It’s just halfway through 2026 and suddenly it appears a lot of Denver favorites have decided to close. This especially rings true in the downtown and RiNo neighborhoods.
The chain reaction started with the 3-year-old Reckless Noodle House in Capitol Hill, which shuttered at the beginning of May. Early June brought the end of the 1980s-themed bar The Delorean, which operated on South Broadway for around two years. Then on June 13, after 12 years serving simple French fare in Park Hill, chef Jon Robbins decided to close Bistro Barbès.
The rest of June didn’t fare much better. Culinary Creative Group closed Magna Kainan, its Filipino restaurant that opened in RiNo at the end of 2024 with chef Jodee Reyes at the helm. In LoDo, 1UP Arcade shut down after 15 years in the spot. The owners weren’t too beat up by the end of the term as they have plans to reopen a bigger version of the arcade in Lakewood later this year.
Rock Bottom Brewery on 16th Street (formally 16th Street Mall) has permanently shuttered after decades on the scene. The restaurant and microbrewery opened in 1991 and had been an institution ever since. Unfortunately, after the long construction of the pedestrian area and the restaurant changing of hands over the years, it’s not surprising to find it’s the end for the iconic spot.
After just two years, Charleston transplant Church & Union closed over Father’s Day weekend. Located in Downtown Denver, the New American restaurant never took off as the founding 5th Street Group wanted. The biggest draw to the large eatery was the hand-painted text covering the ceilings, which depicted a complete translation of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.
Fellow transplant Mecha Noodle Bar also shuttered in mid June, just under two years of operation. The East Coast concept served pho, bao, ramen, and other Asian-style snacks in RiNo.
This month we anticipate two other long-time Denver restaurants closing as well. On July 5, Port Side will officially shutter. Owner Chris Bell announced his decision on Instagram a couple weeks ago, stating he was ready for the downtime and chose not to renew his lease.
We’re also sad to report chef and owner Aniedra Nichols announced she is shutting down Table 6 after its 22-year-long run. Located in the Alamo Placita neighborhood, the final day of service will be July 9.
