It’s officially the Great American Beer Festival week, and there’s plenty to do. We’re also excited to share Halloween menus are in, and they are spectacularly spooky. Pick up a doughnut for a cause, celebrate Colorado’s first certified Regenified malthouse, and 10 years of great barbecue.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and The Salty has created the Strawberry & Pistachio Paris-Brest, available now until October 19. The doughnut is made with a 24-hour brioche that’s sliced and filled with hand-piped dollops of whipped strawberry ganache and pistachio ganache, then dipped in strawberry glaze and topped with freeze-dried strawberries. The pink treat is $10, and $5 from each one goes to support The Breasties, an all-inclusive nonprofit for those impacted by breast cancer.
Congrats to Root Shoot Malting and owner Todd Olander for claiming the title of Colorado’s first certified Regenified malthouse. Regenified recognizes farms that are setting the standard for regenerative agriculture and the certification highlights Root Shoot’s leadership in traceability, soil health and regenerative values within the craft beverage supply chain.
It’s been a hard road for Pizza Alley in Highland. The neighborhood pizza joint finally reopened its doors last month, after a year of waiting for a remodel. Now, owner Khagendra Gurung is suing Sunshine Construction and Remodeling, claiming the company caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
The original Pizza Alley opened in 1976, then closed in 2023. Gurung, who also owns the Berkley restaurants Mazevo Mediterranean Eatery, The Funky Buddha, and Himalayan Spice, acquired Pizza Alley last spring.
Happy anniversary to G-Que BBQ, which has earned a place on the top at DiningOut Events’ Top Taco, Chicken Fight!, and the RARE Steak Championship in Denver. We imagine founder Jason Ganahl would have taken home a trophy at the inaugural SURF Seafood Competition this year too, but he was busy judging it for us.
To celebrate a decade churning out tasty barbecue, head to the Championship BBQ Birthday Bash on October 10. Starting at 11 a.m., the team will dish out 250 free pulled-pork sandwiches starting at each of the four locations in Westminster, Lone Tree, Lakewood, and Thornton.
“Barbeque is all about community, and our community has had our back for 10 years,” said Ganahl in a press release. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by firing up the pits and feeding the fans who’ve fueled us.”
Ganahl will also host tours to give fans a look at the pits, the process, and possibly the secrets behind G-Que’s Championship BBQ. Join the fun Thursday, October 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. And follow the restaurant on social media for more giveaways and events.
Openings and Closings in the News
This week on October 11, celebrated chef Mawa McQueen will officially open her Crepe Therapy Café in Boulder. McQueen also runs the award-winning Mawa’s Kitchen in Aspen. It’s just the first move, said the chef in an interview, in a plan to bring her French food to the states.
The massive Southern-style chicken joint Yardbird in RiNo has closed. No news on what will take over the sprawling space, which included multiple dining rooms, a huge patio, and small event space.
Brian Murphy closed his brick-and-mortar location of Big Apple Bodega, announcing the end on social media. Murphy will still dish out his cheesesteaks and sandwiches via his food truck, now located at the Home Depot at 7990 W. Crestline Ave. in Denver. Visit Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Events
Support local teens while enjoying an elegant evening curated by chef Rand Packer and his culinary team at Evoke 1923 in Evergreen on Tuesday, October 7 at 5 p.m. Begin with a cocktail hour featuring handcrafted libations and passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner with wine pairings. The night includes inspiring youth speakers, updates on Resilience1220’s new initiatives, a wine pull, and a paddle raise, all in support of their mission to help teens navigate life’s emotional and mental health challenges. Complimentary valet provided. Reserve your seat here.
It’s time for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF)! This week you can try hundreds of craft beers from around the states during the three-day event. This year the festival will also bring in 21 distilleries, 18 cideries, and over 80 first-time breweries. View the full pour list here.
Aside from beer, you can enjoy jams from Aiko with Bill Nershi & Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident and GRAMMY-Nominated soul band Southern Avenue. Also expect costume contests, stein hoisting, and more. Tickets available via the link above.
GABF also hosts PAIRED, a special dinner meant to unite craft breweries and chefs nationwide to celebrate the intricacies and possibilities of pairing beer and food. It’s two nights only on Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Get tickets here.
In tandem with GABF, join Champagne Tiger for its signature GABFFF, the Great American Bubbles & French Fry Festival. It’s all about sparkling wine, a variety of French fries, and a bump of caviar here and there served by fabulous drag queens. Now in its 11th year, the 2025 event takes place at the restaurant on Saturday, October 11, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., with a VIP seating at 2:15 p.m. Tickets starting at $98, reserve here.
Cervecería Colorado is bringing back its signature celebration of Mexican culture and craft beer with the return of the Great Mexican Beer Fiesta on Saturday, October 11 from 12 to 6 p.m. at 1635 Platte St. in Denver. The free, family-friendly block party highlights collaboration with some of the best Mexican-inspired breweries. Guests can enjoy limited-release collaboration beers, Mexican food from Sabor de Mi Puebla, live music from DJ Miggy, Mariachi Quetzal, Ritmo Cascabel, and Gio Chamba, plus a live lucha libre show from Hugo’s Lucha Libre. A sugar skull making station will also be available for all ages.
Head to Rioja on Wednesday, October 15 for a trip through Normandy via food and wine. The special dinner starts at 6 p.m., and for $125 per person you’ll enjoy pairings such as Mussels a la Normandy with 2023 Etienne Dupont Brut Cider, Moelle Brûlée with a cocktail made with fig-infused VS Armagnac, pear, honey, and Champagne, and more. Tickets available on OpenTable or at bistrovendome.com
Explore Tennyson presents the return of the 10th Annual Tennyson Fall Fest on October 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, community celebration brings together more than 100 local businesses, breweries, artisans, and food purveyors along Tennyson Street from West 41st to West 43rd Avenues. Throughout the day attendees can enjoy activities such as live music, group yoga, a pet parade and other family-friendly fun.
