The Best New Restaurants and Bars of 2022 (So Far)

In the Mile High City, there’s never a bad time to savor something fresh. We have plenty of ideas for you, thanks to the arrival of many exciting new restaurants and bars this year.

This is a snapshot of the best new restaurants in Denver, updated quarterly. See a running list of the best new restaurants and bars of 2022 here. See the best new restaurants of 2021 here.

BB.Q Chicken

Fried chicken is a big deal in South Korea. Case in point: As of 2019, the country had more than 87,000 fried chicken restaurants (in comparison, there are only over 38,000 McDonald’s worldwide). In March, one of South Korea’s popular bird-slinging chains—BB.Q Chicken—expanded to the Centennial State, opening its first location on South Havana Street in Aurora with plans to launch outposts in Capital Hill and Lone Tree this summer. Alex Lee, who owns the forthcoming Denver location and helps manage the Aurora one, says the secrets to fast-casual restaurant’s flavorful, juicy-crunchy wings include sauces imported from South Korea and a 20-minute run in a tumbler that coats the chicken with a flour dredge. You can also get boneless wings and pieces of whole bird, which are all tossed in your choice of 13 sauces. Our favorite varieties are the Soy Garlic, sauce-free Golden Original, and black-pepper-kissed Gangnam Style with a side of fried rice. 2495 S. Havana St., Unit H

Read more: Feast on Globally Inspired Fried Chicken at Kickin’ Chicken and Eat Your Way Around Havana Street

Adobo XO

Since 2012, chef Blaine Baggao has satisfied Denverites’ appetites for Mexican-Filipino fare with his Adobo food truck and outposts at RiNo’s First Draft Taproom & Kitchen and the Hellofood cafe at the Meow Wolf experience. As of April, fans can also get Baggao’s best bites—including crispy lumpia, slow-smoked carnitas, and green-chile-smothered everything, from fries to burgers—at his first standalone brick-and-mortar on Federal Boulevard. Baggao hopes the expansive location, which has a stage and plenty of seating, will become a community gathering place, especially once the Adobo XO’s liquor license is approved. We recommend stopping in for breakfast burrito or a bowl loaded with juicy, garlicky chicken adobo, a recipe inspired by Baggao’s grandmother, and a scoop of his velvety ube ice cream. 3109 Federal Blvd.

Glo Noodle House

Three-month-old Glo brings fresh energy to the West Highland restaurant scene with a menu of skewers, raw plates, ramen, and cocktails; paper-lantern-adorned space; and sprawling patio. Husband-and-wife team Chris Teigland and Ariana Pope—veterans of Balistreri Vineyards and Boulder’s Blackbelly—are the masterminds behind the concept, which is named after Teigland’s late mother, Gloria, who encouraged him to pursue his love for Asian cooking. Peruse the small-plate lineup for shatteringly crisp karaage with chile glaze and yuzu aïoli; juicy soy-kissed chicken thigh skewers; and serrano-pepper-zinged hamachi crudo. Then dig into a bowl of ramen; standout options include the bright lemon chicken shio or the spicy brothless kimchi bolognese mazemen with ground pork and beef. Take note of Glo’s beautiful dishware, much of which was made by local ceramicist John Domenico, the grandson of Balistreri Vineyards owner John Balistreri. 4450 W. 38th Ave., #130

LoDough Bakery

Austria native Jan Kratzer honed his yeasty skills at the Bindery and Mizuna before setting up shop in late 2021 at LoDough in the Dairy Block, where he crafts breads and pastries for nearby restaurants and retail sale. At the petite bakery—which he launched eight months ago with restaurateur Frank Bonnano—patrons can pick up loaves of Kratzer’s nutty, subtly tangy sourdough, which is produced with local, organic rye flour, and goodies such as hazelnut crowns (a pastry he grew up eating in Austria) and Danishes with lemony cream cheese and seasonal fruits (the strawberry rhubarb is available now). The chia-seed-studded banana bread and bourekas, savory puffs filled with mashed potato and onion, are also delicious. The bakery is open Friday–Sunday; pre-order your loaves and treats in advance to make sure you get some before they sell out. 1800 Wazee St., Suite 100

Sunflower Thai

Situated in a shopping center anchored by Sprouts and Big Lots in Westminster, Sunflower Thai serves a solid roster of takeout staples, from wok-charred pad kee mao (drunken noodles) to fiery green curry. But we’re drawn to the three-month-old restaurant’s selection of Issan specialities, which hail from Thailand’s northeast region. Opt for the Issan sausage, house-made links stuffed with tangy, coarsely ground pork sausage and served with ginger, Thai chiles, and peanuts; or the larb, your choice of ground chicken, pork, or beef dressed with a punchy lime dressing, shallots, and mint leaves. Also try the kao soi, chicken and egg noodles in a rich golden curry crowned with crunchy noodles, green onions, and cilantro. 4880 W. 120th Ave., Ste. 200, Westminster

Bánh & Butter Bakery Café

Thoa Nguyen—the daughter of Thai Nguyen and Ha Pham, the founders of the legendary New Saigon restaurant and the eponymous adjacent bakery and deli—is carrying on her family’s culinary legacy with a contemporary twist at Bánh & Butter. At the light-drenched, plant-adorned bakery and cafe on East Colfax in Aurora, Thoa and her team craft a rotating selection of exquisite pastries influenced by French traditions and vibrant Asian flavors and Vietnamese coffee and milk tea drinks. Swing by for tarts loaded with custard and fresh fruit; Instagram-worthy cupcakes in flavors like ube, Thai tea, and mocha; and banh mi and croissant sandwiches. Pair your selections (we’re guessing you won’t be able to settle on just one) with a potent cà phê trung, Vietnamese egg coffee capped with a layer of custardlike cream. 9935 E. Colfax, Aurora

Lucina Eatery & Bar

Two-month-old Lucina Eatery & Bar in Park Hill is an ode to all matriarchs, including two in particular: co-owners Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati’s mothers, Lucina and Ester. Casiano, who was raised by a Mexican mother and Bolivian father, and Coconati, a native of Argentina who grew up in Puerto Rico, based the menu on dishes they ate growing up eating and still cook at home today (the pair are also behind Stanley Marketplace’s Create Cooking School). The results are comforting specialties such as crispy potato and Manchego cheese croquetas; white fish and shrimp ceviche tossed in an agua chile sauce; and fragrant paella with mussels and chorizo. Paired with a killer cocktail program rife with options like the gin- and cucumber-forward What Would Lucina Drink and warm hospitality led by partner Michelle Nguyen, Lucina has a welcoming ambience we think any mama would approve of. 2245 Kearney St., Ste. 101

Sky Bar and Factory Fashion Champagne Bar

Bar hopping inside Stanley Marketplace is better than ever with the addition of two new cocktail destinations in the last three months. Both projects are owned by entrepreneur Skye Barker Maa, and the drink programs were conceived by Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges of Yacht Club fame. Here’s what we love about both.

Factory Fashion, which opened in April, operates as a sewing studio and education center during the day and chic Champagne bar after 5 p.m., serving bubbles-forward drinks like the Fashion Thyme cocktail (made with gin, blackberry, thyme, and lemon). Funds from the bar support the studio’s efforts, including a popular Drag Tween-Teen series where kids learn to sew outfits and care for wigs. And on select weekends, the bar transforms into an immersive party venue (past events have been inspired by the worlds of James Bond, Moulin Rouge, and disco), fueled by actors, musicians, and set designers from Maa’s other arts programs.

Across the marketplace, Sky Bar—an intimate, rooftop-level lounge that debuted last month—offers travel-themed drinks and stellar views of the Rockies (pro tip: arrive in time to watch the sunset). We recommend setting sail with the aquatic-blue Hawaii with vodka, rum, pineapple, green tea, and clarified milk punch; or the cognac-forward, Biscoff-cookie-topped Paris. While the bar only has 28 seats, the cozy, vintage-airport-lounge-themed furnishings (think: big leather chairs and posters of ’60s-era flight attendants) make it the perfect escape. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora

Reynard Social

When the Thompson Denver began welcoming guests this past February, Denver’s food scene was abuzz with news of its celebrity-chef-owned restaurant, Chez Maggy. But there’s another, lesser-known reason for foodies to flock to the Market Street lodge: Reynard Social, an upscale, indoor/outdoor cocktail bar on the hotel’s sixth floor serving après-ski-inspired cocktails and elevated small bites. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of downtown within an interior thoughtfully decorated with modern-mountain-lodge-style decor: leather couches, fireplaces, and potted evergreen plants. Settle in and order the Mountain Blanket with Irish whiskey, rye, amaro, sweet vermouth, and balsamic vinegar or a Full Send nonalcoholic sipper with notes of mint, coconut cream, and lime. For bites, don’t miss the rib-sticking wild mushroom fondue, or the honey-orange-glazed, house-cured pork belly. 1616 Market St.

Groovy Bar

Denver’s foxy mamas and closet disco queens can now down grasshoppers and Harvey Wallbangers in the fab, funky digs of LoHi’s three-month-old underground cocktail lounge, Groovy Bar, located in the basement of the Post Chicken & Beer’s new LoHi location. Furnished to look like it’s your Saturday Night Fever-loving grandpa’s dream lair, the bar is decked with ’70s memorabilia, vintage wallpaper, and photos of bell-bottom-clad youths (and, of course, Technicolor lights and a disco ball). Besides a solid lineup of rotating beers and over 15 wines by the glass, the Groovy Cocktails (hand-crafted creations) and Grandpa’s Basement Drinks (old-school bangers) shouldn’t be missed. Try the Dear John, a mix of Law’s Whiskey rye, campari, orange liqueur, and maple syrup, or opt for an I’m The Dude, Man—a take on a white Russian. Pair your drink with one of grandpa’s favorite munchies, like cheese and crackers or berry cheesecake, and boogie your way through the night. 1575 Boulder St.

Fuel & Iron

Speaking of themed bars, escapists looking for a taste of Pueblo (the city 100 miles to the south) can sample drinks and dishes inspired by the region’s famous green chiles at LoDo’s new Fuel & Iron Bar, which opened in April in the old Brass Tacks location. Choose a cocktail on tap (we like the Puebloma, made with house green-chile-infused tequila), and try the fiery house green chile, either on its own or smothered over cheese-curd-crested poutine or a pair of open-face slopper burger sliders. The bar was brought to life by Denver developers (and Pueblo fanatics) Nathan Stern and Zach Cytryn, who are also opening Pueblo’s first food hall this fall. Both Fuel & Iron projects pay homage to the city’s industrial past, and though they’ve come under fire for cultural appropriation, Stern and Cytryn say they plan to give back to the community and invest in its future. 1526 Blake St.

Want more? Check out the best new Denver restaurants of 2021. 

A5

The heavy-hitting Culinary Creative Group has enriched the Denver restaurant scene with several knockout concepts, from Cherry Creek’s Forget Me Not to multiple locations of Tap and Burger. Downtown’s A5—the group’s steakhouse, which debuted in November in the space previously occupied by Morin—is no exception. Led by executive chef-partner Max MacKissock, the restaurant offers a refreshing chophouse experience by offering a blend of classic and reimagined favorites in a delightfully funky bar and dining room furnished with artwork depicting likenesses of steers, plants, and neon lighting. As for what to order, start with MacKissock’s take on a crab cake—crab salad set on a thick slice of buttery French toast and topped with potato chips spiced with togarashi (Japanese chile pepper seasoning). Then turn your attention to the lineup of steaks, which features lesser-known cuts like striploin, bavette, and the Denver (our pick for its beautiful marbling). Get it with a couple of à la carte sauces such as the X.O. and chimichurri and the rib-sticking mac ’n’ cheese croquettes. Need we say more? 1600 15th St.

Street Feud

The hip-hop-powered interior of Merlin Vernier’s fast-casual eatery is a feast for the eyes, from the wall lined with vintage boomboxes to the colorful painting of Jay Fai (the first Bangkok food stall owner to earn a Michelin star) in the dining room. But the playful ambience is just a preamble for Street Feud’s lineup of globally inspired tacos, bowls, wraps, fries, and bao buns. The joint’s first brick-and-mortar landed on East Colfax in December after stints at Avanti Food and Beverage and Number 38. The 2 Shells, 1 Taco—tender chicken tinga, beans zinged with earthy huitlacoche (corn fungus), homemade cheese sauce, pickled onions, and cotija cheese snuggled between flour and crispy corn tortillas—is a must-order for Cheesy Gordita Crunch devotees. Or try the Luk Thung fries, crispy potatoes drizzled with peanut sauce and topped with spicy green beans, sliced boiled egg, and bean sprouts. The dish is inspired by an Indonesian noodle dish Vernier’s mother prepared for him as a child that’s also on the menu. Wash whatever you order down with a Purple Drank, a refresher made with lemonade and grape Kool-Aid. 5410 E. Colfax Ave.

Chez Maggy

Earlier this month, renowned French chef Ludo Lefebvre opened his first restaurant outside of Los Angeles: Chez Maggy, an upscale, 90-seat brasserie located inside the new Thompson Hotel on 16th Street. Lefebvre’s wife is from Denver, and the fine-dining spot’s name pays homage to her stepmother, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2019. With a menu that celebrates flavors of the Rocky Mountain region and Lefebvre’s homeland, expect classic French offerings with a Colorado twist. We like the luxurious bison tartare served atop a crispy potato chip; the butter-drenched local trout almondine with French beurre noisette; and the custardlike take on the classic Denver omelet—filled with ham and bell peppers and smothered with decadent cream sauce. 1616 Market St.

Cantina Loca

Since Dana Rodriguez and her team debuted Work & Class and Super Mega Bien in 2014 and 2017, respectively, the concepts have excelled at satisfying Denverites’ cravings for thoughtfully prepared Pan-Latin cuisine. However, no restaurant reflects Rodriguez’s culinary prowess and personality more than Cantina Loca, a spot she opened in LoHi’s Espadin building last month. The restaurant’s name is a nod to Rodriguez’s nickname, Loca, and is her dream come true: a taqueria representing Mexico City’s culture and food. The energetic space—which is decorated with a tree of lavender blossoms, a brightly lit central bar, and a whimsical, agave-leaf-centric mural by John Rumtum—invites diners to connect over plates of tacos, snacks, and drinks infused with Rodriguez’s line of agave spirits. Don’t miss the nopales fritos, cactus fried in a charcoal-darkened tempura batter; longaniza, house-made chorizo tacos with caramelized onion and salsa brava; and the tequila- and mango-forward Vincent Man-Gogh cocktail. 2890 Zuni St.

[Read Casa Bonita Names Dana Rodriguez as New Executive Chef]

Silvia at Lost City

While Denver has no shortage of burrito bowls, Silvia Hernandez—a Comal Heritage Food Incubator graduate and 2021 CNN Champion for Change—dishes up some of the best in town at her first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Silvia, which opened inside Lost City last November. Hernandez, who grew up in Mexico City and also lived in Puerto Vallarta, brings her culinary heritage to the Metro via artisanal, build-your-own bowls stacked high with ingredients like grilled mushrooms, slow-cooked black beans, and zesty house-made guacamole. Our perfect bowl: tri-color quinoa topped with chile-roasted pork al pastor, calabacitas (roasted corn, zucchini, and red onion), fajita peppers, queso fresco, and curtido (pickled vegetables) drizzled with Hernandez’s fiery pineapple and arbol chile salsa. 3459 Ringsby Ct.

Fellow Traveler

Nestled among South Broadway’s eclectic shops and eateries is one-month-old plant-based haven, Fellow Traveler. At this bar-forward restaurant, chef Ross Pullen (also behind the vegan barbecue spot JackBeQue) serves up vegetarian salads, sandwiches, and entrées, alongside a lineup of classic cocktails and house creations inspired by global destinations. Try the chile-kissed, crispy kung pao cauliflower along with a fresh, seasonal snow pea niçoise salad (topped with a vegan deviled “egg” and jackfruit crab cake). Pair your meal with a one-ounce neat pour from the Strange Cargo drink menu, which includes spirits you might find on your next international jaunt: We like the Arak, a sweet and pleasantly bitter anise-based Lebanese spirit, and the Blue Flower Baijiu, a subtly floral Chinese liquor made from sorghum. The space itself even feels like a respite for the weary traveler, with an inviting bar, cozy couch seating, and dining tables set among voyage-themed decor. 3487 S. Broadway, Englewood

The Porklet

Situated beside Pacific Ocean Marketplace in a bustling Aurora shopping center, fast-casual Porklet excels at producing renditions of katsu (fried cutlets encrusted in light, flaky panko breadcrumbs). Your choice of the pork (the Porklet) or chicken (the Chicklet) meal comes with two audibly crispy, immaculately breaded cutlets; a medley of sides, including miso soup, macaroni salad, pickles, and coleslaw; and a umami-rich dipping sauce. A Cheeselet, a cheese-stuffed fried pork cutlet, is also available. You can’t go wrong with any of them—but an order of the highly ’Grammable Volcano Fried Rice is a must. The mountain of fried rice is flecked with caramelized bacon or diced spam and corn; shrouded in a beautiful scrambled egg; and presented atop a pool of sweet-tangy brown sauce. The five-month-old Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant also offers a variety of rice cake appetizers, udon dishes, and wings that are worth a try. 12201 E. Mississippi Ave., Ste. 123B, Aurora

Gemini

In mid-November, Gemini brought new life to Boulder’s 1115 Pearl Street, the previous home of Riffs Urban Fare, which closed in March 2020. The eatery is the result of the collaboration of two married couples: Catherine Neckes and Micheal Mehiel and Elizabeth Neckes (also Catherine’s twin sister) and Brian Pierce, Gemini’s chef. Pierce draws on his 10-year tenure at New York City restaurants such as Estela and time as a caterer and private chef in Aspen to curate a selection of charcuterie, hot and cold tapas, and entrées driven by Spanish traditions. Pair a glass of Grenche or the pickled pepper martini with the patatas bravas with garlic aïoli, croquetas de chorizo (chorizo and potato croquette), and beef and pork meatballs. Or if you’re craving something larger, the tortilla de papas, a Spanish omelet served with mixed greens, is a tasty choice for lunch or dinner. 1115 Pearl St., Boulder

Mochinut

When Third Culture Bakery closed its two Colorado locations in December, mochi doughnut lovers had to find other places to satisfy their cravings. Thankfully, two shops specializing in the rice flour treats now call the Denver area home: the first is Dochi, a Florida-based bakery that debuted a location in RiNo last May, and the second is Mochinut, a fast-growing chain from California with more than 20 locations across the U.S. This past fall, Mochinut turned on its fryers on Aurora’s South Havana Street, where you can get the crisp, toothsome doughnuts in a rotating selection of flavors like Churro, Strawberry Funnel, and Pistachio, alongside an array of boba teas and savory rice dogs. The latter are goodies on a stick filled with cheese, mashed potatoes, and/or hot dogs that are fried in a variety of crunchy rice flour coatings. The one blanketed in Hot Cheetos is a messy, finger-licking indulgence. 2222 S. Havana St., Unit A2, Aurora

Yacht Club

What defines a stellar neighborhood bar in Denver right now? Look to beverage pros McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright’s’ Yacht Club, open since mid-December at 37th Avenue and Williams Street, for a prime example. The husband-and-wife team’s concept, which was at the Source in RiNo from 2014 to 2019, caters to admirers of laid-back dives, thoughtfully curated natural wines, and inventive craft cocktails. There, you can linger over beautifully presented offerings like refreshing, gin- and mint-forward Southside Swizzles and gently sweet banana daiquiris or knock back cans of $5 White Claw and $4 Coors Banquet. Complemented by a small-but-mighty assortment of hot dogs, ham rolls, and other bites and digs furnished with wood accents, coastal decor, and a disco ball, the vibe, bites, and sips at Yacht Club will make you wish you lived in the Cole neighborhood. 3701 N. Williams St.

YumCha

Since opening ChoLon in 2010, chef and restaurateur Lon Symensma has been delighting Denverites with modern, Asian-fusion cuisine, and last November he opened YumCha, a new dumpling and noodle house located downtown in the former Cho77 location. To bring the menu of traditional and inventive dumplings to life, Symensma tapped ChoLon’s dim sum chef, Michelle Xiao, who hails from a Cantonese city near Hong Kong and has over 30 years of expertise. Together, they dish out steaming Shanghai-style xiaolongbao filled with pork and crab, Cantonese chicken dumplings, and a crispy, fried pork variety, among others. Also look for pan-Asian-inspired noodle dishes, including comforting miso-and-pork-belly-laced ramen and Wagyu beef chow fun with Chinese broccoli. 1520 16th St. Mall

Water Grill

Earlier this month, Colorado’s first Water Grill started slinging fresh fish, crustaceans, and other ocean dwellers in LoDo. On the menu: favorites like oysters, scallops, and octopus alongside harder-to-find specialties like Florida stone crab and red sea urchin. The West Coast–based restaurant with four locations in California and one in Las Vegas fills its tanks and raw bar with the freshest catches flown in daily from its own exclusive distribution company, King’s Seafood Company. For Denverites, that means access to seafood that, by dinner time, traveled only hours to reach their tables. Ask your server for a seasonal recommendation—right now, they’ll steer you toward the live California spiny lobster, which is available October to March—or choose among sustainable options like Marine Stewardship Council–certified Chilean sea bass with butternut squash gnocchi and sage brown butter sauce. 1691 Market St.

Chicken Rebel

Since Lydie Lovett debuted Chicken Rebel as a food truck in 2017, her giant fried chicken stackers have earned a place in the Mile High City’s sandwich hall of fame. With the opening of Chicken Rebel’s second location in Westminster this month (the first is in Highland), fans in northern suburbs have easier access to Lovett’s decadent creations, including classics like the Rancher, layered with bacon, avocado, and buttermilk ranch, and Fancy Tots, taters laced with parmesan and lemon zest. But what we’re most excited for is the newest item on the fast-casual spot’s all-day breakfast menu: the Captain Crunch French Toast, a sandwich stuffed with cream cheese and strawberry; encrusted with crushed cereal; and fried to golden perfection. More bonuses: The Westminster store has a drive-thru and Lovett plans to open another location in Littleton in September. 10448 Town Center Dr., Westminster

Five Nines

Earlier this month, Cherry Creek’s bar count grew by one with the addition of Five Nines, a semi-hidden burlesque bar in the belly of the Clayton Members Club. To find it, look for the southeast-facing door marked with, well, five number nines, and enter into a dimly lit, velvet-bedecked watering hole where the friendly, vest-clad bartenders stir up classic cocktails and their own cheeky concoctions. Go for the Pornstar Martini (vodka, lime, passionfruit, and vanilla served with a floater of sparkling wine), or the Dragon’s Breath, a refreshing tiki-style drink made with rhum blanc, lime, coconut cream, yellow chartreuse, and mint. Every hour, turn your attention to the back stage (which is outfitted with sultry curtains that disguise a dancer’s pole) to see a short burlesque show by professionals from Hard Candy Dancers, a Denver-based aerial troupe and dance ensemble. The whole experience feels a little too risque for Cherry Creek—but that’s what makes it worth adding to your bar-hopping roster. 233 Clayton St.

Apple Blossom

In October, Paul and Aileen Reilly, the siblings behind Coperta and dearly departed Beast & Bottle, opened Apple Blossom in the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver. As the all-day eatery’s culinary director, Paul works with chef de cuisine Russ Fox and pastry chef Jodi Polson to execute a roster of specialties spotlighting sustainably farmed meat and produce—which is paired with warm hospitality led by Aileen’s front of house expertise. Trace the seasons through specialties like tahini-dressing-kissed grilled winter squash with sesame candy or dig into heartier offerings such as chicken-fried duck livers with pickled scallion ranch and country-ham-studded fusilli alla vodka slicked with tomato cream. Save room for Polson’s excellent house-made cookies and ice creams (she’s also the talented artist behind the whimsical mural of the eponymous flower in the dining room). 866 18th St.

Point Easy

One-month-old Point Easy’s farm-to-table menu of shareable plates, house-made pastas, and cocktails will make you wish you lived in the Whittier neighborhood. Andy Bruch and Dan Phelps’ white-walled restaurant—which has big windows, a sprawling bar, and black and gray accents—invites guests to connect with family and friends in a casual, inviting space over feasts produced with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, many of which are local. Build your own spread with the likes of lemon-shallot-vinaigrette-dressed squash salad, guanciale-studded bucatini all-amatriciana, and thick, juicy grilled pork chop with duck fat apples. The fare is complemented by an equally well-curated beverage list with 10 wines available by the glass, a collection of featured spirits, and tasty cocktails like the Palisade peach G&T and pistachio daiquiri. 2000 E. 28th Ave.

Ni Tuyo

Heading into the cooler months, there’s nothing that warms our hearts and stomachs quite like a molcajete, a piping-hot stone bowl of Mexican meats and veggies stewed in chile sauce. Luckily, the team behind Adelitas and La Doña Mezcaleria launched Ni Tuyo this summer to sate Denverites’ appetites for the bubbling cauldrons, which feed three to four guests and cost $30 to $36 each (which includes tortillas and a round of chips and salsa). Try the classic Cielo Mar Y Tierra variety, filled with steak, chicken, shrimp, panela cheese, green onions, and nopales served in a spicy tomato sauce. 730 S. University Blvd.

Manila Bay Filipino Restaurant

Eateries dedicated to the cuisine of the Philippines are a rarity in the Denver metro area, but fans can now dig into staples—crispy lumpia, citrusy pork sisig (minced pork sautéed with spices and onions), aromatic garlic fried rice—at five-month-old Manila Bay in Aurora. The expansive restaurant, housed in a former Village Inn, has plenty of seating and an adjacent bakery that serves pastries, buns, cakes, and other treats from Goldilocks and ice cream from Magnolia (both brands born in the Philippines). Before you venture over to the sweet shop, order the beautifully presented bangus sisig, chopped lime-kissed deep fried milk fish, and the lechon kawali, fried pork belly with a vinegar-kissed sauce. 13800 E. Mississippi Ave.

Wild Taco

Casual, modern Mexican-inspired bites from chef Javier Sanchez (formerly of Tamayo and Osaka Ramen) are the draw at Capitol Hill’s Wild Taco, a three-month-old bar and restaurant from the team behind Barbed Wire Reef. Snag a seat near the wall of artificial roses emblazoned with the words “Go Wild For A While” to devour platters of tacos in styles such as bulgogi (ground beef seasoned with tamari, garlic, and ginger), po’boy (masa-fried shrimp with Cajun remoulade), and Buffalo (skirt steak with chimichurri and melty queso Chihuahua cheese). Don’t miss the carrot and beet margs, refreshing sippers made with fresh juices. 215. E. 7th Ave.

Rewild

Nurture has been a popular health-forward haven since opening in May 2020. This past June, the wellness marketplace added a dinner option to the lineup of breakfast fare at Nest Cafe with Rewild, a vegetable-focused concept helmed by executive chef Juan Tapia, formerly of the Clayton Members Club in Cherry Creek. Ingredients are sourced locally from farms and ranches like Hazel Dell Mushrooms and Rock River Bison, and each dish is thoughtfully layered with seasonal touches. Try the plum burrata salad with grilled stone fruit, house-made cheese, and a refreshing mint reduction, or the roasted carrots set atop a creamy labneh dusted with jalepeño ash. 2949 Federal Blvd.

FlyteCo Tower

This month, FlyteCo—a morning-to-night, aviation-themed coffee shop, brewery, and restaurant—took flight in the 164-foot former Stapleton International Airport Control Tower and adjacent building. Enjoy a smooth Fogged Out hazy IPA with platter of walleye fish and chips on the deck, which has breathtaking views of the surrounding area, or challenge your crew to a game of bowling, air hockey, or mini golf (features kept from the space’s three-year stint as Punch Bowl Social) while you nosh on pizza and knock back bourbon-infused Danger Zone cocktails. Look for flight-influenced touches such as air control audio in the bathrooms and memorabilia like the full-size replica of a Boeing 737 fuselage, many of which are courtesy of a partnership with nearby Wings of the Rockies Air and Space Museum. 3120 Uinta St.

Next Level Burger

At two-week-old Next Level Burger, patrons can dig into fast-casual burger joint staples with a plant-based, sustainability-forward twist. Popular offerings include house-made umami mushroom and quinoa patties and Beyond Burger options with a bevy of hearty fixings, from tempeh bacon and onion rings to coleslaw. Pair the jalapeño-cream-cheese-stuffed Ghost Pepper Popper Burger on a pretzel bun with a side of organic fries or tots, which you can also get smothered with house-made BeerChz sauce, grilled onions, and other extras. Next Level, a chain established in Oregon in 2014, also has an extensive lineup of Chik’n sandwiches, tenders, and nuggets, house-made soy or coconut soft-serve and shakes, and loaded Beyond Brats. All are well-seasoned substitutes for their dairy- and meat-forward counterparts. 1605 E. Evans Ave.

Noisette Restaurant & Patisserie

LoHi lacked a destination for French cuisine until Tim and Lillian Lu turned on the ovens at Noisette this month. There, the husband-and-wife team serve elegant renditions of bourgeoisie-style specialties (home-cooked comforts) in a romantic, light-drenched space adorned with amber velvet banquettes, pastel accents, and antique floral dishware. Highlights include the crispy-skinned magret de canard, flash-seared duck breast atop a pool of foie-gras-infused sauce; dauphine aux escargot, balls of airy potato choux pastry dough studded with diced snail and accompanied by herb aïoli; and pêche Melba, a beautiful riff on the classic with a fresh-fruit-encircled dome of white chocolate and vanilla ice cream coated in raspberry glaze. Lu’s exquisite pastries and chocolates will also be available at the adjoining bakery, set to open soon. 3254 Navajo St., Ste. 100

Everyday Pizza

Earlier this month, the team behind Somebody People—Sam and Tricia Maher and head chef Art Burnayev—started slinging plant-forward pies at Everyday Pizza in the Ballpark neighborhood. While nothing is specifically billed as vegan, there’s no meat or dairy in sight, and pizzas are instead topped with local, seasonal veggies (see: the shishito pie topped with hemp cream and fried shallots) and come with thoughtful dipping sauces like chile aïoli and dairy-free tzatziki. Also try the stellar lineup of pastas and small plates—we like the hearty roasted lion’s mane mushrooms. 2162 Larimer St.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

In 2008, brothers Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen (pronounced “van-lou-inn”) and Laura O’Neill began selling scratch-made scoops out of their truck in New York City. Since then, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has blossomed into a beloved frozen treat brand with pints shipped nationwide and storefronts in six states—including Colorado, where the company debuted an outpost in Boulder earlier this month. Van Leeuwen specializes in French-style ice cream, which is creamier and richer than standard frozen creations due to the addition of twice the egg yolks. Indulge in a cone crowned with mounds of chunky praline butter cake or velvety honey comb, or one of the equally tempting vegan flavors such as churro and fudge. 1750 29th St., unit 1304 (an outpost in Denver’s Larimer Square will open on September 15)

Freedom Street Social

Situated in the Candelas community between Arvada and Boulder, seven-week-old Freedom Street Social further proves that food halls are taking over the metro area—and the eateries within this 12,000-square-foot gathering place are bringing some fresh faces to the northern suburbs. Osito, the fast-casual version of RiNo’s Mister Oso, serves up tacos, empanadas, and queso next door to the new home of Lea Jane’s Hot Chicken, and early risers can wake up with farm-to-table breakfast fare by chef Tajahi Cooke at the BKFST Club. Also keep an eye out for the Supper Club, a twice-monthly dinner collaboration between Cooke and rotating guest chefs. 15177 Candelas Parkway, Arvada

Terra

Chef-owner Scott Schaden opened Terra this past May to highlight Colorado’s regional cuisine using as many local ingredients as possible. Browse the menu to see the region where they’re sourced, like the Front Range–grown salad of spring greens, goat yogurt vinaigrette, and seeds, or butter squash tortellini with black garlic brodo and pickled peppers from the Four Corners region. Pastas and breads are made in house with Dry Storage milled grains, which you can enjoy in the form of the satisfying lamb barbacoa sandwich smeared with orange mojo sauce and topped with charred onions and coriander leaves. 891 14th St., Ste. 100

Tea ’N Mi

Student-friendly eats bound in the area surrounding Denver University, and Tea ’N Mi, which opened this summer, fuels the young minds of tomorrow with Vietnamese dishes that go well beyond what the name implies. Crispy fried tofu bites served with wasabi-soy dipping sauce make the perfect snack, and large-portioned entrées like noodle and rice bowls are available until 10 p.m. But don’t sleep on the filling banh mi sandwiches—of which there are eight protein options to choose from, including beef, shrimp, and dried shredded pork—and the array of Vietnamese coffees and milk teas. Look for sweet refreshers mixed with syrups like cucumberesque winter melon or purple-hued taro. 2058 S. University Blvd.

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12 New Restaurants Heating Up the Denver Metro Dining Scene, Fall 2021
12 New Restaurants Heating Up the Denver Metro Dining Scene, Summer 2021