News is a popular steakhouse files for bankruptcy while a rooftop bar celebrates the season with a party. Look for spring cocktails, a pizza pop-up, and a rare balsamic vinegar at restaurants near you. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Bankruptcy Notice
News on the wire is that 801 Chophouse, a high-end steakhouse chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Denver has one location, and so far the company plans on keeping it going. We’re also hoping we will still get to see them at RARE this year.
Award-Winning Spirits
Centennial-based distillery Branch & Barrel just earned Double Gold for its Wheated Bourbon, and Gold for its limited-release High Rye Bourbon at the Denver International Spirits Competition. But that’s not all, late in 2025 the distillery won a Gold medal at the London International Spirits Competition, where the Wheated Bourbon ranked as the world’s second-best scoring bourbon.
4/20 Special
Today until p.m., BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse celebrates its iconic Pizookie® for just $4.20 at all locations nationwide. The treat has been around since 1978, so even if you miss the sweet deal for 4/20, you can get it anytime.
Sundays at Papi’s
Every Sunday starting at 1 p.m., Ay Papi hosts Papi’s Placita, a weekly celebration inspired by Latin placitas, the vibrant neighborhood gathering places at the heart of community life. Settle in for an afternoon of live music, artisan vendors, and bottomless tropical mimosas.
Sunset Sundays
Join RiNo’s rooftop hot spot Sorry Gorgeous for Sunset Sundays, a weekly golden hour fete from 3 p.m. to midnight. Expect a lineup of DJs spinning melodic house and atmospheric sounds, paired with rooftop views and an energy that builds as the sun sets. Learn more at @sorrygorgeousrooftop and sorrygorgeousrooftop.com.
Westy Restaurant Week
The inaugural Westy Restaurant Week is going on now, until April 26. About 40 cafes, restaurants, and bars in Westminster have signed on to participate. Special pricing levels run $15, $25, $35, $45, or $55, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Check out Laws Chophouse, Perdida, 3 Margaritas, BonChon, and more.
On the menu
Brand New Dessert
Forget the cronut, chef Eric Dale from Rioja has created the bao-nut, a cross between a doughnut and a bao bun. The treat came from a happy accident when the chef tried to create a yeast-raised doughnut to put on the brunch menu. He wasn’t happy with the progress, so he hacked the baking system by steaming the doughnuts and then frying for a quick 30 seconds.
Right now you can head to Rioja to try the Carrot Cake Bao-Nut with sweet carrot ribbons and a cream cheese mousse, or the Lemon Bao-Nut with lemon mascarpone on a bed of blueberry compote.
Aged Balsamic Arrives
Just as planned, Dear Emilia in RiNo now has balsamic barrels from Acetaia San Giacomo that reside in the restaurant’s batteria, where they will age for years to come. To celebrate, the restaurant has a limited-time menu with several dishes finished with other Acetaia San Giacomo balsamics.
Fun fact, in Emilia-Romagna, families receive a set of balsamic barrels when a child is born. The balsamic ages alongside that child, often for decades, becoming part of the family’s history.
Spring Cocktails
Downtown Denver’s Poka Lola Social Club released its spring menu, complete with nostalgia-inspired cereal milk cocktails, fajita veggie-infused vodka, spring vegetables, brûleéd rum, and more.
Look for the Balanced Breakfast (Ford’s gin, Chambord, Licor 43, and Cap’n Crunch Berries cereal milk), The Dundies ( veggie-infused Family Jones vodka, Dolin dry vermouth, Dirty Sue olive brine, and MSG), and the What’s Up, Doc? (La Luna Cupreata mezcal, carrot, ginger, and housemade orgeat).
Pizza Pop-Up
Hearth is now serving up sourdough pizza at Latchkey Denver. The special runs from 5 to close, Thursday through Saturday, and is coming out of the bakery’s new bread-focused operation in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots, and make sure to check out the week’s events.
Tuesday: After watching chef Justin Adrian share his day on Thursday, we need to get one of the killer burgers from Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse. If you missed the chef takeover, worry not, you can go to our Instagram highlights and see it.
Wednesday: Champagne Tiger hosts pasta and piano on Wednesdays, and it’s a real treat. The handmade pasta changes each week, and you can add on anything from the regular menu.
Friday: Stopping by Apple Blossom this week to try one of the new, zero-waste cocktails on the menu, as well as snagging dinner.
