Gear up for some anticipated openings this month. We are excited about two new sushi places spotted on the horizon, as well as the expansion of a Chinese restaurant we raved about. On the not-so-happy side, both the Denver and Boulder scenes lost a taco joint. 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 the Denver Area
Spice lovers rejoice, Dave’s Hot Chicken has come to 1223 S. Iola St. in Aurora. Also in restaurant chain opening news, Little Caesars has officially landed in Thornton at 873 Thornton Pkwy. And Sip Fresh, a California-based juice bar just opened in Denver. It’s the first Colorado, and is located in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center at 3000 E 1st Ave., Suite 197.
Jordan Spence opened his East Coast-style sandwich shop Jordan’s Deli a few weeks ago at 1035 Lincoln St. in Denver.
Coming Soon
Choose-your-own dining adventure at The Velvet Lasso. The lounge opens on February 14 at 3254 Navajo St. in Denver.
Straight from the team that launched Uchi, we welcome Uchiko, chef Tyson Cole’s Japanese restaurant concept. It’s scheduled to open in Cherry Creek next week on February 17 at 299 Fillmore St., Denver, formerly the Ginny Williams Gallery.
The same great sushi the Texas-based company is known for be available. Since the restaurant took over a former gallery, the decor pays homage to that art collector by showcasing rotating art installations. Reservations are now available online.
Glo Noodle House owners Christopher and Ariana Teigland have launched a new project, this time in Boulder. Dubbed Odd Rabbit, the restaurant will focus on sushi and open this spring.
Even though it just opened last November, Ma’s Kitchen is already growing and has expanded to the next door space, which housed the owner’s previous concept, Okinawa Japanese Cuisine. Dubbed Ma’s Kitchen: Dim Sum, Noodles & Bar, the restaurant brings an elevated and intimate dining experience to the neighborhood. The space will do a soft opening this coming week, and a grand opening celebration and lion dance ceremony will come later in the month.
The original Ma’s will become Ma’s Kitchen | Next Door. The menu will change into a more streamlined, casual model focused on quick bites, takeout, and grab-and-go favorites.
News is Kersle Daily Delights will open at 3607 W. Colfax Ave. sometime this month. Owned by Roberto Parico Jr., the cafe will have a mid-century mod design and will mostly likely serve coffee, wine, cocktails, and small plates.
At the beginning of March we can expect to see Bad Rabbit Coffee inside the Industry RiNo space at 3827 N. Lafayette St. The shop is owned by Taylor O’Doherty and Jolene Main, who launched Bad Rabbit Caravan in an old horse trailer in 2024. It’s been a mobile sensation ever since.
Closings
After 10 years in business, Machete Tequila + Tacos on Colfax Avenue closed at the end of January. Owners said the Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, was a major factor for the dip in clientele. Goldspot Brewing also officially shuttered on February 1, after 11 years in Denver.
The Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality group closed its Bellota restaurant in Boulder at the end of January. The casual Mexican concept resided after 4580 Broadway for four years. The restaurant group also had a Bellota location in Denver at The Source Market Hall , which stopped operations in 2023.
