austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Denver

Peyton Garcia

The Denver dining scene can sometimes feel like a revolving door with new restaurants/bars coming and going before you even have a chance to Google their menu. It can be dizzying to keep up with, and we don’t want you to miss a single meal. Here are just some of the newest openings we're excited about — and a few of the latest closures we're mourning (RIP) 👇

Judging by the viral attention this new Uptown noodle house is gaining on social media, the hand-pulled pasta strands on offer here are exactly what the restaurant’s name implies — 

 is a scrumptious byproduct of two other Denver dining faves — Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza. The menu boasts pizzas, pastas, and other Italian-inspired surprises. (Can you say 

“No-frills cocktails, $4 beer in frosty mugs, and free bar snacks” is 

 at this new Saloon-style whiskey bar on Tennyson. Not only a Western-inspired watering hole, American Lore will double as a retail shop featuring hats and hat-molding services from the popular local Hats by Parker Thomas.

Adventure Time Bar is exactly what it sounds like: Part bar, part adventure! It will feature new themes on a rotating basis. Guests will purchase tickets for a 90-minute visit that includes a welcome cocktail, a souvenir, and an entirely unique immersive experience. The debut theme is a “futuristic cyberpunk world” inspired by the likes of “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix.”

The “haunted spirit house” in the old Blake Street Vault building has run its course (and its lease). It will be closing for good this Friday. The bar’s popular second-floor sibling concept, the gay tiki bar Hell or High Water, will also leave the space, but 

 at 3542 Walnut Street, next door to Tracks in RiNo. Owner Lexi Healy promises the future incarnation will be “Still unholy. Still phallic. Still filthy as ever.”

The small town of Hudson (~30 minutes northeast of Denver proper) is bidding goodbye to 

 in 1913. “This decision did not come easily,” owners wrote in a Facebook post announcing the closure, citing health concerns within the family that has operated the restaurant for nearly half a century.

Celebrated as a gathering space for women and the LGBTQ community, this 10-year-old taproom will pour its final beers at the end of this month as the building’s owners 

. But this isn’t the end of Goldspot, which will continue distributing beers and hosting events as it decides “what comes next.”

 — a local cult-favorite — promises to be “stupid good,” with off-the-wall takes on pasta, like a Red Chili and Butternut Squash Risotto or a Smoked Duck and Green Chili Lumache.

Chinese dim sum and noodle dishes are the star of the show at this new neighborhood joint off East Colfax Ave. The spot is co-owned by Xi Yong Zheng who also operates Okinawa Japanese next door, a 15-year-old Colfax fave. 

 the twice-cooked pork stir-fried noodles and the Singapore butter prawns are both solid orders 👌

A delicious Greenwood Village secret is out of the bag — and opening a brand new location on South Broadway. With perfectly glazed donuts and generously loaded breakfast burritos, Anna’s hits all your sweet 

This new Platte Street noodle house is the fast-casual venture from popular local favorite Daughter Thai Kitchen & Bar located right next door. Decorated with family portraits and tokens from Thailand, the space evokes cozy nostalgia vibes, complemented by Thai comfort food.

Following a two-year hiatus, Sắp Sửa’s ultra-popular Saturday morning bakery is back and bringing in the crowds. Owner Anna Nguyen originally opened the bakery in 2023 following the restaurant’s debut, but she put the project on pause to focus on Sắp Sửa’s rising claim to fame. Now, with new pastry chef Korinna Mahan onboard, Denverites can once again get their fix of creative baked goods, including the likes of dirty chai sticky buns, banana coconut rum cakes, and sesame chocolate babka 🤤

Denver’s favorite vendor of exotic sausages is back … again! (

.) “Biker Jim” Pittenger is taking his famed jalapeño elk dogs and unique brunch bites to Avanti Food & Beverage. “Jim’s food has always embodied the creative, independent spirit of Denver dining, and we couldn’t be more excited to give him a platform for his next chapter,” said Avanti’s director of operations.

 | 1437 California St. (Central Business District)

This family operation comes to Denver from the Bay Area. With more than two decades of taqueria success along the coast of California, Tia’s is bringing 

vibes to a retrofitted former laundromat with deliciously simple tacos, burritos, and bean and rice platters — and a big screen TV.

 to the historic Tivoli building on Auraria Campus after Tivoli Brewing Co. moved out last December. Though it will no longer house a brewery, the menu will offer pub fare and a rotating tap list. Auraria officials are calling it the “kickoff to … a larger transformation on campus.”

Here are just some of the newest openings we're excited about — and a few of the latest closures we're mourning (RIP).

The Latest Denver Restaurant and Bar Openings and Closings

Denver's Latest Restaurant/Bar Openings and Closings

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Denver. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Denver Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Bree Davies

Nothing gets us into the holly jolly spirit like a holiday pop-up bar. We’re talking festively themed beverages, over-the-top decor, and contagious Christmas cheer. Here are some of our annual faves back for the season, plus a few newbies we’re eager to check out ✨

Big Holiday Energy at Call to Arms Brewing

After announcing it will be closing for good at the end of the year, this Berkeley brewery is going bigger than ever for its annual holiday experience, including daily advent calendar prizes, pictures with Santa, and classic holiday movies.

Looking for a festive non-alcoholic option? This Broadway cafe is serving up Grinch-themed treats, featuring delectably rich seasonal flavors mixed in matcha, milk tea, and coffee delights.

Winter Wonderyard at Wonderyard Garden + Table

Calling all the Instagram girlies out there — this buzzy Ballpark joint is going ALL out on the decor in its heated courtyard with all the glitter and holiday glam you can handle.

All six Atomic Cowboy locations will transform into Atomic Christmas this month. They had us at “hot chocolate bar” – even better, it’s free for kids!

Up the class at Cirrus Social Club. This cannabis lounge will be dressed to the nines and channeling its most sophisticated holiday vibes. Enjoy specialty themed bowls and beverages, plus live seasonal tunes on the house piano.

Christmas doesn’t get cozier than this speakeasy behind the freezer door at Sweet Action. Get snuggled in under twinkling holiday decor and indulge in a seasonal cocktail menu inspired entirely by Christmas cookies.

This annual pop-up at the Cherry Creek holiday market is the perfect place to rest and refuel in the middle of a day full of gift shopping. It’s convenient, it’s cozy, and it’s open for large group reservations.

The O.G. Christmas pop-up bar of international fame returns to Union Station this season, along with two other Colorado locations. Get ready for enough tinsel, lights, and punny Christmas cocktails to forget you’re not actually at the North Pole.

Adrift’s tropical paradise interior transforms into a winter wonderland with frosted palm trees and a snow-covered beach bar, plus a menu of classic tiki rum drinks turned holiday-themed with a warm, spiced, wintry twist.

Deviating from its usual Krampus Room pop-up, this edgy rum bar in Edgewater is hosting something for the Christmas film classic stans — just watch out for Kevin’s booby traps.

I’m talking festively themed beverages, way-over-the-top decor, and contagious Christmas cheer. 

The Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Denver 2024

10 Can't-Miss Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Denver

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

Rosalee’s Pizzeria in Longmont recently 

 from “50 Top Pizza,” an Italian organization committed to finding and ranking the world’s best pizzas. Rosalee’s nabbed spot #14 in the 2025 roundup of best U.S. pizza joints. Longtime readers will know how seriously we at City Cast Denver take our local pizza news (remember 

?). So in honor of Rosalee’s big win, we’ve created a very special pizza quiz.

! How many of these iconic Mile High slices can you identify at just a glance? 

How many of these iconic Mile High slices can you identify at just a glance? 

Take Our Denver Pizza Quiz

Denver Quiz: Name! That! Slice!

Here are our tips for picking the perfect Palisade peach 🍑

According to most peach experts, a ready-to-eat Palisade peach will be mostly golden in color with no green spots. It will have a strong peachy aroma. And when placed in the palm of your hand and squeezed, it should be firm with a little bit of give. (But don’t squeeze too hard!)

The prettiest peaches at a farm stand are called “firsts.” They’re nearly perfect in taste and look, and ready for eating on the spot. But if your peach is just going to get smashed up for jam or baked into pie, you can save a few bucks by asking for the stand’s “seconds.” These peaches might be misshapen, discolored, or overripe, but are often ideal for cooking with.

If you are worried that you’re paying top price for a Palisade peach imposter, local 

 that the peaches grown in Palisade are typically fuzzier than your average run-of-the-mill peach. You can also look up the orchard listed on the stand’s boxes to verify they’re actually from Palisade.

We recommend buying a big box and putting most of them in the fridge to slow the ripening down. Then, grab a few for the fruit bowl on the counter every couple of days to make sure you’ve always got the perfect peach in reach.

Your nearest grocery store will likely be stocking up on Palisade peaches in the produce section, and distributors will also be setting up shop at most local farmers markets. Roadside stands are beginning to pop up around town too — you can follow this 

 for recs from fellow peach-hungry Denverites.

🎧 Learn more about Palisade peaches and 

Here are our tips for picking the perfect Palisade peach.

Tips for Picking Palisade Peaches - Denver

Palisade Peach Pickin' Tips

We’ve got the ~scoop~ on Denver’s best ice cream shops. From nostalgic neighborhood parlors to small-batch artisans, there’s a flavor out there for every taste and occasion. 

Triple Death Chocolate; Cappuccino Crunch

Hilltop, Five Points, Central Park, Berkeley

Basil with Blackberry Swirl; Earl Grey & Shortbread

The ultra rich and creamy New England-style recipe

The candy-loaded milkshakes and dessert nachos!

LoHi, West Colfax, Fort Collins, Central Park, South Park Hill, Congress Park, Englewood, Littleton, Greenwood Village, DIA

Longmont, Louisville, North Boulder, South Boulder Platt Park, Stanley Marketplace, Highlands

Speer, North Cap Hill, Wash Park, Jefferson Park

The commitment to sustainability through 100% wind-powered operations and locally sourced ingredients

Stranahan’s Whiskey Brickle; Salted Butterscotch

From nostalgic neighborhood parlors to small-batch artisans, there’s a flavor out there for every taste and occasion.

Best Ice Cream in Denver

A Guide to Denver's Best Ice Cream

From roadside food trucks to strip mall mainstays to the cutting edge in culinary trends, chefs of all stripes are constantly pushing the boundaries of what Mexican food tastes and looks like in Denver. Via his Instagram account 

, Mario Martinez — a former cook and lover of the Mile High’s most beloved cuisine — tries it all.

Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, we ask him to 

 across the city. Here are just a few of them:

Food Network’s “Chopped” champion chef Zuri Resendiz started Luchador Taco & More as a food truck back in 2022, before opening his brick-and-mortar location in the Whittier neighborhood. From its twist on lamb chops to innovative takes on tacos, Luchador is one of Mario’s top spots in Denver right now.

 about the chicken at this hidden gem in Commerce City. Charred and juicy right off the grill, this protein packed with flavor is simple and satisfying, served up with tortillas, grilled hot peppers, and more.

At Xiquita, Mario loves the tlacoyos — a traditional dish found in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca composed of black beans, cotija cheese, crema, and a variety of toppings on masa. Before opening last year, Xiquita landed on Bon Appétit's most-anticipated restaurants list. It’s helmed by chef Rene Gonzalez Mendez and Erasmo Casiano, who also co-owns Lucina in Park Hill.

Mario’s go-to is tacos at pretty much any restaurant, but at La Loteria, he says the California burrito is where it’s at — stuffed with carne asada, french fries, Mexican cheese, crema, guacamole, pico de gallo, and then smothered in green chile (Colorado-style, of course!).

There’s a lot to love about Chivis, from tacos to enchiladas to chilaquiles and more. But Mario recommends this Colfax spot’s flan — which is perfectly rich, creamy, and syrupy sweet.

Green chile is Mario’s fave, which you can get on anything and everything at Lucerito. Colorado classics like combination plates, fajitas, and smothered burritos dominate this family-owned mainstay.

There’s much more where these came from! Listen to 

 to get even more local Mexican restaurant recommendations from Mario 👇

Listen now 🎧

Mario Martinez — a former cook and lover of the Mile High’s most beloved cuisine — shares his favorites.

Denver's Best Mexican Restaurants

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver Right Now

In the last decade, Denver’s dining scene has had a ✨ glow-up ✨ and we’ve got the 

. Hungry for a taste? Food festivals are one of the best ways to explore it, with dozens of the area’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs dishing up delicious samples all in one spot. Here are five upcoming local foodie events to get on your calendar ASAP. Happy feasting!

More than 70 of Denver’s most popular and award-winning restaurants are slated to participate in this celebration at the Denver Performing Art Complex to benefit nonprofit member organization 

Brought to you by the festival masterminds behind Top Taco, Chicken Fight!, and RARE Steak Championship, McGregor Square will host Denver’s first SURF seafood competition featuring 20 of the Mile High’s top seafood-centric restaurants.

This “gastronomic extravaganza” is a fundraising event held annually at the Denver Botanic Gardens to celebrate the local Hispanic restaurant community, complete with live music, entertainment, and 35 participating restaurants.

Wings, tenders, sandwiches — however you prefer your chicken, you’re in for a finger-lickin’ good time at this chicken competition at Elitch Gardens spotlighting more than 40 local restaurants.

Don’t miss this annual foodie favorite dishing up waffles, breakfast sammies, and Bloody Marys on the Tivoli Quad for a bottomless brunch like no other.

More than just a sampler of the local food scene, this all-you-can-eat, three-day festival on the Tivoli Quad also includes a wine seminar, an auction, and a food truck competition.

More than 30 of Denver’s best chophouses will bring the heat — and their best cuts of meat — to this exquisitely elevated culinary competition at Sculpture Park.

Sample plant-based bites from dozens of local chefs and vendors specializing in vegan eats — plus morning yoga, educational seminars, and a makers market — on the Tivoli Quad.

Get these Denver foodie events to get on your calendar ASAP.

Denver's Best Food Festivals 2025

15 Denver Food Festivals to Get Hungry For

Summer in the Mile High is officially in full swing, and we’ve got the temperature gauges to prove it 🌡️ 🥵 Looking for ways to keep cool and have fun? Here’s our list of all the best things to eat, see, and do around Denver this month.

Beat the heat in quintessential Colorado fashion by tossing a tube into Golden’s ice cold Clear Creek. Then, after you’ve worked up an appetite, hit downtown Golden for a slice at 

This isn’t your rec center’s lazy river. Tube responsibly by 

checking the flow level and safety announcements

Looking for an excuse to spend the day outside soaking up the sunshine? Don’t miss this year’s award-winning 

 July 4-6 showcasing dozens of local artists, entertainers, and culinary vendors for a weekend full of free family-friendly fun.

 where you can meet mermaids, pet stingrays, and get up-close and personal with five different species of shark.

The masterminds behind local cocktail fave Yacht Club are slated to bring Creole cooking to the Five Points neighborhood this month with 

, a new Southern restaurant at 2844 Welton Street inspired by recipes from the team’s roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

On your way to or from your next mountain adventure be sure to make time for a pitstop in Pine, Colorado, for fresh, daily made baked goods, hot breakfast classics, and signature iced brews at 

Skip the long lines and high price tags of other water parks when you opt for this 

 complete with water slides, a lazy river, a spray garden, and a pirate ship play structure. The park is open every day for the summer season from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

 — kid-free and featuring live music from 6-8 p.m. on select eventings.

Nothing says “summer” quite like a cold beverage on a hot day under a refreshing patio mister. We asked Denver reddit users for their 

 to keep cool on, but some of our personal faves include 

Grab your floaty, pack a picnic, and pull up a patch of sand at 

. Find beachy bliss here every day from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. until Labor Day. Entrance is $10 per vehicle ($15 on weekends and holidays), or free if you bike or hike in.

There’s even more where these came from — tune into 

Even more recommendations for your July! 🎧

From a trip to the aquarium to tubing the river, here are our picks for fun things to do this month. 


Your Guide to Denver in July 2025

Your July Guide to the Mile High

When it’s time to beat the heat, one of the best ways to do it is sneaking into a hidden cocktail lounge for a refreshing drink away from the sun. Check out these Denver speakeasies, which are cool in more ways than one 😎🍸

 ice cream parlor, this inconspicuous bar is perfect for grabbing a cold treat and cocktail. The menu features lots of rum-based drinks and the bar is decked out in space-themed decor ✨🪐

Hidden behind a bookcase, Williams and Graham is not only a quintessential speakeasy, it also serves up delicious and elevated food, like frog legs, elk, and a decadent mac and cheese. Reservations are recommended!

This underground lounge has its menu on a deck of cards with each number representing a base spirit. Don’t want to look through all 64 options? Shuffle and pull a surprise order!

Former President Abraham Lincoln inspires everything in this secret pub, including the prices — everything costs just $5! Though the menu is mostly mixed drinks, beer, and some wine, they do offer a specialty cocktail called the Continental, which is their take on an old fashioned. Also, heads up, the bar is cash only.

This upscale club is an exclusive experience designed to transport you back in time with a mid-century style lounge in both its decor and menu. In addition to classics like the corpse reviver and penicillin, the bartenders create seasonal specialties and champagne service is offered year-round.

Speakeasy Recs

Tell us your favorite speakeasy 🥂

Check out these Denver speakeasies to beat the summer heat.

Denver's Best Speakeasies

Summer Solstice is right around the corner, which means longer and hotter days! To help you stay cool, we rounded-up some of our favorite cold desserts 🍧🍦🧋

Need something nostalgic to fix your sugar cravings? 

 boozy dirt cup — alcoholic chocolate pudding with Oreo crumbles and gummy worms — is perfect for warm summer days reminiscent of recess. If you'd rather be transported to a 50s diner, check out 

 and their whipped cream and sprinkles-topped “Elvis Cup” aguas frescas. And, for some of the best shaved ice in Denver, go to 

If you want an over-the-top treat with a twist, try the ice cream nachos — either banana pudding or fruity pebble themed — from 

. Or, if you want a combination of spicy and sweet, get the oversized mangoneada from 

 or the paleta-topped aguas frescas from 

Refresh yourself on a hot day with iced matcha from downtown shops 

, where City Cast Denver’s food expert Helen Xu recommends the blueberry lavender or horchata matcha lattes. For those who prefer bubble tea or carbonated beverages, we suggest 

 — especially the sparkling fruit-ades which you can add toppings to!

Want more deets on all these delicious desserts? Listen to the whole City Cast Denver episode 

Cool Treats

Share your go-to summer sweet treat!

To help you stay cool, we rounded-up some of our favorite cold desserts in Denver.

food

Denver's Latest Restaurant/Bar Openings and Closings

10 Can't-Miss Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Denver

Denver Quiz: Name! That! Slice!

Latest articles

Denver's Latest Restaurant/Bar Openings and Closings

10 Can't-Miss Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Denver

Denver Quiz: Name! That! Slice!

Palisade Peach Pickin' Tips

A Guide to Denver's Best Ice Cream

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver Right Now

15 Denver Food Festivals to Get Hungry For

Latest articles

Palisade Peach Pickin' Tips

A Guide to Denver's Best Ice Cream

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver Right Now

15 Denver Food Festivals to Get Hungry For

Your July Guide to the Mile High

Denver's Best Speakeasies

Where to Find Denver's Coolest Cool Treats