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What’s New (and What’s Gone) in Denver’s Dining Scene

Check out the latest restaurant opening and closings in the Denver metro area, served up November 4.
Written By: author avatar Linnea Covington
author avatar Linnea Covington
Linnea Covington is the managing editor of DiningOut. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more.
A new concept is coming from the Alma Fonda Fina team. | Photo by Shawn Campbell
A new concept is coming from the Alma Fonda Fina team. | Photo by Shawn Campbell

We’re switching things up and separating the Denver news from the openings and closings and from the events. That way you’ll get quicker snippets on what’s going on! 

As for this week, we’re looking forward to the relaunch of chef’s tasting in Downtown Denver and the closing of a famous smash burger joint. Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.

Openings In and Near Denver

The Guest Has Arrived, Again

Get ready for the newest high-end tasting menu at The Guest. | Photo by Lucy Beaugard
Get ready for the newest high end tasting menu at The Guest | Photo by Lucy Beaugard

As of Thursday, November 6, husband-and-wife chef team Brian and Sydney De Souza have reopened their original concept, The Guest, though this time it’s in Downtown Denver and not Boulder. Situated in the space housing The Regular, the a la carte restaurant the couple ran a year ago, the refreshed experience includes a multi-course tasting. Open Thursday through Saturday, there are two seatings a night, reservations recommended. 1432 Market St., Denver, theguestdenver.com

New From the Alma Fonda Fina Crew…

Johnny and Kasie Curiel are opening their first Spanish concept, coming soon to Cherry Creek. | Photo courtesy of Alma Fonda Fina
Johnny and Kasie Curiel are opening their first Spanish concept coming soon to Cherry Creek | Photo courtesy of Alma Fonda Fina

Yes, Johnny and Kasie Curiel are at it again, this time deviating from their upscale Mexican fare path and turning toward Spain. Enter Mar Bella Boqueria, opening this winter at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Cherry Creek, where the couple opened Alteño last year. Chef Johnny will offer a jamoneria-style chef’s counter and conserva menu to go along with a stellar wine list. Also expect seafood-forward tapas, Jamón Ibérico, terrines, a dry-aged fish program, and more. 

Denver Area Closings 

Downtown Says Goodbye To a Burger Giant

Saying goodbye to the very first Smashburger location. | Photo courtesy of Smashburger
Saying goodbye to the very first Smashburger location | Photo courtesy of Smashburger

After 15 years on 16th Street, Smashburger has shuttered. Founded by David Prokupek and Tom Ryan in 2007, this was the fast food chain’s first location. Known for making the flat, lacy-edged, smash patty popular around the country, Smashburger has many locations in Colorado, the USA, and Canada. There are plenty of places to still score the $4.99  any-time menu.

Seafood Staple Swims Away

While one Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar leaves, there are still four more to visit. | Photo by Big Red F
While one Jax Fish House Oyster Bar leaves there are still four more to visit | Photo by Big Red F

After 13 years serving the Glendale area, Jax Fish & Oyster Bar will close on November 15. The South Colorado Boulevard spot is just one of five locations of the popular seafood restaurant, which was started by the Big Red F group in Boulder in 1994. Lucky for us, the other four outposts will remain in service. 

author avatar
Linnea Covington Managing Editor Denver
Linnea Covington is the managing editor of DiningOut. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more.

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