipes passed down from his grandmother. Unfortunately earlier this year Mama Lolita’s closed, joining a wave of restaurants hit hard by February’s industry-wide downturn.
After Mama Lolita’s closed, Mazzocco took a break from the kitchen to spend quality time with his two sons and wife. But the rest wouldn’t be for too long, soon the chef got a call from restaurateur Juan Padro, co-founder of the Culinary Creative Group (Bar Dough, Fox and the Hen, A5 Steakhouse, and more). Padro wanted Mazzocco to come to Señor Bear, and once again lead a team and create a tantalizing menu.
Taking Over the Menu at Señor Bear
Mazzocco officially took the reins at Señor Bear in August. When he approached the menu, he aimed to make thoughtful and intentional changes. Rather than redoing the whole thing all at once, his plan is to roll out new dishes gradually, allowing the kitchen team time to perfect each recipe.
“I’m really passionate about coming in and putting my imprint into the restaurant,” said Mazzocco, emphasizing his goal to create a cohesive and refreshed dining experience.
While new surprises gleam on the horizon, guests can rest assured some favorite dishes, like the signature Coconut Rice ($13) and the happy hour special the Gordo Crunch ($5), will remain. These staples provide a nostalgic nod to Señor Bear’s past, even as the menu moves toward exciting new territory.
The revamped menu will introduce a mariscos section, highlighting bright and bold flavors of ceviches and crudo, perfect for Denver’s warm, late-summer and early-fall afternoons. Señor Bear’s Passport Program, which rotates to spotlight different Latin American regions, will continue, weaving regional flavors into both the food and the cocktail program. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the restaurant’s beloved pop-up events, though you’ll need to act fast, as they tend to sell out quickly.
What to Order at Señor Bear
Start your meal with the Gambas ($27). This dish features plump Spanish prawns flavored with guajillo chiles, garlic, and sherry, served with grilled focaccia for soaking up every last drop of flavor. For a lighter bite, the Grilled Caesar ($15) delivers a crisp, charred twist on the classic salad. Find it topped with masa croutons and grilled lemon.
On the vegetarian side, the Oaxacan Tamale ($29) offers comfort in the form of peppers, onions, cheese, and salsa, all wrapped in savory masa. For the meat eaters, Mazzocco recommends the Lamb ($34), a rich braised, succulent dish accompanied by Esoterra Farms pole beans, confit baby leeks, and a cherry-lamb jus to balance sweet and savory notes.
Seafood lovers should try the Whole Red Snapper ($58). It’s a dish made for two with crispy cerveza tempura and served with warm corn tortillas, pico de gallo, and zesty salsas. To round out the meal, don’t miss the Papas Bravas ($12), fingerling potatoes dressed with pickled Fresno aioli, roasted garlic, and queso fresco. It’s perfect as a flavorful side that pairs well with any entrée.
Revisiting a Favorite Spot in LoHi
Señor Bear has been serving the neighborhood since 2015. It offers not only great food, but a festive and fun environment to gather in. Whether there for weekend brunch or dinner, chef Joe Mazzocco’s new menu items really blend his seasoned expertise with a deep love for Latin American flavors. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Señor Bear or a newcomer, plan to revisit this LoHi gem and discover something bright and fresh and possibly brand new.
Visit Señor Bear Monday through Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is served on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy Hour runs daily from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar, or 3 to 5 p.m. at the tables. 3301 Tejon St., Denver, senorbeardenver.com
