A fire closes one of Denver’s most romantic restaurants. In another part of town, a beloved pizza-deli gets shut down for back taxes, and Colorado’s spirit industry rallies against a proposed bill that could cost them and consumers a lot. Also this week, discover a new wine club.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Fire Closes Favorite Spot
After a fire last Monday, the Capitol Hill restaurant Odyssey Italian (one of our favorites) has to close for repairs. A note online stated all reservations are canceled as they work on the damage. Fans are encouraged to support the sister spot in Uptown, Ollie & Park’s, for American-style small plates, wine, and cocktails.
Bad-News Bill
Folk in Colorado’s spirit, wine, and beer industry have already started partitioning against a bill recently introduced by State Representative Jamie Jackson. Dubbed HB26-1271, the bill proposes increasing the tax on the state’s local booze operations by 60%. Winery, brewery, and distillery owners claim such a spike in fees would jeopardize the approximately 131,000 related jobs and would greatly increase costs for consumers.
“Colorado’s breweries are also facing major challenges with nearly 200 closures since the pandemic,” said Shawnee Adelson, executive director of the Colorado Brewers Guild in a press release. “Increasing taxes on breweries in Colorado would be like Maine lawmakers going after lobster fishermen or Georgia with peach farmers. You simply don’t pass job-killing tax increases on a sector that has put you on the map, especially in a way that would go around the will of Coloradan voters.”
Winning Whiskey
It was a good run last week for the Arvada-based Talnua Distillery. During the 2026 World Whiskies Awards it earned the Highly Commended for Craft Producer of the Year award, and received Best American Pot Still for its 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep. Unfortunately that bottle is now completely sold out. But don’t worry, Olde Saint’s Keep 2026, a new limited edition finished in casks sourced from six Colorado distilleries, is coming. Only 1,200 bottles will be released March 13, but pre-orders and additional details are available here.
Tax Drama and Sudden Closure
Leven Supply had a dramatic week after a former accountant screwed up the restaurant’s tax payments and the government briefly seized the property. The sister spot to Leven Deli in the Golden Triangle, the Washington Park eatery opened last year. The owners found out they owed $140,000 in back taxes, and after three days of closure, Leven Supply worked it out and was back and running by Friday last week.
On the Menu
Now Pouring Downtown
New cocktails debut at Apple Blossom, located inside the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver. On the spring menu you’ll find the Try Your Luck (Kyoto Ki No Tea gin, snap pea-infused sake, housemade miso-honey syrup, and fresh lemon) and the Basil Lemon Drop (milk-washed vodka, fresh lemon, basil, light sugar rim), among others. Soon the bar will also bring back the Carrot Crush drink, featuring Carrot Eau-de-Vie, which is made with over 77 pounds of carrots per liter.
Super Charged Beer
Get ready for G-Force Supercharged Juicy IPA, an 11% ABV, mango-forward triple IPA brought to us by New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger. It’s the first singles-only launch by the brand and will be available in convenience stores around town.
Wine With a Story
Restaurant Olivia is launching a wine club featuring two bottles hand-picked by wine director Scott Thomas. Each wine comes with a story about the grape, region, and producer, adding a level of education to each pour. Find out more information and sign up here.
Last Call For This Slice
It’s the last week to try the artichoke pizza special at the RiNO location of Cart-Driver. The dish features onion cream sauce, mozzarella, marinated artichoke, spinach, and parmesan.
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.
Monday: Pony Up is hosting its monthly French Dip Showdown. This time it’s BearLeek’s chefs against Pony’s Up head chef. Try each sandwich for $20 each, or get a combo with one half of each. Then vote for your favorites! If you get there late and the special is sold out, rest assured there are plenty of tasty dips on the menu to try.
Wednesday: We got to check out chef Oscar Padilla’s new Agave Blue Cantina in Arvada last week. Don’t skip the epic Pork Chop Chicharron for two (or really four if we’re being honest), the chocolate cake, or a perfect Coin Margarita.
Friday: Chef’n It has us craving chef Cliff Blauvelt’s Chopped Cheese from Odie B’s. You can find it at both the RiNo and Sunnyside location, and find out how to make it at home online.
