Colorado’s minimum wage increased, which means the tip credit has also changed. One popular LoHi spot has a fresh happy hour to try, and a taco truck finds out it was illegally parked for over 10 years. Plus, burgers are popping off this week. Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Denver’s 9News reported on a family-run taco truck that was told it needed to “relocate after the City of Denver discovered a 12-year permitting error.” Luckily, the decade-plus Tacos y Tortas El Pluche, owned by Martin Salvador, is currently allowed to continue operation inside the parking lot of Monclova Law at 1745 S. Federal Blvd. But, due to zoning laws, the city is working on a new and permanent solution for Salvador’s business.
Last week on January 6, the Denver City Council approved the common consumption license for an entertainment district. This means on Wynkoop Street, between 41st and 43rd streets, and in the area in front of Mission Ballroom, it’s legal to drink alcohol outside (you just can’t bring booze from Mission Ballroom to the street). That means restaurants and bars on the strip including Left Hand Brewing, Chubby Unicorn Cantina, and Peach Crease Club can allow beer, wine, and booze to be enjoyed alfresco all year long.
In celebration of the one-year anniversary of American single malt whiskey’s official designation, Stranahan’s marked the milestone with the nationwide release of its Mountain Angel 12-Year American single malt (ASM). It’s the oldest straight ASM available. Not only can you get a bottle, but for a short time all distillery tours include a complimentary tasting of Mountain Angel 12-Year, as well as Aspen Exclusive Calvados Cask, Blue Peak, and Stranahan’s Original.
As of January 1, the minimum wage increased. In Denver it went up from $18.81 to $19.29, or $16.27 with the tip credit. Boulder County went from $16.57 to $16.82, or $13.80 with the tip credit; but the City of Boulder went from $15.57 to $16.82, with the tip credit rising from $12.55 to $13.80. Edgewater raised the minimum wage from $16.52 to $18.17, and was the only city not to raise the tip credit wage, a controversial number fought about all last year without any real solution. In areas where no local minimum wage applies, the raise went from $14.81 to $15.16, and $12.14 for the tip credit.
On the Menu
Pizza Happy Hour and Collaborations
Cart-Driver LoHi debuted a new happy hour with expanded hours and fresh menu items. Some of those treats are only available during happy hour, including a flight of three Negroni samplers for $10; pesto and tomato pasta for $12; cheesy bread for $10; and cheese & honey for $8. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
Head over to Cart-Driver RiNo for a special collaboration pizza between the restaurant and Music City Hot Chicken. It’s spicy and tangy and delicious, and only available this month.
Burger and Beer Special
Now on Thursdays you can indulge in the Burgers and Brews special at Ship Tavern. Expect a gourmet burger made special for the night, paired with a rotating selection of Colorado craft beers.
Smash This New Spicy Burger
The 19-year-old Smashburger chain just set fire to the menu with its new Scorchin’ offerings. Think Scorchin’ Cheesy Mac Smash®, featuring the signature burger topped with a crispy Scorchin’ hot cheesy mac patty and spicy chipotle mayo. There’s also the Scorchin’ Big Dog®, a quarter pound beef hot dog on a Scorchin’ cheesy mac patty, which gets smashed directly on the grill in order to conform to the bun. Finally, the Scorchin’ Chicken Smash®, a Scorchin’ seasoned, ground-chicken burger with pepper jack cheese, pickles, and mayo.
Zero Proof x Classic Cocktails
Death & Co Denver created a special Dry January menu of zero-proof drinks that mimic classic cocktails. The unique menu highlights a drink you like with a N/A version below. For example, the Negroni is paired with the Bitter Dancer, a drink composed of Giffard NA Aperitif, Dr. Zero Zero, AmarNo, black currant, lemon, and cinnamon.
