From restaurant name changes to special Valentine’s Day sweets to award-winning bakers, the Denver metro area dining scene has been busy. We’re excited to check out a new special dinner night in town, and pizza for a cause has us heading to Longmont.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Magic Noodle House in Uptown changed its name to Noodles by Nina. The shift, said owner Nina Zhang, came because, “as the restaurant grew, so did Nina. And the magic deserved a name people could see, remember, and celebrate.” But don’t worry, it remains a magical spot for hand-pulled noodles and other Chinese delights.
After a final notice for tax delinquency, Macaroni Grill in Westminster has closed. According to 9News, the city delivered letters three times since November, 2025, and each showed the company’s delinquent periods and balances. The city seized the property at the end of January, leaving the workers jobless and without their final pay checks.
The 5280 Pastry Co-Op’s 3rd Annual Golden Croissant Competition took place on February 4 at Rebel Bread. The winners included chef Rafael De Jesus Rufino of La Croissanterie Denver, who won Judge’s Choice ; and Deva Randolph, head baker at Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse, who took home the People’s Choice prize.
Starting February 13, Blackbelly Market Denver will expand its Blackbelly Bistro, an evening dining experience hosted inside the butcher shop. Now, diners can visit every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. The concept started last year, and was designed to bring a taste of what its sister spot Blackbelly Boulder is known for, including premium wagyu beef and a menu thoughtfully crafted by chef Hosea Rosenberg. In the first iteration it was only available twice a month on a Thursday. With the expanded hours and a more date-friendly day, the team hopes to welcome more diners to the Denver shop.
The co-founders of Urban Field Pizza, Paul Nashak and Nick Swanson, have launched Pizza with Purpose in Longmont. The philanthropic partnership includes Longmont’s Main Street pizzerias Rosalee’s Pizzeria and Antonio’s Real New York Pizza. The goal is to raise funds for hunger-relief organizations through community events. Join the inaugural Colorado Pizza Festival, a large-scale international pizza competition coming to Longmont on September 5. Pizza with Purpose kicks off today, on National Pizza Day. Each concept will donate $1 from every pepperoni and cheese pizza sold now until February 15 to Slice Out Hunger.
The Brewers Association announced it’s moving the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) outdoors for the first time ever. The decades-old GABF will relocate from the Colorado Convention Center to Denver’s Levitt Pavilion, with the event taking place on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026.
On the Menu
Cold Sweet Love at Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream has some February specials including Raspberry Love, a sweet raspberry ice cream folded with chocolate flakes. There’s also the Flirty Float with black cherry soda over Raspberry Love ice cream, a hot fudge drizzle, pink whipped cream, heart sprinkles, and two heart-shaped straws.
New Menu at Local Jones
Local Jones executive chef Ian McKenzie has revamped the modern American comfort food menu, and added some tasty new dishes. Some highlights include the Parker House rolls with cultured butter, lamb lollipops, dry-aged hanger steak, Colorado striped bass, and braised lamb shank.
The Salty Valentine’s Specials
The Salty is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition lineup available now and until February 15. On the menu is the Passionfruit & Vanilla Heart featuring Salty’s signature 24-hour brioche filled with whipped passionfruit cream and finished with a vanilla bean glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and passionfruit pâte de fruit.
Also try the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart, which comes filled with whipped strawberry ganache and topped with strawberry and chocolate glaze, chocolate drizzle, and freeze-dried strawberries. On the drink side, the Strawberry Tiramisu latte is available with espresso or matcha, and layered with housemade strawberry syrup, choice of milk, tiramisu cold foam, and strawberry powder.
Girl Scouts x Crafted Concepts
Girl Scouts of Colorado and Crafted Concepts restaurants have launched their annual collaboration where the chefs turn Girl Scout cookies into elevated specialty desserts. At Bistro Vendôme the Tarte aux Citron uses Trefoil cookies. Rioja has taken the new Exploremores cookies to create an almond-laced cheese cake. Then at Ultreia, the Samoas cookie has been whipped into a churro ice cream sandwich. Not only are they delicious, but $1 from each dessert is donated to Girl Scouts of Colorado. Get it now and until March 15.
Seasonal Milk Shakes at MilkShake Factory
Head to the MilkShake Factory for its limited time Strawberry Matcha Milkshake. It’s available now through March 29 at the Arvada location, 5324 Wadsworth Blvd. Unit C.
This Week Check Out…
With so many amazing old school restaurants and plenty of new ones opening up, sometimes the options feel daunting. Here’s some of our expert suggestions to get the week started.
Wednesday: Since the weather is going to be chilly with a chance of snow or rain, stop by Pig & Tiger to warm up with the beef noodle soup, or, vegan hot and sour soup.
Thursday: Have you been to Noodles by Nina, nee Magic Noodle House, yet? It’s the right time to stop by for a big bowl of spicy dan dan noodles, with some Ibérico pork dumplings on the side.
Friday: Pre-Valentine’s Day cocktails with a side of art? Yes please. That’s exactly what you will get at Adventure Time, a new themed bar on South Broadway. You might not have a love on February 14, but you will love your adventure there.
