Hanukkah has started and it’s almost Christmas, but based on the weather and amount of openings in Denver, it sure doesn’t feel like it. Usually the end of the year slows down, but we are seeing new pizza joints, a steakhouse, noodle spots, and more launching this month. 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 and Near Denver
On December 6 Berkeley got its own cafe specializing in Japanese-style sandwiches made on shokupan, or Japanese milk bread. Enter Eloise at 4317 Tennyson St. Opened by Oliver Miller-Finkel, who also runs the 10-year-old coffee and breakfast shop Lula Rose General Store and Good Bread, the small spot also serves matcha and a variety of teas.
Matthew Mino and his kid Miles just opened Phatt Matt’s, a junk food paradise of cheesesteaks, pizza, wings, and more. Mino started the Big Daddy’s Pizza chain in Colorado, but today only owns the Littleton location.
After closing the RiNo taproom a few months ago, Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse has opened in the neighborhood again, this time inside the former Stem Ciders at 3040 Blake St. Expect the same great global pub fare and local beers on tap.
News is Jack’s on Pearl is launching a new steakhouse in Lone Tree at 9155 Park Meadows Dr. Jack’s on Lone Tree took over the former Mimi’s Café space,turning it into a delectable steakhouse. The restaurant is slated to open in January.
Cucina Bella owner LuisGutierrez is working along with his siblings Heriberto, Aracely, Rosaura, and Maria to open Maiz Y Fuego. The Mexican-Italian restaurant can be found inside La Plaza, a year-old Hispanic food hall and marketplace at 15200 E. Colfax Ave. in Aurora. The combination of Mexican and Italian foods come from the brothers’ Latino heritage and the years of cooking excellent Italian. For those who remember, once upon a time in Denver we had Piccolo’s, which offered the same sort of cuisines.
Den Thai is now in its soft opening, which means 20% off all checks as the staff works out the kinks (please don’t leave negative reviews at this time). Located at 2200 Market St. in Denver, the Thai food and wine bar serves up Crispy Duck Panang, Crab Meat Fried Rice, Pad Thai, Larb Chicken, and more.
Washington Park rejoices, Johnny Bechamel’s is finally open. Serving pizza and pasta, this is the first full-service eatery from Mamas & Papas Hospitality Group, owners of Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza.
Closings in Denver
The Chicago tavern pie spot Pizza 3.14 has shuttered all locations. Owned by David Daniel and Olivier Leheux, the pizza joint opened in 2021 in Boulder. The Denver spot came later but now, both are closed for good. Daniel told Westword a lot of things led to the end of his business, including permit delays, a culture shift in Boulder’s dining scene, and the rising cost of everything.
Petunia Bakeshop has closed its 3000 W. 23rd Ave. spot, which owners Diana and Manuel Guzman opened in 2022. The team plans to reopen the bakery in a new location next year.
