BearLeek is new globally-inspired restaurant in RiNo from Executive Chef Harrison Porter and Chef de Cuisine Rema Maaliki. The spot is tricky to find because it’s literally underground — you walk down a flight of stairs to reach the entrance of this moody space, with inky black walls bathed in an neon wash of red […]
In this month’s cheat sheet, a top vegan restaurant gets a sleek upgrade, a historic Colorado donut shop lands in Denver, and apartment building residents are annoyed by a rooftop cocktail bar. This is an excerpt from the New Denizen newsletter on Substack. Subscribe for free to be the first to get my curated lists […]
Of all the places I visited in Spain this summer, when my mind starts to wander, it often drifts back to the Alhambra. Perched on a hill overlooking Granada, the Sierra Nevada peaks rising behind it, this historic palace and fortress is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture — and I cannot overstate how awe-inspiring it […]
In this month’s cheat sheet, a Top Chef alum’s BBQ spot launches, Nepali flavors grow in RiNo, and a high-profile bar stirs things up in Sunnyside. This is an excerpt from the New Denizen newsletter on Substack. Subscribe for free to be the first to get my curated lists of new restaurant openings and recommendations. […]
Happy hour used to be all about giving diners a cheap way to fill up. Think fried apps, sugary drink specials, and empty calories at a bargain. But with fierce competition and diners growing more discerning, pricing alone no longer cuts it. Many restaurateurs now build loyalty by focusing on consistently quality food, not just […]
The Chef’s Counter at Hop Alley launched in February 2024 and shifted to a tasting menu format just over a year ago. The cuisine starts with Asian influences as its foundation but then branches out, with chefs Sean May and Josh Sanford pulling inspiration from across the globe to divine something new. During my meal […]
In this month’s new restaurant cheat sheet, an iconic sushi chef goes upscale and exclusive, a joyful Venezuelan spot keeps it deliciously affordable, and beer is now served in an old schoolhouse. This is an excerpt from the New Denizen newsletter on Substack. Subscribe for free to be the first to get my curated lists […]
Every month I update my list of every new and upcoming restaurant opening in and around the Denver area. After reviewing that list, I’ve compiled this list of the 9 new restaurants that opened in March 2025 that I think you should know about: This is an excerpt from the New Denizen newsletter on Substack. […]
By day, the sunny corner lot that houses Odell’s Bagels buzzes with morning regulars ordering expertly crafted open-faced sandwiches and bacon, egg, and cheeses while others quickly drop in to grab a coffee and an everything bagel with cream cheese to go. But when the sun starts to set, a transformation takes place. Entering the […]
I don’t usually post about coffee shops and bakeries because I’m not a morning person. Getting up and facing other humans before 8am is my own personal hell. But sometimes, the best goodies require getting out of the house before lunchtime, so I wanted to share a few spots that are still doing amazing things […]