The news is out, and a popular soul food spot won a million dollar lawsuit. Luxury awaits in the basement of a downtown Italian restaurant, complete with candle light and tuxedoed servers. A lot of new and tasty things are popping off, and Hop Alley had its first menu overhaul in 10 years. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
The Millon-Dollar Lawsuit
For decades Welton Street Café has served the Five Points neighborhood in some capacity, remaining a steadfast member of the community, even though its relocation took almost three years to complete. The owners of the family-run soul food restaurant were originally told the build out would be done in six months. As time went on, the costs rose and the family claimed it was charged double, even triple fees for items. Now, the cafe has been awarded a default judgment of $1,054,079.15 against the contractor.
Luxury Awaits
Jovanina’s Broken Italian just launched Caffé Rifugio, an invitation-only supper club in the restaurant’s intimate basement. The idea stems from Italy’s mountain dining huts, and the 40-seat, candle-lit space aims to give diners that sense of warmth and secrecy. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with prosecco and seated in fur-trimmed chairs, surrounded by the 19th-century brick walls and dark woods.
Expect velvet tuxedoed servers, classic cocktails, rare wines, and the restaurant’s signature wood-roasted meats and vegetables. The prix-fixe dinner experience is only available on select weekends, starting at $150. For additional information or to join the waitlist, click here.
Finalists Announced in the News
In case you missed it, last week the James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for the coveted awards. Five of Colorado’s top chefs and bartenders have made the cut, read more about them here.
Official Burger of the Colorado Rockies
Smashburger announced it’s now the official smash burger of the Colorado Rockies for the 2026 MLB season. The partnership features a promotion that rewards attendees for every Rockies home run now through September 25. When they hit big, you get a free Single All-American Smashburger or Americana Big Dog, available that day or the following day at participating Colorado Smashburger locations, excluding Smashburger’s Coors Field or Denver International Airport restaurants. Fans simply present proof of attendance (game ticket stub, Ballpark app check-in, or email confirmation) to claim their free item.
On the Menu
New Polynesian Fare
Adrift Tiki Bar announced the appointment of Robert Duran as General Manager, who ushers in new menu items too. Launching April 21, the lineup features Polynesian-inspired flavors and techniques. Think Crab Rangoons with blue crab, ginger cream cheese, and a sweet chili pineapple dip; Charred Chinese Broccoli with garlic chips, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; and Pepper Steak Skewers in a black pepper sauce with bell pepper, onion, scallion, charred Chinese broccoli, furikake, and togarashi rice.
There’s a great line up of new cocktails too. On the punch bowl side, the Sacred Idol serves two to four and contains “Adrift’s Ancient recipe passed down from generations past.” Also look for the Rum Barrel, a cocktail full of spices, grapefruit, lime, orange, passionfruit, honey, allspice, and overproof Jamaica and Guayana rum, which is so strong you can only have two.
Weekend Lunch Service
Molino Chido is now open for lunch starting at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can enjoy a curated menu of classics, drinks, new items and more. Book a reservation via OpenTable.
Pizza of the Month
Over at Blue Pan Pizza, the team has dedicated the pizza of the month to owner Jeff Smokevitch’s mom. Dubbed Nonna’s Pink Parm, the pie features fried eggplant, housemade vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, imported stracciatella, and a 24-month-aged Parmesan Reggiano.
Major Menu Overhaul
It’s been 10 years since Tommy Lee’s Hop Alley has had a menu makeover, and now, executive chef Sean May has introduced an all-new lineup of goodies. Guests can order fried Alamosa striped bass with Singapore chili crab sauce; Chengdu sweet water noodles with housemade wheat noodles, Sichuan ground bean sauce, pickles, and fried garlic; and Buckner Family Farms braised lamb with Chinese turnip cakes, lap cheong sausage, and lamb jus.
Longtime favorites like the Beijing duckroll and chilled tofu can still be found on the restaurant’s new happy hour menu, which also features items such as a fried chicken sandwich with Singapore curry spice and pineapple. Happy hour runs Monday to Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Chicken Sandwich Glory
MAKfam just released a special happy hour item: MAKChicken with curry fries. It’s available Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. for just $13.
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: Diving into the history of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery last week got us hungry for pancakes. Did you know the favorite brunch spot just turned 20? Read more about it over a stack and a cup of coffee.
Thursday: Oysters and lobster rolls with a view? Yes please. Heading to the newly-opened Shuck Brothers to get a fix.
Friday: This week the Colorado Ballet is debuting Masterworks and we have tickets. Heading to Olive & Finch, which has an outpost right at the DCPA. The Green Goddess Salad with salmon is a true delight, though a half portion is always enough.
