Summer time and we are thinking about patios for outdoor dining and seasonal happy hours. This week a hot new barbecue place opens with a Top Chef alumni at the helm. We’re also excited for some fresh menus, including an exclusive one in Cherry Creek.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Uncle Highlands has introduced a Summer Happy Hour, from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The offer is dine-in only, and includes $3 off all buns, share plates, and mazemen. Check out the menu there for other specials and drinks.
Chef Kenneth Wan of MAKfam joined Food Network’s Chopped recently, and his episode airs on Tuesday, June 10th.
Following the property’s new, over-the-top renovation, The Curtis Hotel is rolling out a colorful Pride Package designed to pamper guests and give back to the LGBTQ+ community. Five-percent of the proceeds from the package will go to The Center on Colfax, the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region.
Guests who opt in will enjoy a curated selection of amenities including a complimentary specialty cocktail from The Corner Office Restaurant & Martini Bar downstairs, a sweet treat, and a pampering kit with silky pillow case, pride flag, shower steamer, and sleeping mask. Join on June 6 for a movie night featuring Mrs. Doubtfire with a candy bar and popcorn, and/or on June 13 for a live DJ set by Something Vinyl and Pride-themed cake pops and a takeover by The Center on Colfax.
Want more ways to support the LGBTQ+ community this month? Check out these queer-owned establishments for a drink, lunch, dinner, and more.
Openings and Closings in the News
Colorado’s newest distillery Hoot + Howl Spirits just opened, founded by Callan Deline and head distiller Chris Ritenour. The unique lineup of spirits includes Black Tea Liqueur, Colorado-inspired gin, triple sec, armagnac-finished bourbon, and vodka. Each spirit uses historical recipes and distilling techniques, for example tranchage, a mellowing process used to deepen flavor and complexity.
Maisonette French Bakery and Cafe opened in Boulder. Leading the quaint shop is pastry chef Florian Tétart, a baker hailing from Lille, France.
Mugi Ramen and Poke just opened another location at 5979 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. The fast-casual Japanese spot specializes in ramen, poke, and rice bowls. In honor of the new spot, there’s a deal now and until the end of the month where if you spend $30 or more you’ll be entered to win an official Labubu figure. Winners are drawn every Wednesday and Sunday at 4 p.m.
In Olde Town Arvada Bonfire Burritos took over the former Arby’s location at 5800 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. a couple weeks ago, marking its second brick-and-mortar operation. Since then, the Golden-based company has seen lines out the door. The burrito restaurant has further plans to expand into Wheat Ridge later this year.
Riot BBQ is opening on Thursday, June 5th at the former AJ’s Pit-Bar-BBQ in Rosedale. Run by skilled pitmaster Patrick Klaiber and Top Chef’s Manny Barella, the idea is to serve Mexican-meets-Texan barbecue. Read more here.
After getting purchased by Wilding Brands, Great Divide has closed both Denver tap rooms, including the original in LoDo, which was known for bringing the Colorado craft beer industry into the spotlight. A spokesperson from the company said the plan is to open new ones down the road.
On the Menu
My Brother’s Bar just announced its first brunch service on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect a breakfast burger, breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich and more, all put together by chef Gio Diaz. Fun fact, My Brother’s Bar is the oldest bar in Denver, and has served the community since 1873.
Head over to Black Box Bakery in the Edgewater Public Market for a Pride-themed menu. We’re talking about the Pink Pony Cube, Rainbow Queersant, Mother Planet, The Drag Kouign with spicy caramel, and Lemon MerinGAY. Order one solo, or purchase the whole Pride Box. Bonus, 10% of all Pride Box sales will be donated to The Alexander Foundation to support LGBTQ+ in Colorado.
There’s a new food and drink menu at Call Me Pearl at The Rally Hotel. Items include the Crab Rangoon Dip, Lobster Bisque, Clam Linguine, and Beef Short Rib paired with polenta fries, roasted mushroom, and demi-glace. Some of the new cocktails include the Cosmopolitan-themed Downtown Darling, a rum-based Negroni called the Black Pearl, and the Fleur De Soleil, a fizzy drink made with grapefruit and local gin.
BOS Butcher & Deli at LoDo’s Denver Milk Market now serves breakfast daily starting at 7:30 a.m. Menu items include a variety of classics such as Buttermilk Pancakes, Loco Moco, and the Milk Market Breakfast of two eggs any style, seasoned roasted Yukon gold potatoes, and a choice of bacon or sausage. Also there, get your caffeine fix to pair with the food at Morning Jones. Coffee classics can be expected as well as Mojo Java specialty drinks such as the Queen of Cupcakes, made with cupcake syrup and rainbow sprinkles, the Creamy Irishman, made with Irish cream and half-and-half, and the Oh Snap!, made with gingerbread cinnamon toffee.
Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval has a new secret menu available exclusively to Hotel Clio guests. To access the exclusive list, find the in-room QR codes and discreet signage. The secret menu showcases Latin-inspired dishes that go beyond Toro’s regular offerings, for example Sweet Corn & Manchego Quesadilla, Loaded Skirt Steak Truffle Fries, and Lobster Quesadilla with Smoked Tomato Soup Dipper.
Events
The OG’s Pajama Brunch is on this coming Saturday, June 7, as well as Saturday, July 5. Roll right out of bed and into a plate of comforting brunch fare like Short Rib Benedict, Fried French Toast, and Chicken & Biscuits. Spin the wheel for a prize, and have a blast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
On Saturday, June 7, head to Riot BBQ (2180 S. Delaware St.) to enjoy music by bluegrass band David Tiller and Friends while celebrating the restaurant’s grand opening. The event runs from 12 to 2 p.m.
Aviation-themed brewery FlyteCo Tower and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum are working together to bring an iconic U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds F-16 to the museum. But they need help getting a 30,000-pound jet from Texas to Denver. To raise funds, FlyteCo Tower is putting on a fundraiser concert on Saturday, June 7, featuring Dos Gringos, a band formed by two US Air Force F-16 pilots who are flying in just for the concert. Tickets are on sale now.
Guard and Grace’s 11th annual Rosé Party is back on Saturday, June 7, and the proceeds benefit the Women’s Wine Guild of Colorado. Tickets run $140 per person, and the event is from 12 to 3 p.m. Wear pink or white to blend in, and purchase your spot here.
Join La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal and Wagyu Den for a special dinner service on Tuesday, June 10 from 5 p.m. to close. No reservations are accepted, so get there early and try the wagyu trompo and other delights. The regular menu will also be available in a limited capacity.
Starting June 14 the parking lot at The Goldfinch on South Broadway in Denver becomes the LOBO Block Party, which continues until October on every second Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 and you can expect a fun day of live DJs, craft cocktails, local food, and curated vendors.
On Wednesday, June 25, Chopped champion and current Top Chef finalist, Tristen Epps returns to Denver for a one-night-only dinner at Guard and Grace with chef Troy Guard. This four-course collaboration seats 50 and benefits local nonprofit Work Options, which helps adults build meaningful careers in the food service industry. Epps previously worked as executive chef at Guard’s now closed Mister Tuna.
In celebration of the season, Call Me Pearl is hosting two oyster shucking and pig roast Sunday soirees on June 29 and July 27. The event takes place alfresco on the restaurant’s outdoor patio for $50 per person. The ticket price includes two-dozen freshly-shucked oysters and slow-roasted pork carnitas, perfect for the DIY taco station. Add in live music by Will Wilding Quintet and a tasty drink, and you’ve got an afternoon to remember! Reserve a table for June here and/or July here.
Urban Farmer Denver is hosting Market & Mixology on Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sage Room at The Oxford Hotel. This is the second event in the 2025 Tasting Menu Dinner Series, and guests can expect an immersive, six-course evening celebrating the flavors and faces of Colorado’s farming and distilling communities, including spirits from Leopold Bros. Distillery. The event runs $215 per person, which includes drinks, both zero-proof and alcoholic depending on your desire. Book a spot here.
