Happy New Year from all of us at DiningOut Magazine! Local restaurants, hotels, and bars are all gearing up for 2025 with specials, Dry January menus, and plenty of news. Unfortunately, in-with-the-new and out-with-the-old pertains to some beloved restaurants, and 2025 has already hit hard in the loss department. Still, we have plenty to on our plate to look forward to.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Take advantage of The Broadmoor’s special for local Coloradans, its yearly Colorado Appreciation package available January and February. Not only are rates discounted, but the deal also offers complimentary golf greens fees, complimentary outdoor tennis and pickleball court time, and special prix fixe meals at the property’s The Golden Bee, Ristorante del Lago, and La Taverne, which include the choice of one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert.
While there’s plenty to enjoy during Dry January, the Brewers Association has also launched a special theme for the month, the Pour Love into Local campaign. This initiative encourages people to visit local breweries now and during these slower winter months. Many breweries not only offer a nice place to socialize, dine, and imbibe, but many have non-alcoholic options too.
Openings In the News
The West Colfax Business Improvement District announced the opening of Los Socios Birrieria at 3910 W. Colfax Ave. As the name suggests, it’s all about that birria, including a grilled cheese birria. Visit now, the restaurant is open daily from 2 to 9 p.m.
Adelita’s Cocina y Cantina opened its second location at Edgewater Public Market, in the former Cochino Taco spot at 5495 W. 20th Ave., Edgewater. Visit Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Bamboo Sushi announced a new location opening soon in Congress Park. The second spot will launch early this year at 1160 Madison St., the former Sushi Ronin outpost.
Closings In the News
The beginning of 2025 also means the end of some beloved restaurants. For starters, Café Brazil announced it woulnd’t be renewing its lease on January 1, and now it’s closed. The future isn’t 100-percent clear, and owner Tony Zarlenga hinted that the decades-old restaurant may make a comeback. But as of now, diners won’t be able to enjoy favorites such as the Cazuela Colombiana, Seafood Copacabana, and freshly made Caipirinha cocktails.
Zarlenga wrote in a Facebook post: “The past year has been grueling. Like many in the restaurant industry, we faced a brutal decline in business, escalating costs for products and labor, and an inability to make ends meet. The challenges of 2024 have left an indelible mark, exacerbated by the lingering impact of the pandemic, which many local restaurants never fully recovered from.
Throughout this, we remained steadfast in our commitment to offering high-quality, accessible dining experiences, refusing to pass rising costs onto our loyal patrons. However, the pressures have become insurmountable.
For over three decades, Café Brazil has been more than just a restaurant. It has been a second home for its cherished guests, a canvas for culinary imagination, and a vibrant piece of Denver’s cultural fabric. Today, with a heavy heart, we share that Café Brazil’s future is uncertain as our lease will not be renewed as of January 1, 2025.”
Chef Wayne Conwell’s Sushi Sasa almost made it 20 years, but it’s now closed. Conerll wrote in a Facebook post, “It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to lead Sushi Sasa for the past twenty incredible years. While all great things evolve, it’s time to embrace new opportunities. With mixed emotions, we share the decision to complete this beloved chapter.”
Fans still have a tasty sushi spot in Conwell’s Tai Tai Japanese, located south of Denver. In fact, it’s one of chef Dana Rodriguez’s (Carne, Work & Class, Super Mega Bien) favorite spots for a date.
Another big closing comes from the acclaimed Farow in Niwot. Owners Lisa and Patrick Balcom opened the small farm-to-table restaurant in September, 2021, and now will shutter it on January 11.
In an email the couple wrote: “This decision did not come easily, but the rising costs of doing business have made it impossible for us to continue in a sustainable way. While this chapter is coming to an end, we are profoundly grateful for the journey it has been and the incredible community that has embraced us over the years.
Farow has always been more than just a restaurant to us—it has been a place of connection, celebration, and shared experiences. We are endlessly thankful for the friendships we’ve made, the stories we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve been privileged to create together.
We hope you will join us in these final days as we celebrate everything Farow has stood for. Whether it’s one last meal, a toast to the moments we’ve shared, or simply stopping by to say goodbye, we would love to see you.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this journey. Your support, love, and enthusiasm have meant the world to us, and we will carry these memories with us always.”
Of course award-winning chef Alex Seidel’s Fruition is also closing this month after 18 years in business. The last day of service is January 12, and until then the social media is dedicated to celebrating the employees and what made Fruition such a special spot.
Events
Michelin-recommended Restaurant Olivia marks its five-year anniversary with a five-course tasting menu. Best part, it’s available all month starting January 7 through 31. While there will be choices, you may want to start with eggplant arancini, followed by French onion ravioli with Gruyere fondue and crispy Parmesan. Next choose between Gemelli alla Norcina with fennel sausage, black truffle, and pecorino cream; or Chili Mafaldine with bison polpetti, basil and sauce pomodoro. Find the rest of the menu and make a reservation here.
Guard and Grace is hosting a rocking dinner on January 8 featuring Metallica’s own brand, BLACKENED Whiskey. The four-course feast comes paired with whiskey tastings and cocktails centered around the brand. Additionally, guests at the dinner can enter a raffle to win a signed bottle by Master Distiller and blender Rob Dietrich, along with tickets to the upcoming Metallica show in June 2025 at Mile High Stadium. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., and runs $195 per person. Reserve a spot here.
Want to get a free taste of the locally-made Grüvi non-alcoholic craft beer? The Grüvi Dry Jan Takeover takes place on Thursday, January 9 at Hi-Dive, Colorado Campfire, Boulder Social, Number 38, The Local Drive, and Cherry Cricket locations. From 5 to 8 p.m., attendees can get a free Grüvi non-alcoholic craft beer and the first 25 guests at each location will snag a free Grüvi glass. All guests can register to enter for a chance to win free Grüvi for a whole year via the link here.
Celebrate Cucina Bella’s two year anniversary on Tuesday, January 14. Owners and brothers Luis and Heriberto Gutierrez whipped up a three-course dining experience featuring some of the most popular dishes. There will be two seatings, 5 and 7 p.m., and each prix fixe is $35 per person. Reservations can be made online at cucinabelladenver.com.
Enjoy a rodeo-style dinner on Thursday, January 16 at the Stranded Pilgrim inside Denver Milk Market (1800 Wazee St., Denver). The three-course meal revolves around steak paired with Pendleton Whiskey, runs $75 per person, and starts at 7 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, purchase here.
