News of two fundraisers has us reaching for wallets and helping out Denver’s hospitality community. We’re also celebrating the reopening of a beloved Mexican restaurant, the Top Taco 2026 winners, and a new ladies night, which comes complete with Love Island and crafts.
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The 411
A Night For Venezuela
Local restaurants are coming together to help Venezuela after the devastating June 24 earthquake. Located inside the space that housed Magna Kainan (350 40th St., Denver), expect food, music, and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will go to Third Wave Volunteers and Global Empowerment Mission.
New Happy Hour in Boulder
Boulder’s Casa Juani officially offers Hora Feliz, or happy hour, which runs daily from 4 to 6 p.m. Expect a curated selection of small bites such as the Croquetas with bechamel and jamon ibérico, charcuterie, spiced olives, and more. Of course beverages are also on special, for example the Spanish Martini with over-proof gin, vermouth, fino sherry, and olives for $9, a $9 cup of Basque cider, and $10 glasses of rose and white wines.
Rising From the Ashes
The Littleton location (10065 West San Juan Way) of Los Dos Potrillos reopens this week on Thursday, July 9 at 11 a.m. after a March 3 kitchen fire temporarily closed the popular Mexican restaurant. Owned by the Ramirez Hospitality Group, the 7,389-square-foot space got a renovation, bringing warmer tones and a more homey feel to the dining room. There’s also a new “Wall of Traditions”showcasing family recipes and its heritage.
“Littleton has always held a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Ramirez, CEO of Ramirez Hospitality Group, in a press release. “The support we received from this community — and from the first responders who were there when we needed them most — meant everything to our team. We didn’t keep this location closed and our people waiting because it was easy. We did it because this room is worth doing right.”
Vacation Time
Right now the team at Barolo Grill is on its annual staff trip to Italy. This year, the team will travel through some of Northern Italy’s most celebrated wine regions and towns, including Trento, Alto Adige, Vercelli, and Turin, before continuing on to Barolo and Bra. All this in order to learn, enjoy, and reignite the passion for Italian food and drink. The restaurant will reopen this Thursday, July 9.
More Vacations Await
United Airlines announced a new weekly, nonstop service between Denver International Airport and Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales. The new route opens up seamless access to Turks and Caicos, starting December 19. That means you can start planning now for a winter escape, complete with conch chowder and a beach-side cocktail.
Top Taco Winners
After a major storm delayed the announcement of the Top Taco Denver 2026 winners, the verdicts are out. Find the complete list here, and dream of all things taco.
Raising Funds For Surgery
Denver’s Hell or High Water Tiki bar is raising funds for one of its staff members who needs surgery. Like many in the hospitality industry, he doesn’t have health insurance. Right now the team is asking for help via Go Fund Me, and said it will also host a fundraiser at the bar (3542 Walnut St.) on Monday July 13.
Make Way For Ladies Night
Adventure Time Bar on South Broadway just launched a Thursday ladies night. Starting at 6 p.m., the night includes half-off drink specials, arts and crafts, unlimited Kettlehead Popcorn, and screenings of whatever reality TV is hot, which currently includes Love Island.
Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant Workers
Nominations for the 2026 Colorado Restaurant Association Hospitality Awards (the HOSPYS) will launch online this Thursday, July 9. The HOSPYS is an annual award ceremony meant to recognize the extraordinary talent of individuals, teams, and businesses in Colorado’s hospitality community.
This year the awards announced a handful of new categories, including Bar & Beverage Team of the Year, Front-of-House Team of the Year, and Back-of-House Team of the Year.
On the Menu
Coastal Mexican Rises
Lucina Eatery & Bar in Park Hill has fresh items added to the seasonal menu. Each new plate speaks to the fresh, clean flavors of the summer and the coast of Latin America. Think Tiradito with tuna, leche de tigre de melon, pepino, and herbs; the Jamon y Melon, which featured whipped chèvre with Serrano ham, and cantaloupe; and the addictive Choclo con Queso, a Peruvian corn dish with queso fresco, egg, and pepper powder.
Zero Proof Drinks Roar Into Downtown Denver
Thirsty Lion just launched a new zero-proof cocktail lineup to the bar menu. Items include the Ginger Mint Mule, Old Fashioned, Chocolate Espresso Martini, Passion Fruit No-Jito, and Ritual Margarita. New regular N/A drinks include the Blood Orange Ginger Iced Tea, Hibiscus Basil Lemonade, and Passion Fruit and Mango Agua Fresca.
Get Crispy
Starbird Chicken, which launched its first Colorado location in Denver last September, has a line up of five new wraps. The lineup includes Chicken Chop Wrap, Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap, Elote Chop Wrap, Thai Chicken Wrap, and the Green Goddess Cobb Wrap. The fast-casual chain also added a Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad and the Green Goddess Chop Salad with bacon.
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: Table 6 will be closing on Thursday, July 9, so we’re heading there for one last great meal.
Thursday: Ever since Encanto Cocina took home Judge’s Choice at Top Taco, we’ve been craving another bite. Lucky for everyone, the restaurant is right in Downtown Denver at 2124 Larimer St.
Friday: We’ve made a reservation for the new restaurant Mother Other today. It’s time to dig into some of the best vegan fare in Denver.
