We’re feeling the warm air and sweet, sweet sunshine, and so is the rest of Denver. News is there’s a new pup patio opening soon, and one of the oldest ice cream shops in town is launching a special wine sorbet with Jon Bon Jovi’s son. Spring menus are off the chart and our list of where to go has just gotten a lot longer.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
In beer news, Colorado’s Wilding Brands just acquired Great Divide Brewing Co., which has been operating in Colorado since 1994 and is known for its robust line of Yeti stouts. Wilding Brands founders Eric Foster, Brad Lincoln, and Charlie Berger formed their company in 2024, and since then have managed Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., and Funkwerks. Berger actually started his career on the bottling line at Great Divide and later founded Denver Beer Co.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the craft and quality of the product, and Great Divide has a rich history and a well-earned reputation for brewing some of the best beers in Colorado and arguably the country,” said Berger in a press release. “Our goal is to honor that legacy while bringing new energy and resources to help the brand grow and continue to be a foundation of the Colorado craft beer story.”
According to Berger there will be no changes to the Great Divide Colorado outpost locations. Though production will move to Wilding’s Canworks facility in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood.
Congrats to Ryan Fletter, owner of Barolo Grill. Last week he received the Small Business Leader Award from the Denver Business Journal. A big shout out is also due to the six James Beard Award nominees, we are routing for all of you and expect to see your shining faces in the news come June.
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has once again partnered with a wine company in order to make a spring fresh flavor. This time the team is tapping Bonnie Brae Liquor and Hampton Water Wine, the latter founded by Jon Bon Jovi and his son, Jesse Bongiovi. Chef Silas Bonczyk has created Strawberry Rosé Sorbet, a limited-time flavor launching on April 9.
“We’re always excited to push the boundaries of flavor and bring something new to our guests,” said Bonczyk in a press release. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring and offer our guests something truly special.”
Eat Denver recently announced its 2025 Board of Directors in the news. New members include Cara Blauvelt of Odie B’s, Fetien Gebre Michael of Konjo Ethiopian Food, and Seth Rakin. The executive team now includes Sarah Abell of Baltz Co., Bryant Palmer of Oh Hey Creative, Chase Michael George of Proof Productions, and chef Carrie Shores of SAME Cafe.
Openings and Closings in the News
Tasty Pot has taken over the former Cantina Loca space in LoHi, bringing the area’s first hot pot spot. The restaurant is part of a Taiwanese food chain, and franchisee Alex Lung debuted the first Colorado location in Aurora in 2021.
After a brief closure, Kamolrat “Ploy” Limpapath reopened her Thai spot Lucky Noodles in a new location. Now, the hip Asian eatery is dishing out of the former Señor Burritos in Baker.
On the Menu
Spuntino is breaking out a new menu for spring, highlighting past seasonal favorites and some new things too. The popular El Regalo Ranch goat ragu is back, and so is Giardino, the “garden” spread with local asparagus over potato-arugula-asparagus gratin with roasted local Matsutake mushrooms and a fonduta of creamy taleggio. Check out the brand new Abbruzzese Gnocchetti, a rustic and regional flour-based dumpling served with a Berkshire pork white bolognese.
Marie Empanada has long been known for its Argentinian-style empanadas, but now there’s something fresh brewing. Enter Sandwiches de Campo. These Argentine-style sandwiches come on freshly-baked pan de campo, a rustic, herby bread made with founder Lorena Cantarovici’s Córdoba grandfather’s recipe.
You won’t find this elsewhere in Denver. Available at the South Broadway and Platte Street locations, try combos such as the San Esteban with pistachio pesto cream, mortadella, stracciatella cheese, Roma tomatoes, and fresh basil. Or, the Choripán, featuring an Argentine chorizo made with Cantarovici’s family recipe, garlic aioli, salsa criolla, chimichurri, and arugula.
The Block Distilling has a new spring cocktail line up. We’re super excited to try The Dubai Express, which was inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bars and is a take on an Espresso Martini. Also look for The Jade Leaf, a soft and floral milk punch featuring the distillery’s Spring Gin. Or, stay for Par for the Course, a fruity take on a mint julep with Four Grain Straight Whiskey, citrus liqueur, watermelon, green rooibos tea, and lemon. You can also get the latter cocktail as a zero-proof version.
The Salty in Berkeley will launch some Easter-themed doughnuts April 18 to 20, so keep an eye on the news. Look for the Carrot Cake Bunny-Shaped Donut, made with 24-hour brioche and stuffed with homemade carrot cake and swirled with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and house-made candied walnuts. For chocolate lovers, the Malted Milk Bunny Donut showcases the same brioche filled with milk-chocolate-malted mousse and topped with a blue majik sweet cream glaze. Both donuts are $4.85, cheaper than most chocolate rabbits.
Lazy Dog Restaurants just launched new seasonal offerings this spring. Dishes include Cauliflower Ceviche, Spring Pea Hummus, Spinach Enchilada Casserole, and Loco Moco Fried Rice. The spring specials also include the new Sip + Share program, available Monday through Thursday. All day, for just $30, guests can order three small plates and two 6-ounce glasses of wine or sangria.
Hot cross buns are available for pre order at Trompeau Bakery, now through April 17. The special dish is only for Easter, and can be picked up on the 18th through 20th. A four pack runs $12 each. But what, you may wonder, is a hot cross bun? Basically it’s a hybrid of a pastry and a dinner roll and made with brioche-style dough enriched with candied lemon and orange peel, plus fresh citrus zest. On top there’s a delicate pastry cream cross and a sweet glaze.
Events in the News
The Pro Roe Bake Sale is back on Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or when everything sells out. Some of the city’s most loved chefs and bakers have joined the fundraiser, which supports Planned Parenthood. The family-friendly event is run by volunteers, and overseen by Katie Knoch, Liliana Myers, and Sarah Abell.
This year the event will take place at Dry Clean Only Events // Hot Shot Coffee at 3358 York St. in Denver. Attendees purchase $5 tickets to exchange for baked goods and beverages, and all proceeds go to Planned Parenthood. Some of the many participants include Send Flours Baking Co., The Bindery, Lucky’s Bakehouse, Rioja, Butter Punk Cookies, Bistro Vendome, Tavernetta, Madi Made Bakes, Good Bread, Clayton Members Club, Rebel Bread, Black Rabbit Bakery, and so many more. See the current list and any news on social, @proroedenver.
To celebrate the launch of its Strawberry Rosé Sorbet, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream is holding a special tasting event on Wednesday, April 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. It will be next door at Bonnie Brae Liquor, where guests will have the chance to sample sorbet and enjoy a selection of Hampton Water Wine. Plus, from 5 to 6 p.m., Jesse Bongiovi will be onsite to meet fans, sign bottles, and host a raffle for a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar autographed by his father, legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi.
Head downtown to Ultreia on Friday, April 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. The tapas restaurant will celebrate patio season with bites from the new happy hour menu and two-ounce pours of Jorge Ordonez wines. It’s $45 per person in advance, or $50 at the door.
It’s time for another murder mystery dinner at The Fort on Friday, April 25. This time it’s a mafia-wedding-gone-wrong theme and tickets are $99. The price includes participation in the event along with a beverage and four-course dinner featuring menu favorites. Yes, costumes are encouraged and the event is 18-years-old and up. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit here.
FlyteCo Tower in Central Park is opening its giant patio to pups for the first time-ever this spring. To celebrate, the venue is hosting a grand opening party on April 26 from 12 to 4 p.m. Expect puppy costume contests, a best dog tricks contest, free dog treats, human food and drink specials, and more.
