We’re switching things up and separating the news, the openings and closings, and the events into three weekly articles. As for this week, we look forward to celebrating Veterans Day, scoring seasonal lobster, and helping to feed the community.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
The latest news from Denver’s bustling restaurant scene, served up here each week.
Restaurants Rally To Feed Denverites
With the SNAP benefits on pause, or at the very least late this month, a lot of people are without their usual food budget. That’s where our independent restaurants come in. Many are stepping up, offering free food for kids, donating a percentage of sales to food banks and pantries, and aiming to support the community where they can. Read more about it here, and find a list of participating venues.
Pepsi Brings Denver Local Eats Fest to Bao Tennyson
On Saturday, November 8, the first 100 attendees to join the party will receive free noodles from the newly-opened Bao Tennyson. The idea behind this Pepsi-sponsored event is to get diners to eat in their neighborhoods by highlighting select restaurants.
If you don’t make the free noodle grab don’t worry, you can still try all seven dumpling flavors and compete to win free dumplings for a year. Denver artists Jaime Molina and Pedro Barrios of The Worst Crew will also be onsite creating a live mural for the community to enjoy long after the event ends. 3973 Tennyson St., Denver, baotennyson.com
Honoring Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, chef Troy Guard continues the tradition of supporting veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with a gesture of gratitude. On Tuesday, November 11, all TAG Restaurant Group locations will offer 50% off meals for veterans and active-duty service members (dine-in only, with valid military ID). This includes all locations of #HashTAG, Guard & Grace, TAG Burger Bar, Los Chingones, and Done Deal.
Throughout November, guests can also choose to round up their bill at any of these places in order to support Project Sanctuary, a nonprofit providing therapeutic retreats and essential support for military families. Each restaurant will also feature a “Missing Man” table on Veterans Day to honor the fallen, missing, and imprisoned service members.
Locations of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will also celebrate veterans with a free meal coupon. Any veteran can visit Freddy’s on November 11 and receive a free combo meal card, no purchase necessary. The only caveat, cards must be redeemed by December 31, 2025.
On the Menu
Discover new dishes and seasonal menus at some of the city’s hottest restaurants. Here’s what’s fresh on the Denver dining scene.
Wagyu Gold Steaks and Lobster
In partnership with Idaho’s Snake River Farms, Water Grill launched a new steak to the menu. Enter a nine-ounce wagyu gold filet mignon. To earn a gold label, cuts must have a high amount of marbling, which equals flavor.
This is also the time for California spiny lobster to swim its way to Denver. This crustacean features a sweeter flavor than regular lobsters, as well as a firmer texture and meatier product. It’s grilled over charcoal and served with a side of housemade coleslaw. 1691 Market St., Denver, watergrill.com
Vegan Holiday Fare
Next Level Veggie Grill is bringing the holidays to its plant-based menu. Think an organic candy cane shake, a frosted sugar cookie shake made with fresh-baked sugar cookies, and a frozen hot cocoa shake, crafted with fair-trade cocoa and topped with vegan whipped cream.
Also on the menu, find the fan-favorite pumpkin spice cake, organic holiday apple crumble, and The Gobbler, a sandwich featuring a crispy turkey-less cutlet topped with herbed stuffing, organic cranberry sauce, and savory gravy on an organic white bun. To top it all off, Next Level will donate 10% of all Gobbler sales between now and November 26 (or until SNAP benefits are reinstated) to food banks in local communities, including Food Bank of the Rockies.
Wicked Good Chocolate
Temper Chocolates has created a Wicked themed box of delights, right in time for the release of the film Wicked: For Good coming out later this month. In it you’ll find For Good, a dark chocolate shell with a raspberry and rose ganache and a pistachio crunch layer; No Good Deed, a milk chocolate shell with candy apple ganache and a Pop Rocks layer; Thank Goodness, a white chocolate shell with bubble gum fondant; and No Place Like Home, a dark chocolate shell with raspberry-cinnamon-cayenne ganache. 2669 Larimer St., Denver, tempercolorado.com
Wagyu From Around the World
This month STK Steakhouse released an exclusive menu featuring the rich and decedent wagyu steak. Try this type of beef from around the world, including elevated starters like A5 Japanese Wagyu Potstickers, Bourbon Bacon Wagyu Bone Marrow, and A5 Japanese Wagyu Steak Fried Rice. You can also get the steaks as a classic steak.
Seasonal cocktails have also made an appearance on the STK menu. Think Pumpkin Bourbon Smash and a Pumpkin Spice Martini for $23 each. 1550 Market St., Denver, stksteakhouse.com
