Where many dining doors opened this past week (or so), a number of doors decided to close as well. We’re excited to welcome a new bar by an award-winning bartender, while sad Cherry Creek’s Italian cocktail spot shuttered. Mead is now on tap in the Speer neighborhood, and East Colfax’s iconic hotel is officially open. 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
Award-winning bartenders Alex Jump and Stuart Jensen made their long-anticipated debut with Peach Crease Club. The bar opened on Friday, November 29 at 4180 Wynkoop St., adjacent to Mission Ballroom in Denver. The menu focuses on carefully-crafted cocktails made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as a robust low-ABV and non-alcoholic drink program. The menu will change, and guests can always expect a namesake peach cocktail on the list.
Mamas & Papas Hospitality Group, behind Dio Mio, Redeemer Pizza, and Little Johnny B’s, has set the time frame for opening Johnny Bechamel’s. The goal, said the Denver-based team, is to launch this month in Washington Park at 81 S. Pennsylvania St. Once open, expect eclectic Italian-American cuisine including handmade pasta, Neapolitan-inspired pizza, and an elevated beverage program.
Chef Michael Sanguinetti brings a bit of Texas Hill Country to Denver with Neon Cowboy, a cafe and bar that opened this past week. The menu features breakfast sandwiches and fresh pastries, as well as coffee drinks, spritzes, and morning cocktails.
Finally, the anticipated La Vista Motel is open on East Colfax. The restored 1956 boutique hotel has a retro-inspired design by Melissa Friday of Xan Creative, and is now welcoming guests. The onsite coffee and cocktail bar El Piñon has also started serving customers. To kick off the launch, a grand celebration is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 with food trucks, live DJs, and more.
Celtic mead hall Carw Gwyn debuted at 150 N. Marion St. in Denver. Here you’ll find mead on tap, fine whiskey, cider, and beer, as well as a selection of old world comfort foods such as Cornish pasties and stews.
Closings Around Denver
Bar Amorina in Clayton Hotel & Members Club annouced its closure. Run by the Culinary Creative Group (Ay’Papi, Forget Me Not, Tap & Burger locations, Mister Oso, and others), the small plates and cocktail bar just opened in January. Soon the space will house the most recent project by chef Johnny Curiel (Alma Fonda Fina, Mezcaleria Alma, Cozobi, and Alteño, which is located in the same hotel space), dubbed Mar Bella Boqueria, set to open early next year.
Where one listening bar opens another shutters, and this time it’s the prestigious Sunday Vinyl by the Frasca Hostpitality Group. The Union Station restaurant officially closes December 31. After that, the interior will transform into La Casina, a private dining and events space for Tavernetta Denver, which is right next door. This extension of Tavernetta will have a similar look and feel, complete with vintage Slim Aarons photography. Until then, Sunday Vinyl is selling all wine at 50% off starting December 5.
Rosso Pomodoro announced on social media that it was closing all restaurants in Colorado. The Italian chain brought its first Colorado pizza shop to Central Park in 2024, and opened a second location shortly after.
It wasn’t too long ago that La Reyna Azteca & Breakfast took over the former Breakfast King spot at 300 W. Mississippi Ave. in Denver. Now, it’s closing for good and space once again remains empty. Fans of La Reyna can still get the solid Mexican fare at the owners’ three other locations.
