La Loma’s Big Move

For nearly four decades, La Loma has held a special place in the hearts of many Denverites. The magic of the restaurant lies in its simple appeal: beloved Mexican recipes passed down from the founding matriarch, fishbowl-size margaritas, and until recently, a sprawling Jefferson Park location that catered to families, couples, and football fans alike with its warm—weathered, even—cantina atmosphere.

While the recipes remain unchanged, the days of La Loma as a Jefferson Park stalwart have come to an end. Long-standing owner William Brinkerhoff announced in early 2016 that La Loma would be both relocating and expanding. Brinkerhoff sold the entire Jefferson Park block where the restaurant was located (it closed October 24) to finance his ambitious plans, which kicked off on November 1 with La Loma reopening downtown. Over the coming years, he will build two more La Loma locations—one near the aquarium and one in Castle Rock—as well as an American-style steakhouse in Lone Tree which will be dubbed Sierra Grill.

The downtown La Loma is significantly smaller than the original, with an airy, modern feel. This, despite the fact that it’s been gilded with brick, beams, stained glass, artwork, and cast-iron fixtures brought over from the former location. The restaurant, located in the former Trinity Grille space across from the Brown Palace Hotel, now offers complimentary valet in the evenings as a consolation for the loss of its former sizable parking lot.

As far as the menu goes, little has changed—you’ll find the same chiles rellenos, green chile, and fajitas that the kitchen has been serving for decades. But now, you’ll have to venture into the heart of the city to get them.

1801 Broadway, 303-433-8300