Denver’s Best New Restaurants of 2022

It’s actually happening. People are emerging from their home cocoons, life is (kind of) returning to normal, and new restaurants are once again firing up their burners and opening their doors. From Denver’s first pozole-focused eatery to a French bistro in Westminster to a little New York City gyro spot with a huge following, the restaurants debuting in and around Denver are diverse in their offerings and ready to serve. Here, 12 new restaurants to get on your dining radar.

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

It’s about time pozole got its turn in the spotlight. The traditional Mexican soup of hominy, pork, and chiles, so often a supporting character on Mexican restaurant menus, is the star at the new La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal. Chef Jose Avila created Denver’s first pozole-centric eatery as an ode to the pozolerias he ate at growing up in Mexico City. At La Diabla, Avila simmers the red pozole with which we’re most familiar, as well as white and green versions of the soup. Chase it with a pour of a mezcal or tequila from the restaurant’s well-curated list. 2233 Larimer St.

Benzina

Neapolitan pies, handmade pastas, and other Italian-inspired fare is on the menu at Benzina, a spot housed in a refurbished muffler shop (“benzina” means gasoline in Italian) on East Colfax. The venture, equipped with a mid-century modern ambiance and a sprawling patio, is the first solo project from Brad Anderson, who is also behind Chopper’s Sports Grill and other concepts. Our picks from the current menu include the asparagus with potato salad, truffle, and shaved miso egg; saffron risotto arancini; and fluffy crusted clam pizza with Calabrian chile oil. 4839 E. Colfax Ave.

Mood. Beats. Potions.

Five Points just gained a slick new hangout, thanks to the arrival of Mood. Beats. Potions. (MBP). The restaurant, which opened June 11 in the former Dunbar Kitchen & Taphouse Space, is the newest concept from Pure Hospitality—the culinary sector of the FlyFisher Group behind Coffee at the Point, Spangalang, and Mimosas. There, chef Corey Smith, who also helms the kitchen at Mimosas, serves upscale twists on Creole- and French-inspired cuisine in a space equipped with a cocktail lounge and expansive patio. Pair cocktails such as the cognac-and-gin-infused Welton 75 with the likes of shrimp and andouille gumbo, blacked red snapper, and sweet-tea-brined fried chicken. 2944 Welton St.

Carmine’s at McGregor Square

For more than 25 years, Carmine’s on Penn has been a favorite for family-style Italian. Now, the Ballpark neighborhood is getting in on the noodly action with Carmine’s sequel location opening in McGregor Square. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant has plenty of room for pasta lovers both inside and on its 40-person patio. And because physical menus are so pre-pandemic, Carmine’s on McGregor Square will have servers coaching diners on their dinner options, from portion size to whether they should go chicken or veal on the parmigiana. 1951 Wazee St.

The Halal Guys

The Halal Guys is a New York City institution. What started as a simple food cart run by three men from Egypt looking to feed hungry Muslim cab drivers, has grown into an international phenomenon, with more than 80 locations across five countries. Finally, Colorado gets a taste of the gyros, falafel, and chicken that put the Halal Guys on the map. 14535 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora

Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs

You pretty much get the gist of Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs by the descriptive name. But besides the namesake proteins, Mississippi Boy also smokes oxtail, burgers, brisket, turkey, and hot links. And there’s non-meat too, like the sides of mac and cheese, your momma’s potato salad, and wet sweet coleslaw. But Mississippi Boy’s Catfish, Ribs, Oxtail, Burgers, Brisket, Turkey, Hot Links, Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, & Coleslaw is a mouthful, and you need that mouth for all the barbecue eating. 5544 33rd Ave.

Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken

With Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken, owner JW Lee (Menya Noodle Bar, Seoul Korean BBQ and Hot Pot and Seoul Mandoo in Aurora, and others) hopes to introduce Denverites to Korean drinking culture. At Mono Mono, patrons can nibble on shareable dishes traditionally enjoyed with beer, soju, and other alcoholic beverages: soy-garlic Korean fried chicken wings, gochujang-glazed rice cakes, cheese-pull-worthy buttered corn with mozzarella served in a sizzling skillet, and other flavor-packed goodness. Bonus: During happy hour (3–5 p.m., Monday–Friday), the restaurant offers $5 sake bombs. 1550 Blake St.

Jet’s Pizza

Denver has fallen hard for Detroit-style pizza—for proof just check out the wait at Blue Pan on a weekend night—so it makes sense that Detroit-style pizza chain Jet’s is tripling down on Colorado. A Littleton and Lakewood Jet’s recently opened, and Denver will be getting its own on Colorado Boulevard later this summer. Besides the rectangular deep dish Motor City pie, Jet’s makes New York–style, hand-tossed, and thin-crust versions, so it’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all your pizza needs. 98 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood; 7735 W. Long Dr., Littleton; 2306 S. Colorado Blvd. (coming soon)

Famille

A day-to-night French bistro has landed in Westminster. Famille inside the Origin Hotel became the first restaurant to open in the city’s developing downtown area in March, says Clancy Noailles, the spot’s food and beverage manager. The restaurant serves breakfast and brunch daily, a rare find in the ’burbs, and offers a menu of Colorado-inspired bistro classics come suppertime. We’re big fans of the pain perdu and Centennial State beef steak frites, but don’t pass up a drink from the roving bar cart stocked with Champagne, ingredients for martinis, and more—the only one of its kind in the Denver metro. 8875 Westminster Blvd., Westminster

Bubu at Granite Tower

Bubu, Troy Guard’s build-your-own-bowl lunch-centric fast-casual, just opened its third location, this one in the lobby of downtown’s Granite Tower. The concept is all about mixing up healthy, fresh ingredients like local greens, seasonal veggies, organic tofu, and sushi-grade fish—the kind of lunches Guard grew up eating in Hawaii. If creating your own combo is too much pressure, there’s a menu of signature bowls, like the OG Colorado with roasted carrots, quinoa, green chili, avocado, and pumpkin seeds, to provide inspiration. 1099 18th St.

Little Bakery House

Denver has oodles of places to grab top-notch banh mi sandwiches, and Little Bakery House is no exception. At the joint near University of Denver, owner and Vietnam native Tom Xu—who worked at his family’s business, the now-closed King’s Land Seafood Restaurant for nearly 20 years—is slinging crusty house-baked French baguettes stuffed with a variety of fillings. Try the fried chicken cutlet iteration or the classic cold cut version (ham and steamed pork roll)—both of which come with the perfect ratio of pickled radish and carrots, cilantro, jalapeño, and crunchy cucumber. 2439 South University Blvd.

Lil’ Coffea Shop

Little India is branching out into the caffeine business. The restaurant and bar took over a former Starbucks adjacent to its location on 6th Avenue and Grant Street for a new venture: Lil’ Coffea Shop. The spot, which launches in early July, will offer coffee sourced from Denver’s Huckleberry Roasters and teas from the Darjeeling region of Indian (including Little India’s famous chai) along with pastries and sandwiches from Olive and Finch. Owner Simeran Baidwan says Little India also plans to open a fourth location in the Central Park Town Center in mid-August or early September—a move he hopes will allow his employees, many of whom are immigrants, to secure more shifts. Lil’ Coffea Shop, 330 E. 6th Ave. (coming soon)

Bonus: Grüvi, the maker of nonalcoholic craft beer and wine opened its first alcohol-free tasting lounge on South Pearl Street, where you can sip the brand’s Blood Orange IPA, Bubbly Rosé, mimosas, and other 0 percent libations in a bohemian-inspired lounge. 1455 S. Pearl St.

Onefold

Six-year-old Onefold debuted a second location near Union Station in July, giving Denverites a fresh reason to roll out of bed early. In the sun-soaked, cheerful space, diners can feast on favorites from the beloved breakfast and lunch eatery’s menu, which is inspired by owners Terese and Mark Nery’s Chinese and Filipino roots, respectively. Our picks include the hangover-curing congee, rice porridge flecked with shredded duck confit, scallions, and salted ginger; the perfectly griddled brioche French toast with fresh berries; and the bacon fried rice, an indulgent stir-fried masterpiece loaded with Tenderbelly bacon and topped with two fried duck eggs. 1919 19th St. (or visit the original location at 1420 E. 18th Ave.)

Blanco Cocina & Cantina

This spot from Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts (also behind True Food Kitchen, North Italia, and others) brings a menu of Sonoran-inspired Mexican food infused with contemporary flair to the 9+CO development at 9th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Inside the sprawling dining room—which opened this week—guests can settle into a platter of sizzling carne asada fajitas or a “Cheese Crisp,” an open-face quesadilla coated in a layer of charred, melted cheese and studded with toppings like tender short rib machaca (beef that’s been pounded, dried, and shredded), caramelized onions, and guacamole. Both are delicious paired with one of the signature margaritas; we’re partial to the Serrano-chile-enriched Spicy Skinny. If you’re hankering for an after-dinner hangout, venture next door to Culinary Dropout, another new concept from Fox serving Detroit-style pizza, build-your-own charcuterie platters, and elevated riffs on American comfort food in a party-friendly, sports bar atmosphere. 4177 E. 9th Ave

Tikka and Grill

While Tikka and Grill offers popular North Indian staples like tikka masala and saag paneer, the cozy, four-month-old restaurant also serves a bevy of must-try, lesser-known Indian and Nepalese specialities. Start with the tender, tandoori-roasted chicken malai kebabs, then go for the spicy, fresh-coconut-infused madras curry, ideal for sopping up with soft garlic naan. Other standouts on the extensive menu include momo soup, chicken- or veggie-stuffed dumplings swimming in a piquant tomato broth; “chili,” your choice of vegetable or meat doused in a thick, hot chile sauce (try it with the garlicky potatoes or mushrooms); and saffron-scented lamb biryani, basmati rice cooked with pieces of protein and finished with dates and nuts. 1300 S. Broadway

The Greenwich

The Greenwich in RiNo is restaurateur Delores Tronco’s love letter to the namesake New York City neighborhood she once called home. Tronco, a co-founder of Work & Class, left Denver in 2017 to pursue opportunities in the Big Apple but returned to Colorado when the pandemic forced her restaurant to close. With the Greenwich—which debuted in late September—she conjures up an inviting, urban ambiance via leather booths, a contrast of dark and light tones, and an impressive collection of New York City–inspired artwork (look for pieces by late legendary street photographer and Tronco’s friend Ricky Powell). The menu sports the culinary stylings of the Greenwich’s executive chef Justin Freeman, a Brooklyn transplant. Highlights include pizzas with fluffy, perfectly blistered crusts (courtesy of Freeman’s 10-year-old sourdough starter); lemon-kissed, roasted littleneck clams; and chicory salad dressed with tangy lemon-anchovy vinaigrette. And don’t sleep on dessert; the basque cheesecake is divine. 3258 Larimer St.

Cabrón Carbón Taqueria & Galería

The ambiance is just as big of a draw as the mouthwatering tacos at the fast-casual, month-old Cabrón Carbón, the newest restaurant from Fidel Robles, owner of Cilantro, and husband-and-wife team Camelia Robles (Fidel’s cousin) and Francisco Cuevas, who are also behind La Machaca de mi Amá and El Coco Pirata. Patrons entering the space are greeted by exposed brick walls decorated with colorful black-light-lit paintings by artists from Playa del Carmen and Guadalajara (also check out the murals in the bathrooms by local artist A.Michel Velázquez Rosas of Velart Denver Co); a bar stocked with tequilas and mezcals; and two big flatscreen TVs showing the taqueria’s menu. You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos (the chile-sauce-slicked barbacoa and griddled-to-a-crisp quesabirria are our favorites), but don’t overlook the papa asada—a grilled, halved potato brimming with melty cheese and your choice of meat. Complement your meal with a marg made with fresh fruit juice or a toasted-marshmallow-garnished horchata agua fresca. 1043 N. Broadway

TSR at American Bonded

It’s all about the sauces at TSR (This Shit Rules), the pop-up that replaced Open (now at Goosetown Tavern) at RiNo’s American Bonded last month. There, chefs Forrest Bayne and Austin Hume—the buddies behind pandemic-born sauce company Chimichurri Bros.— are slinging street-food-inspired bites enhanced with flavor-packed accoutrements. Opt for the Kim “Cheese” Steak, bulgogi shaved ribeye, KREAM Kimchi, gochujang, and cheese whiz, or the Hatch Burger, a masterpiece featuring a burger patty adorned with bacon jam, Hatch green chile, pimento cheese, roasted garlic mayo, and butter lettuce. The fried pickle spears and duck confit also, well, rule. 2706 Larimer St.

Plates By the Pound BBQ

Aaron Gonerway’s journey to owning a restaurant began in 2020 when his wife Sherrita told him it was time to start selling his barbecue. That’s why the blossoming pitmaster began offering platters of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, beef kielbasa sausages, and home-style sides for sale from his home. The popularity of his backyard fare led Gonerway to earn a fellowship from the KingsFord Preserve the Pit program, which also gave him a grant to get a brick-and-mortar off the ground. In mid-September, he opened a takeout-only storefront in Aurora, where, on Saturdays only, he cooks delicious smoked meats and sides like beans with smoked turkey and creamy potato salad inspired by his Texas upbringing. Get there between 10:30 and 10:40 a.m. at the latest to beat the crowds (he usually sells out by 1:30 p.m.). Those who don’t make it in time can also taste Gonerway’s talent at TrashHawk Tavern on Wednesday evenings, when he serves pulled pork sandwiches, rib dinners, and other stellar pub grub. 11601 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora; 1539 S. Broadway

Grange Hall

Housed in a former C.B. & Potts building, Troy Guard’s two-month-old food hall has something for everyone—from fiery chicken to poke bowls to comforting, bread-heavy pizza slices. While smaller than many Denver-area food halls, Grange packs in the flavor with a mix of Guard’s original concepts (Rado Burger, Bubu, and Crazy Love Pizza), and newcomers like California-based Crack Shack and the first brick-and-mortar outpost of Denver’s popular food truck Uptown & Humboldt. Also new, Little Dry Creek Brewery (named after the water source that feeds the hall) pours original brews and signature cocktails. Our picks: Grab a Firebird (hot chicken sandwich) and Grange Fries from Crack Shack, and pair them with a “Mile HI-PA” or a refreshing, whisky-based yuzu highball from the bar. 6575 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village

La Bouche

Drop your worries at the door at one-month-old La Bouche, which offers an anytime Parisian escape in Uptown. Husband-and-wife owners Alexis and Alexandra Tréton opened La Bouche in late September after moving to Denver from the suburbs of their native Paris in late 2020. The duo fell in love with the city (and the sunshine, they say), but when they arrived, they couldn’t find a spot for the leisurely glass of wine and great charcuterie like they enjoyed in France. So La Bouche (which translates to “the mouth”) was born as a way to bridge the gap, melding the laid back vibe of a French café with Colorado’s own unique culture—evident in the modern, bright white-and-black interior and sunny patio. The Trétons say they want La Bouche to be a place where people from both cultures can talk, forget about their phones, and enjoy each other’s company over a slow-sipped glass of wine. Don’t miss the daily happy hour, when carafes and glasses are discounted. 1100 E. 17th. Ave.

Prost Highlands Ranch

Despite popular opinion, the southern suburbs are ripe with foodie fun, and in the past year, new fixtures Pindustry and Grange Hall have given us destinations to venture south for. Now there’s one more. In October, Denver darling Prost Brewing Co., opened a sprawling campus in Highlands Ranch, complete with a larger-than-life beer bar, a fire-pit-laden patio with yard games and a stage, and a walk-up food window dishing out sausages, sandwiches, and shareables like soft pretzels and a German-style charcuterie board. The new location also features cocktails, seltzers, and wine on draft—we like the Naughty German, a European-style paloma with tequila, grapefruit, lime, Bärenjäger (honey liqueur), and cinnamon. 53 Centennial Blvd., Highlands Ranch

Vaca Gordo

Taking over Lea Jane’s former stall at Highland’s Avanti Food & Beverage is Vaca Gordo—a barbecue-meets-Tex-Mex fusion spot serving slow-smoked brisket tacos, al pastor pulled-pork Frito pies, and jalapeño cheddar sausage tostadas. Chefs Steve Redzikowski of Oak at Fourteenth and Bill Espiricueta of Smōk and Bellota have been friends for years and teamed up on this new project to share their mutual love of barbecue and zesty American-Mexican food with guests. Diners can choose their own adventure by selecting a base (tortillas, rice and beans, tostadas, and salad are all fair game), and top with a slow-smoked protein of their choice. After gorging yourself on ’cue, finish with a four-piece order of warm churros served with dulce de leche. Avanti Food & Beverage, 3200 N. Pecos St.

Urban Village Grill

Six months after chef Charles Mani’s beloved restaurant Urban Village closed due to difficulties related to the pandemic, Mani has opened a new iteration of the fine-dining Indian spot: Urban Village Grill in Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree. To the delight of fans of the New York–trained chef, this expanded eatery features Mani’s signature dishes: crispy kale salad, sweet-and-tangy fried cauliflower, and “Not Your Mother’s” butter chicken—all elevated versions of traditional Indian cuisine. New for guests is an outdoor dining experience with tabletop grills that allow diners to cook their own chef-marinated chicken, shrimp, lamb, and beef without leaving the comfort of their seats. Urban Village Grill also features single-serving cheesecakes and mousses that are as decadent (and delicious) as they are lovely. 8505 Park Meadows Center Dr., Ste. 2184, Lone Tree

Bodega Denver 

Bodega Denver, a three-month-old daytime eatery in Sunnyside, is the brainchild of north Denver native Cliff Blauvelt. Before debuting the small 35-seat joint, Blauvelt worked as culinary director at Tap & Burger and is also a veteran of Steuben’s. He brings his culinary expertise and love for stacked sandwiches to Bodega, a colorful joint with a hip-hop-powered soundtrack where he dishes a lineup of elevated breakfast and lunch fare. Go for the juicy Double Bodega Burger loaded with two stacked patties, melty American and cheddar jack cheeses, and grilled onions, or the Chili Crisp Fried Chicken Sandwich, a crispy chicken thigh patty layered with gailan (Chinese broccoli) slaw and pickled daikon radish. Don’t miss the Mixed Bag of Fries, a medley of four different types of fried potatoes served with a tangy fry sauce. 2651 W. 38th Ave.  

Cretans 

This fall, the dining concepts at the Clayton Members Club & Hotel received a makeover, courtesy of New York City–based Quality Branded, whose concepts include Cherry Creek’s Quality Italian and award-winning bars such as Zou Zou’s. Their new additions to the Clayton include: Cretans, a Mediterranean wine bar; Kini’s, which serves cuisine inspired by the Greek isles (see below); and Chez Roc, a zebra-wallpaper-adorned, Moroccan-themed piano lounge. A deep wine and cocktail list with more than 30 wines by the glass and pour-over martinis is the draw at Cretans, which also has a roster of thoughtfully curated snacks. Go for a round of spicy pepperoncini martinis and a tower of dips accompanied by crudité and flatbread, or treat yourself to a glass of Italian skin-contact wine and a Osetra caviar slider. 233 Clayton St. 

Kini’s 

Kini’s, named after the relaxed coastal beach village on Greece’s Syros Island, serves upscale takes on classic Greek island dishes, including wood-oven-roasted fish (an homage to its coastal namesake). The buzzy spot has a semi-open kitchen and a 16-seat bar with an impressive greenery installation. Pair a refreshing Sumac Spritz with a Spanakopita Manti, a hybrid of traditional spanakopita and a spinach samosa, and Kini’s Meatballs with date molasses and yogurt, which give the dish the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Any of the five signature dips are excellent, including the apricot-jam-sweetened whipped goat cheese, but for something heartier, order the wood-fired Ora King Salmon, a smoky, tender fish that’s large enough for two. 233 Clayton St. 

La Mai Thai Kitchen

Owner Orrapan Botthaisong (also a partner at Daughter Thai Kitchen and Bar) looked to her roots to create the blueprint for La Mai Thai Kitchen. The petite Edgewater eatery is named after her mother, La Mai, and the menu features a small selection of her favorite Thai specialties. Dig into the crispy chicken wings tossed in a sweet chili sauce, made with her grandma’s recipe, or the pad kra pao with pork belly, thick chunks of protein stir-fried with basil, onion, and bell pepper and accompanied by rice and a fried egg. The khao soi, a rich coconut curry soup with egg noodles served in northern Thailand, is also a comforting treat. Botthaisong is also waiting for approval on her liquor license, so patrons can look forward to a full bar, including a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, at the restaurant soon. 2001 Sheridan Blvd., Unit C, Edgewater 

Tom’s Starlight

In September, Tom’s Diner, the beloved 24-hour joint that slung burgers, shakes, and other rib-sticking fare from 1999 to 2020, received a second life as Tom’s Starlight. The retro cocktail lounge—which is situated in a building on the National Register of Historic Places that dates back to 1967—is the concoction of owner Tom Messina. For the concept’s facelift, Messina added a sprawling outdoor space with patio furniture, fountains, and Astroturf and a wood-paneled bar and lounge decked out with purple, green, and orange accents. While the decor has old-school cocktail lounge vibes, the food and drink offerings are mostly modern with options such as cheese charcuterie boards and fried chicken thigh sandwiches with pecan-date coleslaw to pair with drinks such as the cucumber-apple-vodka-forward Bend & Snap or cilantro-tequila infused Green Thumb. For a throwback, look for Stupid Questions, a charge for unapproved queries from the old diner’s menu. 601 E. Colfax Ave.

Wellness Sushi

Plant-based eaters, rejoice: This month, Wellness Sushi—Denver’s first vegan sushi and Japanese restaurant—celebrated its grand opening on East Colfax. The fast-casual spot, which previously operated as a ghost kitchen in Aurora, presents rolls, onigiri, donburi (rice bowls), and ramen that are made with meat and fish alternatives so flavorful and satisfying that you won’t miss the real thing. Our favorite order is the classic onigiri, a sandwich-size seaweed-wrapped rice ball stuffed with umami-packed vegan tamago (a Japanese rolled omelet) and caramelized OmniPork Spam (made with soybeans, wheat, beets, and coconut oil). But the rolls, composed of everything from king mushroom tempura to eggplant eel to sun-dried tomato cheese, are also worth a try. 2504 E. Colfax Ave. 

Dragonfly Noodle

LoDo gained a sweet lunch and dinner venue, thanks to the arrival of Dragonfly Noodle. In October, Zoe Ma Ma’s Edwin Zoe opened the fast-casual concept’s second location on 16th Street Mall (the first is in Boulder). Zoe’s abbreviated selection of Pacific Rim dishes are influenced by culinary traditions in countries across Asia, including Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan. Slurp-friendly offerings include the tonkotsu ramen with cherrywood-smoked pork belly, black garlic oil, and Zoe’s house-made noodles, and the yaki udon, soft and springy wheat noodles imported from Japan stir fried with sliced steak and a medley of veggies. 1350 16th St. Mall 

Pato’s Tacos

At eight-month-old Pato’s Tacos, Mexico City native Patricio “Pato” Penalosa offers a small but mighty roster of tacos and sides. With the help of business partner and chef Rene Gonzalez, Penalosa adapted the concept to align with Mexican street food vendors, who typically only serve a few dishes and sides. Since there are only a handful of tables in the petite eatery, the limited number of offerings also help the duo ensure that patrons receive their food quickly, also a trademark of taco stands in Mexico. Visit during taco Tuesday, when you can get three tacos and a drink for $15. Top tortilla toppers include tender cochinita pibil (slow-simmered pork stew made with more than 12 ingredients, including achiote peppers, garlic, and onion) and the Pato’s Especial (fresh guac and chicharron). 5038 E. Colfax Ave. 

La Rola Colombian Kitchen

Formerly located in Zeppelin Station, this Colombian restaurant set up shop in the south suburbs this fall and now serves an expanded menu of Latin specialties. The empanadas (your choice of four fillings) are exceptional, but we also like the arepa (a corn-based flat bread) with chorizo and plantains or digging into a plate of comforting arroz con pollo, yellow-hued rice and chicken served with fried sweet plantain, yuca, and criolla potatoes.. Don’t miss other Colombian staples such as the millionaire (small) or billionaire (large) hot dog, each topped with a bevy of accouterments, including shredded chicken, ham, bacon, onions, crushed potato chips, pineapple sauce, and a quail egg. 5350 S. Santa Fe Dr., Unit C, Littleton —Riane Menardi Morrison 

Pollo Tico

In early November, Costa Rican native and Top Chef season 18 cheftestant Byron Gomez brought Pollo Tico (‘Tico’ is the nickname Costa Ricans call themselves) to Avanti Boulder. The menu features arroz con pollo, chicken patacon (the Costa Rican term for tostone), hearts of palm salad, and distinctly Costa Rican extras like Lizano sauce and Imperial beer. That chicken with rice is likely to be a menu favorite, with its shredded rotisserie chicken flavored with Lizano sauce, the vegetable-based condiment that’s on every Costa Rican table. The savory, mildly acidic sauce looks like a darker hot sauce, but without the fire power. Gomez also uses Lizano on the chicken sandwich, along with pickled red onion and chimichurri sauce. Tropical fruits like tamarind, pineapple, and plantains pop up in salads, sauces, and slaws, but you’ll definitely want to order a side of the maduros, sweet plantains drizzled with natilla (similar to sour cream) and topped with herbs and pickled red onion. Avanti Food and Beverage, 1401 Pearl St., Boulder 

Pirate Alley Boucherie

Chef-owner Kyle Foster—formerly the owner of Julep and the chef at Colt & Gray—originally opened Pirate Alley as a pop-up sandwich shop in 2019. But the lineup of po’ boys, subs, and melts was so popular that he opened a permanent location out of the Ice House downtown this past September. You can’t go wrong with any of the seasonally inspired creations, but we’re partial to the New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp dip, filled with tender shellfish, celery slaw, and a barbecue-sauce-tinged butter sauce, a nod to Foster’s Southern upbringing. (Pirate Alley is named for the famous pedestrian area of the same name in New Orleans). When the 2,850-square-foot space isn’t slinging sammies from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., it doubles as a private event space that also partners with Stir Cooking School, owned and operated by Foster’s wife, Katy. 1801 Wynkoop St., Ste. A-175 

Derecho

Three-month-old Derecho, a new tapas bar situated in a light and airy space directly above Cherry Creek’s Machete Tequila + Tacos, serves small plates spanning hummus, piquillo  pepper rellenos, and burrata brought to life by chef Kevin Marquet. Helmed by the same team—co-owners John “Wally” Wallrath and Dan Ohlson—the spot’s imaginative cocktails and fresh fare (there’s no deep fryer in the facility) are satisfying fuel for a shopping trip in the retail district. Start with a round of tangy, marinated gigante beans served atop crisp baguette slices and Find Your Drishti cocktails, spirit-forward sippers of Reposado tequila, fresh lemon simple syrup, orange bitters, and Fresno pepper. For dinner, don’t miss the shareable polenta with braised Colorado lamb, seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and mojo verde sauce. 2817 E. Third Ave. 

The Hungry Goat Scratch Kitchen and Wine Bar

Nearby Morrison offers a mountain-town experience within easy reach of the city center, with its charming main street, foothill views, and access to hiking and activities at Red Rocks. While there are plenty of places to grab a drink, those looking for more filling fare should stop at the Hungry Goat, a scratch kitchen that opened this summer. Located in a refurbished house, there’s ample seating in the light-soaked dining room and plant-bedecked patio, which features cozy globe lights and a bubbling waterfall. Dinner will set you back around $20 to $30 per entrée, but the thick-cut, handmade Bolognese pappardelle, tossed with plum tomato sauce that’s studded with bits of ground beef and pork, is a spend-worthy comfort. Also don’t miss the impossibly crisp and delicate calamari, which is served with Italian pepper slices and a sweet-hot chili dipping sauce. Wash it down with a refreshing pear-fig martini or Aperol apricot spritz. 102 Market St., Morrison 

The Lazy Greyhound

Owners Kristin and Jason Ungate, along with their namesake pooch, Guybrush, opened the Lazy Greyhound on downtown Littleton’s Main Street in spring 2022. The low-ceilinged space is furnished with inviting leather couches and delightfully on-theme hound artwork; there’s even a good boy depicted in stained glass form above the bar. The fun extends to the drink menu, which is divided into Old Dogs and New Tricks sections (classic cocktails and original creations, respectively). We like the mellow and strong Eternal Harvest, a concoction of corn-infused bourbon, Nixta Licor de Elote (a corn liqueur), and angostura bitters, or the fall favorite Rumkin, with rich flavors of Flor de Cana seven-year rum, pumpkin spice, and Borghetti coffee liqueur. Or try the bar’s house drink,  a “lazy” take on the classic greyhound made with sloe gin (a variety made with tart sloe berries) and grapefruit shrub. 2570 W. Main St., Littleton 

The Rouge Wine Bar & Patio

Bob Koontz, the owner of Greenwood Village’s Pindustry, originally wanted to use space next door to his sprawling barcade as a banquet area. But he turned it into a wine bar instead after hearing from customers, who desired a quieter, more upscale place to relax and take a break from enjoying the live music, bowling lanes, and arcade games at Pindustry. In October, he debuted the Rouge—a 1920s-themed bar in a sleek,  space adorned with sapphire blue accents and string lights—as a response to their feedback. The menu has 50 wines by the glass and 200 bottles sourced from boutique growers from across the world, which pairs well with the lineup of small and shareable plates influenced by global flavors. Look for specialties such as the spaghetti squash pasta with grilled pomodoro sauce and shaved pecorino or the hamachi sashimi with ponzu, chile, and toasted sesame oil. 7939 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 190, Greenwood Village 

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