New Restaurant Openings in Denver | Updated Weekly

Denver’s restaurant scene is on fire. From James Beard Award-winning chefs opening new concepts to exciting neighborhood spots transforming the local dining landscape, there’s always something new to try. We update this page every week so you never miss an opening.

🆕 Just Opened — August 2026 (Week of August 12)

BopBowl — Centennial (Closed)

Closed: Early August 2026 | 8719 E. Dry Creek Rd, Unit C, Centennial 80112

BopBowl, the quick-service Korean spot near the Dry Creek light rail station, has closed after roughly three years in business, per Westword’s latest weekly roll call. It served Korean bowls and catering to the DTC/Dry Creek Road corridor since 2023. No word yet on what’s moving into the Unit C space, but it’s another vacancy to watch along a stretch that’s seen real turnover this year (Kinoya Sushi & Izakaya took over the old Bono’s Pit space just a few doors down in July).

📍 8719 E. Dry Creek Rd, Unit C, Centennial (Now Closed)

Carriage House — Cheesman Park (Now Open, Not South Denver)

Now Open | 1290 N. Williams St., Denver

Not a South Denver opening, but worth flagging for anyone who splits time between neighborhoods: the beloved Secret Garden cafe bordering Cheesman Park has reopened under new ownership as The Carriage House, a European-inspired cafe and bar. Phase one serves sandwiches, salads, and “toastettes” (thin toasts with toppings like charred avocado or crispy prosciutto) alongside pastries from Black Box Bakery. Phase two — cocktail service and a broader menu — is expected next month. A quiet week for South Denver specifically, with the BopBowl closure the main local headline; we’ll have a fuller slate next week.

📍 1290 N. Williams St., Denver

Yummy Hot Pot — Greenwood Village (Now Open)

Now Open | 8181 E. Arapahoe Rd, Ste C, Greenwood Village 80112

The Denver Tech Center finally has hot pot. Yummy Hot Pot has opened its third Colorado location at 8181 E. Arapahoe Road in Greenwood Village — the first hot pot restaurant in the city, per local social buzz. Expect the standard all-you-can-eat format: a wide range of broths and fresh ingredients cooked tableside. A welcome, interactive dining option for the DTC/Arapahoe Road corridor that’s been mostly fast-casual chains until now.

📍 8181 E. Arapahoe Rd, Ste C, Greenwood Village

Angry Pizza Co. — Lone Tree / Park Meadows (Now Open)

Now Open | 8515 Park Meadows Center Drive, Ste 3032, Lone Tree 80124

Angry Pizza Co. has officially opened inside Park Meadows mall, part of a fresh wave of retail and dining additions to the center alongside Rivian, Faherty, and Columbia. The “pizza with an attitude” concept serves pizza, wings, and fried chicken — always fresh, never frozen. A solid quick-bite option for anyone doing a Park Meadows shopping run in Lone Tree.

📍 8515 Park Meadows Center Drive, Ste 3032, Lone Tree

Home Team Deli — South Colorado Boulevard (Now Open)

Now Open | 1233 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver

Home Team Deli has opened its third Colorado location on South Colorado Boulevard, taking over the former Wahoo’s Fish Tacos space at the Crossroads Arizona and Colorado shopping area. The sandwich shop’s other two locations are at the Streets of Southglenn in Centennial and in Broomfield, with a fourth location reportedly eyed for Boulder. Good news for the South Colorado Blvd corridor — one more solid lunch option joins the mix.

📍 1233 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver

Earls Kitchen & Bar — Park Meadows (Closed)

Closed: Late July 2026 | 8335 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree

On the flip side of Park Meadows’ retail refresh, Earls Kitchen & Bar has closed its location at the mall, per Westword’s latest closures roundup. No word yet on what replaces the space, but with Angry Pizza, Rivian, Faherty, and Columbia all moving in nearby, Park Meadows is clearly in the middle of a tenant shuffle.

📍 8335 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree (Now Closed)

Crave Cookies — Greenwood Village (Closed)

Closed: Late July 2026 | 4940 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village

Cookie shop Crave Cookies has closed its Greenwood Village location on South Yosemite Street, per Westword. Its neighbor at the same address, Tap & Burger, closed as well — a rough stretch for that stretch of Yosemite Street.

📍 4940 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village (Now Closed)

🆕 Just Opened — July 2026 (Week of July 29)

Kinoya Sushi & Izakaya — Centennial (Now Open)

Now Open | 9393 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial 80112

Good news for Centennial: Kinoya Sushi & Izakaya has officially opened at the Dry Creek light rail station, taking over the former Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q space. The all-you-can-eat Japanese izakaya concept had been listed as “coming soon” on this page since spring — it’s now confirmed open per Westword’s latest openings roundup. A solid new option for sushi and izakaya small plates right off the light rail in the Dry Creek Road corridor.

📍 9393 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine — Centennial (Reopened)

Reopened: July 2026 | 11001 E. Arapahoe Pl., Centennial

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine is back after an August fire forced a lengthy closure. The Centennial restaurant has remodeled and refreshed its space and is once again serving its popular biryani dishes alongside a multi-page menu of regional Indian staples. Welcome news for South Denver’s Indian food fans who’ve been waiting on this one.

📍 11001 E. Arapahoe Pl., Centennial

Egg Harbor Cafe — Highlands Ranch (Now Open)

Now Open | 9579 S University Blvd, Lot 3B, Highlands Ranch 80126

Chicago’s beloved breakfast-and-lunch chain has officially opened its first Colorado location in Highlands Ranch. Egg Harbor Cafe is known for farm-fresh, cage-free eggs, premium fair-trade coffee, and an extensive gluten-free menu (including a gluten-free cinnamon roll from Chicago-based Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery). Signature dishes include the San Antonio Skillet, the Geneva Rösti, and Strawberry Crunch French Toast. Family-owned since 1985, the Wright family’s HARBOR values (respect, hospitality, and a welcoming environment) are central to the concept. A second Colorado location is already planned for the Denver Tech Center at Belleview Station. Open daily 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., no reservations.

📍 9579 S University Blvd, Lot 3B, Highlands Ranch | 🌐 eggharbor.cafe/highlandsranch

Jack’s Modern Steakhouse — Lone Tree (Now Open)

Now Open | 9155 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree

Denver diners know this award-winning, family-owned steakhouse as Jack’s on Pearl — and it’s now open in Lone Tree at the northeast corner of South Yosemite Street and Park Meadows Drive. Expect sashimi, dry-aged seafood, award-winning steaks (plus an all-Wagyu program), and new dishes created exclusively for this location. The restaurant offers private dining for corporate events and weddings and a large patio. Downstairs, The Blind Tiger — a New Orleans-leaning speakeasy with live jazz, blues, and a secret menu — has also reopened, Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. Owned by Steve Lockton in memory of his father Jack Lockton; the original South Pearl Street location was voted Colorado’s best steakhouse in January 2024. A strong addition to the Park Meadows dining scene.

📍 9155 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree | 🌐 jacksonpearldenver.com

CV Proper Kitchen & Bar — Castle Rock (Now Open)

Now Open | 2355 Mercantile St, Castle Rock 80109

Upland Hospitality’s second Colorado restaurant (after CV Taphouse & Kitchen in late 2025) has opened in downtown Castle Rock. CV Proper Kitchen & Bar pairs elevated American cuisine with French bistro influences, handcrafted cocktails, and the historic Champagne Velvet beer brand (dating to 1902). The 3,778-square-foot space seats up to 174 guests, with dramatic midnight-blue walls and mid-century modern seating. Standout menu items include the spinach artichoke dip and the “million dollar reuben” (Champagne Velvet-braised corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, marble rye, brewery fries). A worthwhile detour for South Denver diners willing to make the drive down I-25.

📍 2355 Mercantile St, Castle Rock | 🌐 drinkcv.com/properkitchenbar

212 Pizza Co. — Castle Rock (Now Open)

Now Open | 848 N Ridge Rd, Castle Rock 80104

A family-owned, mom-and-pop pizzeria operated by the Crooks family has opened in Castle Rock, serving artisan sourdough pizza. A low-key, neighborhood-scale addition to Douglas County’s growing pizza options — worth knowing about if you’re in the north Castle Rock area and craving a slice.

📍 848 N Ridge Rd, Castle Rock

🆕 Just Opened — July 2026 (Week of July 22)

Melt n Dip — South Parker Road (Now Open)

Opened: July 2026 | 2320 S. Parker Road, Denver

A new grilled-cheese-and-fondue concept has landed on South Parker Road, filling out one of the busier South Denver dining corridors with a casual, comfort-food-forward menu. Details are still emerging, but it’s the kind of low-key neighborhood opening that’s worth a look if you’re in the Parker Road / Virginia Village area and craving something warm and gooey.

📍 2320 S. Parker Road, Denver

The PZA — Santa Fe Arts District (Reopened)

Reopened: July 2026 | 644 Santa Fe Drive, Denver

Good news for the Santa Fe Arts District pizza crowd: after a stretch of “closed for maintenance” signage that had regulars nervously checking Instagram, The PZA is back open and slinging pies again on Santa Fe Drive. If you’d written this one off, it’s safe to head back.

📍 644 Santa Fe Drive, Denver

Odyssey Italian Restaurant — Uptown (Reopens This Week)

Reopening: Week of July 20, 2026 | Uptown, Denver

Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar — closed since a February 2026 fire — is reopening this week, expanding into Uptown. Sister restaurant Ollie & Park’s, which had been carrying the torch with a $11.95 pasta special in Odyssey’s absence, will be retired and reopened under the new banner as “Odyssey Uptown” once repairs are complete. A welcome return for one of Denver’s longtime authentic Italian spots (founded 2012), and good news for anyone who’s been missing it since the fire.

📍 Uptown, Denver | 🌐 odysseyitalian.com

Rōmyō — Larimer Square (Delayed to August)

Opening: Pushed to August 2026 | 1401 Larimer St, Denver (Miller Building)

Correction on last week’s report: Frank Bonanno’s most ambitious concept in years, originally targeting a mid-July opening on Larimer Square, has slipped to August per Westword’s latest summer preview. Rōmyō — a mashup of Rome and Tokyo — pairs handmade pasta with Japanese technique (porcini fusilli with uni garlic emulsion is one preview dish already turning heads). While the buildout in the old Ted’s Montana Grill space finishes, Bonanno has been previewing the menu via pop-up dinners at his flagship Mizuna. Worth the wait — but don’t show up expecting it open yet.

📍 1401 Larimer St, Larimer Square | 🌐 romyodenver.com

Milpero — Globeville (Fine Mexican Tasting Menu)

Now Open | Globeville, Denver

One of the most important restaurant openings in Denver this year. Milpero, from acclaimed chef Johnny Curiel (Fonda Fina), is an 18-course Mexican tasting menu in an intimate 16-seat space — only eight guests per seating. At $225/person, it’s in rarefied territory for Denver, but the early reviews from Westword and 5280 confirm it delivers: each course is a love letter to the ingredients and techniques that define Mexico’s culinary heritage, from masa to mole to heirloom corn. It’s already landed on 5280’s Best New Places to Eat & Drink, Summer 2026 list. Reservations fill weeks out — book via OpenTable or milperodenver.com. The fact that something this serious has landed in Globeville says something about where Denver dining is heading.

📍 Globeville, Denver | 🌐 milperodenver.com | 💰 $225/person tasting menu

Heretík — RiNo (Basque / Spanish / French)

Now Open | 1441 26th St., Denver (RiNo)

Chef Theo Adley’s long-awaited Denver outpost has opened in RiNo and is earning serious early praise. Heretík brings the Basque-Spanish-French small plates ethos of his celebrated Marigold in Lyons to the heart of the city. Highlights from 5280’s review: raw oysters with house-made chipolata sausage, chicken wings stuffed with boudin blanc, celeriac remoulade with smoked trout, and a rotisserie-roasted cou nu (naked neck) chicken. The bar program leans Basque with txakoli and cider. For South Denver diners, this is the closest you’ll get to Marigold without the mountain drive.

📍 1441 26th St., RiNo, Denver | 🌐 maisonheretik.com

🆕 Just Opened — July 2026 (Week of July 8)

King Dumpling II — South Broadway (SoBo)

Opened: June 29, 2026 | 2160 S. Broadway, Denver

The best new dumpling spot in South Denver just quietly opened at the Ella Building on South Broadway. King Dumpling II — the Denver outpost of the beloved Louisville original — is the real deal: all dumplings are handmade fresh daily by a three-woman team who start rolling wrappers by hand at 9:30 AM before lunch opens at 11:30. Pork, chicken, vegetable, and shrimp options available steamed or pan-fried, plus wontons and steamed bao. Owner Yuki Jiang spent over a year hunting for the right Denver location, landing in a former Bacon Social House beside Anna’s Donuts, Taste of Thailand, and Maison Shelby. Westword stopped by and confirmed: it’s worth the trip.

📍 2160 S. Broadway (Ella Building / SoBo Shops) | 🕐 Lunch from 11:30 AM daily

Rễ Tre — Federal Boulevard (Modern Vietnamese)

Opened: Week of July 4, 2026 | 630 S. Federal Blvd., Denver

One of the most meaningful restaurant stories in Denver right now. Rễ Tre has taken over the former New Saigon space on Federal Boulevard — and it’s owned by the daughters of New Saigon’s original owners, meaning this corner has stayed in the same Vietnamese-American family since 1987. The new concept brings a fresh, contemporary take on Vietnamese cuisine to the Federal corridor. Westword is already calling it a must-visit.

📍 630 S. Federal Blvd., Denver

Table 6 — Closing July 9 (Washington Park Adjacent)

Closing: July 9, 2026 | 609 Corona St., Denver

After 22 years, one of Denver’s most beloved neighborhood restaurants is closing its doors. Table 6 at 609 Corona — a longtime fixture for the Washington Park and Capitol Hill crowd — has announced July 9 as its final service. The intimate French-American bistro has been a Denver institution for two decades. Catch it while you still can.

📍 609 Corona St., Denver

🆕 Just Opened — July 2026 (Week of July 1)

SHEEP Pop-Up — Cherry Creek (Opens July 8)

Opening: July 8, 2026 (through October 4) | Rooftop, Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Cherry Creek

The most eagerly awaited dining experience of the summer officially opens its doors next Tuesday. SHEEP — the playful rooftop pop-up from Michelin two-star chef Kelly Whitaker of The Wolf’s Tailor — takes over the rooftop of Cherry Creek’s Clayton Hotel from July 8 through October 4. The concept flips the script on The Wolf’s Tailor: open-fire cooking, grain-forward plates, and a lighter, more accessible vibe than the flagship. For the South Denver crowd, this is the rare chance to access serious Michelin-caliber cooking in a breezy outdoor setting steps from Cherry Creek shopping. Reservations are now live — expect them to go fast on weekends. This marks the first time the Clayton Hotel rooftop has been open to the public, not just members.

📍 Clayton Hotel & Members Club, 233 Clayton St, Cherry Creek | 🌐 wolftailor.com

Rōmyō — Larimer Square (Imminent — July 2026)

Opening: July 2026 | 1401 Larimer St, Denver (Miller Building)

Frank Bonanno’s Roman-Japanese fusion concept is now days away from opening its doors in Larimer Square. Rōmyō (a mashup of Rome and Tokyo) takes inspiration from Bonanno’s six-week deep dive into Japanese cuisine — expect pasta alongside Japanese technique, a refined bar program, and the kind of thoughtful cross-cultural menu that only someone with Bonanno’s track record (Luca, Bones, Lou’s Food Bar) can pull off. Keep an eye on romyodenver.com for the public opening date.

📍 1401 Larimer St, Denver | 🌐 romyodenver.com

Port Side — Closing July 5 (Five Points / RiNo)

Closing: July 5, 2026 | 2500 Larimer St, Denver

A beloved breakfast and brunch institution is calling it. Port Side — the coffee-focused all-day spot at 2500 Larimer Street that’s been a Five Points/RiNo anchor for 10 years — will serve its last plate on July 5. The announcement drew an outpouring of community love online this week. If you’ve never been, this weekend is your last chance.

📍 2500 Larimer St, Five Points / RiNo

Magna Kainan — Permanently Closed (RiNo)

Closed: June 26, 2026 | 2901 Larimer St, Denver

Filipino restaurant Magna Kainan at 2901 Larimer Street closed permanently on June 26. It joins a wave of closures that hit Denver in late June — Church & Union, Rock Bottom, and 1UP Arcade Bar LoDo. Denver’s dining landscape is reshuffling fast.

📍 2901 Larimer St, RiNo

🆕 Just Opened — June 2026 (Week of June 24)

Mother Other — Baker / Denver Design District (Opening June 27)

Opening: June 27, 2026 | 675 S. Broadway, Baker/Denver Design District

The most anticipated South Denver-area opening of the week: Mother Other is a vegan fine-dining concept from chef Alexi Mandolini and beverage director Taylor Herbert, debuting on Pride Weekend — Saturday, June 27 — at 675 South Broadway in the Denver Design District. Mandolini brings a serious culinary pedigree; Herbert matches it with creative cocktail handiwork. Think elegant plant-forward tasting menus with real technique behind them, not an afterthought vegan menu. For a neighborhood that’s increasingly food-forward, this is the kind of opening that signals Baker is arriving as a real dining destination. Reservations for opening weekend and July are live now. This one will be hard to get into — book early.

📍 675 S. Broadway, Baker / Denver Design District | 🌐 @motherother.co on Instagram

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery — Permanently Closed

Closed: June 2026 | 1001 16th St, Downtown Denver

A Denver institution since 1991, the original Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery on the 16th Street Mall has permanently closed after 35 years of service. A sign on the door read: “Unfortunately, we have permanently closed. Thank you for allowing us to serve the Downtown Denver community.” The closure marks the end of an era for one of Colorado’s pioneering brewpubs. No word yet on what fills the space.

📍 1001 16th St, Downtown Denver

Church & Union — Permanently Closed

Closed: June 22, 2026 | Downtown Denver

Church & Union — the farm-to-table American spot with a Top Chef connection that opened in late 2024 — has closed after just 21 months. The restaurant’s sudden closure continues a tough stretch for downtown Denver dining. The space’s next chapter is unknown.

📍 Downtown Denver

🆕 Just Opened — June 2026 (Week of June 17)

SHEEP — Cherry Creek (Pop-Up, Summer 2026)

Opening: Summer 2026 | Rooftop at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Cherry Creek

The most buzzed-about dining story of the week: chef Kelly Whitaker — the creative force behind Denver’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, The Wolf’s Tailor — is bringing a summer-long pop-up to Cherry Creek’s Clayton Hotel rooftop. Called SHEEP (a playful inversion of “wolf”), the concept focuses on open-fire cooking and the elemental, grain-forward ingredients that define The Wolf’s Tailor’s Michelin-starred kitchen. For the South Denver crowd, this is as exciting as it gets — access to two-star-caliber cooking in a breezy rooftop setting steps from the Cherry Creek shopping district. Follow wolftailor.com for reservation details as they drop.

📍 Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Cherry Creek | 🌐 wolftailor.com

Heretík — RiNo Arts District (Now Open)

Opened: May 2026 | RiNo Arts District, Denver

Heretík — helmed by chef Theo Adley, who also runs the acclaimed Marigold in Lyons — officially debuted in early May and has been generating real buzz ever since. This French- and Spanish-inspired bistro strips things back to the essentials: a rotisserie, a plancha, and ingredients sourced with care. Think rotisserie chicken done right, daily oysters, pintxos, and seasonal seafood, all in an intimate neighborhood eatery atmosphere. DiningOut called it “a love letter to European bistros” and early reviews on Reddit echo that sentiment. Now open on Mondays too, plus Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Not South Denver proper, but worth crossing the city for.

📍 RiNo Arts District, Denver | 🌐 diningout.com/heretik

Rougarou — Five Points (Now Open)

Opened: Summer 2026 | 2844 Welton St, Denver (Five Points)

Rougarou brings Bayou-inspired cooking to Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, filling a real gap in the city’s dining landscape. Named after the Louisiana swamp legend, the concept leans into Southern comfort with a Colorado twist — think bold Cajun and Creole flavors in a neighborhood setting. Early Yelp reviews rate it 4.7 stars, and VisitDenver flagged it as a notable summer opening. Five Points isn’t South Denver, but this is the kind of authentic regional cooking that resonates with the foodie crowd that follows our guide.

📍 2844 Welton St, Denver (Five Points)

Denver Central Market — Changes Afoot (RiNo)

June 2026 | 2669 Larimer St, Denver (RiNo)

Denver Central Market, the beloved RiNo food hall, is undergoing a notable shakeup after a decade. High Point Creamery is departing and bakery Izzio is taking over that space. The butcher shop Butchers at RiNo’s is also exiting following disputes. The bar Curio will rebrand as Bar77 under building owner Ken Wolf. The market’s anchor tenants remain in place, and the space continues to be a go-to for South Denver residents visiting RiNo. Worth noting for anyone planning a trip — check current vendor lineup before visiting.

📍 2669 Larimer St, Denver (RiNo) | 🌐 denvercentralmarket.com

🆕 Just Opened — June 2026 (Week of June 10)

Sundae — 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver (Now Open)

Opened: June 4, 2026 | 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver

Colorado-born ice cream brand Sundae just opened its sixth location on the revitalized 16th Street Mall — making it the most central Denver outpost yet. Known for dense, small-batch soft serve and creative seasonal flavors, Sundae has quietly become a local institution across Denver’s neighborhood corridors. This new downtown location puts it squarely in range for post-dinner or arts-district outings. Westword called it a noteworthy week for downtown openings. Not South Denver, but it’s Colorado-made and worth a detour.

📍 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver | 🌐 sundae.com

The Henry — Cherry Creek North (Coming Soon)

Opening: Fall/Winter 2026 | 201 Fillmore St, Denver (Cherry Creek North)

Interior buildout is officially underway at 201 Fillmore in Cherry Creek North. The Henry is the highly anticipated Colorado debut from Fox Restaurant Concepts — the Phoenix powerhouse behind North Italia, Flower Child, and Culinary Dropout. The Henry is described as an “American gathering place” with polished comfort food, a strong craft cocktail program, and inviting, wood-and-brick design. Cherry Creek North is the perfect landing zone for this concept: affluent, social, and hungry for elevated everyday dining. Expect a fall or winter 2026 opening. One to watch closely for the South Denver crowd.

📍 201 Fillmore St, Denver (Cherry Creek North)

🆕 Just Opened — June 2026 (Week of June 3)

Rōmyō — Larimer Square (Opening July 2026)

Opening: July 2026 | 1401 Larimer St, Denver (Miller Building, Larimer Square)

The most hotly anticipated opening of summer 2026: Frank Bonanno (Mizuna, Luca, Sunday Vinyl) is adding a bold new chapter to his celebrated legacy. Rōmyō blends the culinary DNA of Rome and Tokyo into a single concept — a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant inside the iconic Miller Building on Larimer Square. Expect handmade pasta alongside izakaya-style small plates, an extensive sake and Italian wine program, and the elevated service Bonanno Concepts is known for. Opening is expected July 2026, marking the 25th anniversary year of Bonanno’s flagship restaurant Mizuna.

📍 1401 Larimer St, Denver (Miller Building, Larimer Square)

Call Your Mother Deli — Happy Canyon / South Denver (Coming Soon)

Opening: Summer 2026 | 5074 E Hampden Ave, Denver (Happy Canyon Shopping Center)

South Denver is finally getting its own Call Your Mother. The DC-born “Jew-ish” deli from Andrew Dana and Chef Daniela Moreira — famous for towering bagel sandwiches, whipped schmears, and an irreverent, fun atmosphere — is moving into the former Starbucks space at Happy Canyon Shopping Center. Permits for a 1,578 sq ft build-out were filed in May 2026, with a summer opening target. This will be the chain’s most southward Denver location, serving the Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, and Hampden corridor. Denver already has several CYM locations but south Denver fans have been waiting for this one.

📍 5074 E Hampden Ave, Denver (Happy Canyon Shopping Center) | Opening: Summer 2026

🆕 Just Opened — May 2026 (Week of May 27)

Soda Club — The Ramble Hotel, RiNo (Now Open)

Opened: May 2026 | 1280 25th St, Denver (The Ramble Hotel)

NYC’s four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded fresh pasta and natural wine bar has officially landed in Denver, taking over the former Super Mega Bien space inside The Ramble Hotel in RiNo. Soda Club is described as intimate, moody, and low-lit — 70 seats inside and 30 on the patio — with a rotating menu of fresh pasta dishes, natural wines, and craft cocktails. Chef Jared Sippel (ex-Bar Goto, Pasquale Jones) brings his New York cult following west. One of the most anticipated openings of the summer, and proof that Denver’s dining scene is landing on national operators’ radar.

📍 1280 25th St, Denver (The Ramble Hotel, RiNo)

Noodle Express — Belcaro ⚠️ Final Days — Now Closed

Closed: Late May 2026 | S Colorado Blvd at Belcaro Shopping Center, Denver

Denver legend Noodle Express has now closed its doors for good. The entire Belcaro Shopping Center (S Colorado Blvd, same complex as the King Soopers) is slated for demolition and redevelopment — and the restaurant’s time finally ran out. It survived a community-powered near-closure in 2022, but there was no saving it from the wrecking ball this time. If you never made it in for the dan dan noodles, the mapo tofu, or the dry-fried beef, it’s too late now. One of Denver’s great immigrant-run, neighborhood Chinese restaurants is gone.

📍 S Colorado Blvd at the Belcaro Shopping Center (Now Closed)

🆕 Just Opened — May 2026 (Week of May 20)

Call Your Mother — Happy Canyon / South Denver (Coming Soon)

Opening: Summer 2026 | 5074 E Hampden Ave, Denver (Happy Canyon Shopping Center, former Starbucks)

Big news for South Denver bagel lovers. The beloved “Jew-ish” deli chain — known for creative bagel sandwiches, whipped cream cheese, and a cult following — is opening its first South Denver location at 5074 E. Hampden Ave. in the Happy Canyon Shopping Center. Permits filed with the city confirm the move into the former Starbucks space. Call Your Mother opened its first Denver location in 2023 and has been rapidly expanding; this one puts a long-requested outpost directly in the heart of South Denver’s residential corridor. Opening date TBD but expected summer 2026.

📍 5074 E Hampden Ave, Denver (Happy Canyon Shopping Center) | 🌐 callyourmotherdeli.com

Benihana Express — 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver (Coming Soon)

Opening: 2026 | 1380 16th St, Denver (16M building on the 16th Street Mall)

Benihana is coming to the 16th Street Mall — not the traditional hibachi teppanyaki format, but a fast-casual “Express” concept in a 3,005 SF space inside the 16M development. Confirmed via city permits filed this week. This will be Benihana’s third Colorado location, joining the existing southeast Denver location on S Tamarac Dr and a Broomfield outpost. Not walking distance from South Denver, but big news for the Denver dining landscape — especially for a brand with serious name recognition among the luxury crowd.

📍 1380 16th St, Denver (16M, 16th Street Mall)

🆕 Just Opened — May 2026 (Week of May 13)

Milpero — RiNo

Opened: May 13, 2026 | RiNo, Denver

The most ambitious Denver restaurant debut of 2026. Chef Johnny Curiel — Michelin-starred chef behind Alma Fonda Fina, Mezcalería Alma, and Alteño — opens Milpero, a 16-seat, 18-course tasting menu experience rooted in the soul of Mexican cuisine. The name “Milpero” means a corn farmer who tends a milpa, honoring the restaurant’s deep reverence for maize and the nixtamalization process. Expect six styles of mole, dry-aged fish and meats, a glass-enclosed fermentation room, and local heritage corn grown specifically for the kitchen. Formerly announced as “Maize” then “Fonda Maize,” this is the Curiels’ most personal project yet — and already generating serious Michelin buzz.

📍 RiNo, Denver | 🌐 milperodenver.com

Monarch — Urban Cowboy Public House, Capitol Hill

Opened: May 9, 2026 | Urban Cowboy Public House, Capitol Hill, Denver

Three years of celebrated pop-up dinners have finally led to a permanent address. Chef Justin Freeman (Somebody People) opens Monarch inside the historic Urban Cowboy mansion in Capitol Hill. The menu centers on seasonally-driven sourdough pizzas, fire-roasted proteins, and wood-smoked vegetables, served amid the mansion’s historic fireplaces and open kitchen. Co-founded with Danny Matthews, Monarch has been one of Denver’s most buzzed-about pop-up circuits since 2023. The permanent era starts now.

📍 Urban Cowboy Public House, Capitol Hill, Denver

🆕 Just Opened — May 2026 (Week of May 6)

Heretík — RiNo

Opened: May 6, 2026 | 1441 26th St, Denver (RiNo/Five Points)

One of the most anticipated openings in Denver this spring, Heretík marks the long-awaited return to the city for chef Theo Adley — James Beard Award nominee and the talent behind Marigold in Lyons, which landed on Westword’s Top 50 Restaurants list despite being 40 miles from downtown. Heretík lives in the former Koko Ni space atop BearLeek in RiNo. The concept leans into Spain and France: the centerpiece is a “cou-nou” French rotisserie chicken, prominently displayed as you walk in. Beyond that showpiece, the menu rotates daily around the sea — fresh fish, shellfish, oysters, crab. Regional Basque and southwestern French wines round it out. Simple, rustic, ingredient-driven. It made Robb Report’s list of the 15 most exciting restaurant openings in the country this spring. Hours: Wed–Thu & Sun 4–10pm, Fri–Sat 4–11pm.

📍 1441 26th St, Denver | 🌐 maisonheretik.com

Madeline — Platt Park / 6th Ave Corridor

Opened: May 7, 2026 | 1313 E 6th Ave, Denver (former Fruition space)

Over a year after Fruition closed — one of Denver’s great chef-driven restaurants of the past two decades — the iconic space on East Sixth Avenue has a worthy successor. Madeline is the debut brick-and-mortar from chef Quincy Cherrett, whose resume spans Sushi Den, Izakaya Den, Colt & Gray, and 22 Provisions. The menu blends refined Asian and continental European influences: oysters with radish and green apple mignonette, lamb agnolotti with spring peas and morels, scallops with white miso celery root purée, and a black sesame cheesecake that’s already generating buzz. Named after Cherrett’s niece, with his family involved throughout. Bryan Trott (Brasserie Brixton, Alma Fonda Fina) serves as GM. The space has been refreshed but retains the intimate, neighborhood-fine-dining feel that made Fruition special for 18 years.

📍 1313 E 6th Ave, Denver

Wash Park Social — Wash Park

Opened: Late April 2026 | 1096 S Gaylord St, Denver 80209

The beloved corner spot at South Gaylord and Mississippi — home of the Wash Park Grill for years — has a new identity. Wash Park Social fills the space with a neighborhood bar-and-restaurant concept designed for the Wash Park crowd: casual enough for weeknight drinks, dialed-in enough for dinner. Smack in the heart of the South Gaylord Street dining corridor.

📍 1096 S Gaylord St, Denver 80209

>🆕 Just Opened — April 2026 (Week of April 29)

Olive & Finch — Golden Triangle

Opened: April 25, 2026 | 1140 Bannock St, Denver

Denver restaurateur Mary Nguyen’s beloved “fine-casual” brand keeps growing. The Golden Triangle marks the fifth — and largest — Olive & Finch location, opening with a celebratory DJ set and live art. Expect the same high-quality pastries, all-day café menu, and neighborhood-gathering vibe that made O&F a Denver institution. A natural anchor for the Golden Triangle arts district.

📍 1140 Bannock St, Denver

Cellar 36 Eatery & Wine Bar — Littleton

Opened: Late April 2026 | 5500 S Simms St, Littleton

The team behind Bistro 36 — Littleton’s beloved French bistro — brings an Italian counterpart to the west side. Cellar 36 is an Italian red-sauce focused eatery and wine bar, adding more dining depth to Littleton’s growing food scene. Same thoughtful hospitality, different passport.

📍 5500 S Simms St, Littleton

Marczyk Mighty Market — Milk Market, LoDo

Opened: April 29, 2026 | 1800 Wazee St, Denver (Milk Market)

Denver’s beloved Marczyk Fine Foods — celebrating its 24th anniversary this week — opened a compact outpost inside the Milk Market food hall in LoDo. The Mighty Market carries a curated mix of ready-to-eat foods and pantry staples. Not a full-service restaurant, but if you’re at Milk Market and need quality provisions, this is the answer.

📍 1800 Wazee St (Milk Market, LoDo)

🆕 Just Opened — April 2026 (Week of April 22)

The Couloir — South Broadway

Opened: April 2026 | 1775 S Broadway, Denver (inside Meier Skis)

Only in Denver: a cocktail bar tucked inside a ski manufacturer. The Couloir is the new after-hours hangout inside Meier Skis on South Broadway, where you can sip a drink while watching custom skis being handcrafted on the floor. It brings a true mountain “après” vibe to the city — no snow required. A genuinely unique addition to the South Broadway bar scene.

📍 1775 S Broadway, Denver

Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen — Greenwood Village (Grand Reopening)

Reopened: April 17, 2026 | 8775 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village 80111

After a year-long detour as Yak & Yeti, Spice Trade is back — and this time it looks built to last. Former GM Chris Teregis has stepped in as CEO, bringing back original staff and the globally-inspired menu that made this DTC brewpub a neighborhood favorite. The new version runs a tighter core menu with multicultural specials (Cinco de Mayo dishes already in the works), tandoori oven chicken wings, and the craft beers that put them on the map. Adult tater tots and teriyaki Brussels sprouts are back. Grand reopening weekend ran April 17–19.

📍 8775 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village | 🌐 spicetradebrewery.com

🆕 Just Opened — April 2026 (Week of April 15)

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer — Glendale

Opened: April 2026 | CitySet development, S Colorado Blvd corridor, Glendale

Nashville-founded Waldo’s Chicken & Beer opened its third Colorado outpost in Glendale’s CitySet development, taking over the former Panera space. The concept does double duty: Southern fried chicken and rotisserie chicken, with a drive-thru for easy access. A casual, accessible addition right on the South Denver / Glendale border.

📍 CitySet, S Colorado Blvd, Glendale

Old Blinking Light — Highlands Ranch (Grand Reopening)

Reopened: April 2026 | Highlands Ranch

A Highlands Ranch staple since long before most of the neighborhood’s restaurants existed, Old Blinking Light closed January 1 for renovations and a change in ownership. It’s back open with a refreshed space, updated menu, and an elevated cocktail program. Good news for the Highlands Ranch crowd — this one has staying power.

🆕 Just Opened — April 2026 (Week of April 8)

Ash & Agave — Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Opened: April 7, 2026 | 3000 E 1st Ave, Suite 185, Denver 80206 (former California Pizza Kitchen space)

Sean Huggard (Blue Island Oyster Bar, Oliver’s Italian) delivers coastal Mexican meets wood-fired cooking in Cherry Creek. Wood-grilled oysters, chargrilled octopus, baja-style mussels, and sea bass ceviche anchor the raw bar side. The “Carne Locker” fires premium cuts over a 900-degree wood fire. Mezcal cocktails throughout. Competing against Toro and Alteño in Cherry Creek’s upscale Mexican lane — should be a good fight.

📍 3000 E 1st Ave, Suite 185 (Cherry Creek Shopping Center) | 🌐 ashandagave.com

Good Luck Club — South Broadway

Opened: April 2, 2026 | 1350 S Broadway, Denver 80210

After months of permitting delays, the Y2K-themed bar finally opened on South Broadway. Owned by Pouring With Heart (American Bonded, Emerald Eye, Seven Grand), it leans hard into early-2000s nostalgia: Nintendo 64 on a big-box TV, thrifted décor, and cocktails like the “Burner Phone” and “Teddygram Old-Fashioned.”

📍 1350 S Broadway | 🌐 goodluckdenver.com

🆕 Just Opened — April 2026 (Week of April 1)

Paperboy — West Highland (Denver)

Opened: March 24, 2026 | 3940 W 32nd Ave, Denver 80212

Austin’s top-rated brunch spot opened its first Colorado location in the former Rooted Craft American Kitchen space. Chicken and biscuit with spicy honey, Texas Hash with pork and pecan mole, signature cornmeal pancake. Mon–Thu 8am–2pm, Fri–Sun 8am–3pm.

📍 3940 W 32nd Ave | 🌐 eatpaperboy.com

McGregor Square Food & Drink — LoDo (Denver)

Opened: April 1, 2026 | 1601 19th St, Denver

The former Milepost Zero food hall relaunched just in time for Rockies Opening Day with six stalls: Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, C Burger, G-Que BBQ, High Point Creamery, TaCo!, and Tora Ramen.

📍 1601 19th St (McGregor Square, Coors Field)

🆕 Just Opened — March 2026

The Barn South Broadway — Englewood

Opened: March 2026 | 3299 S Broadway, Englewood

Industry veterans Chase Devitt (ex-Brider, Boychik) and Matt Ciani (ex-Rio Grande) opened this elevated American comfort spot in the former Whiskey Biscuit space. Open 11am–9pm daily.

📍 3299 S Broadway, Englewood

Capital Grille — Lone Tree (Park Meadows)

Opened: March 15, 2026 | 9067 Westview Rd, Lone Tree 80124

The upscale steakhouse chain’s second Colorado location near Park Meadows in the former Red Lobster space. Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, serious wine program.

📍 9067 Westview Rd | 🌐 thecapitalgrille.com

Chicken Riot — Cherry Creek

Opened: March 26, 2026 | 2906 E Sixth Ave, Denver 80206

Riot BBQ’s Top Chef chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber launched a smoked chicken spinoff in Cherry Creek. Two styles: Big Boy Pibil (Yucatecan achiote) and Señor Loco (Monterrey asado). Sides: beef tallow frijoles negros, dirty rice, esquites muffins. Open 11am–8pm daily.

📍 2906 E Sixth Ave | 🌐 eatchickenriot.com

Sam’s Dumpling Kitchen — Littleton

Opened: March 2026 | 7541 S University Blvd, Littleton 80122

Fresh hand-folded dumplings and Chinese comfort food on South University in Littleton.

📍 7541 S University Blvd, Littleton

Fast as Pho — Littleton

Opened: March 2026 | 10161 W Bowles Ave, Littleton

Vietnamese pho spot adding to Littleton’s expanding Asian dining options.

📍 10161 W Bowles Ave, Littleton

FiNO — East Colfax (All Inn Hotel)

Opened: March 2026 | 3015 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Mediterranean restaurant inside the revamped All Inn Hotel. Standouts: martini with pickled tomato water, Medi Nachos, caper-studded charred cabbage.

📍 3015 E Colfax Ave

Wapos Cantina — South Broadway, Englewood

Opened: March 2026 | 3495 S Broadway, Englewood 80110

Growing local Mexican chain moved into the former El Tepehuan space on South Broadway. Seventh Colorado location.

📍 3495 S Broadway, Englewood

Chicken Salad Chick — Greenwood Village (DTC)

Opened: March 4, 2026 | 5322 DTC Blvd, Greenwood Village 80111

Fast casual chicken salad concept’s eighth Colorado location in the Denver Tech Center.

📍 5322 DTC Blvd | 🌐 chickensaladchick.com

Keepers Cocktail Lounge + June Gap Market & Café — Belleview Station (DTC)

Opened: March 2026 | 4855 S Quebec St, Denver 80237 (Apiary Hotel)

Two concepts inside the new Apiary Hotel at Belleview Station: craft cocktail bar and specialty coffee / grab-and-go café.

📍 4855 S Quebec St (Apiary Hotel)

Uchiko — Cherry Creek North

Opened: February 17, 2026 | 299 Fillmore St, Denver 80206

James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s Japanese restaurant with dry-aged fish, robata-grilled meats, and bold tasting menus. Reservations required.

📍 299 Fillmore St | 🌐 uchiko.uchirestaurants.com

Sukiya Ramen — South Broadway, Englewood

Opened: March 2026 | 3401 S Broadway, Englewood

Fifth Denver metro location for this fast-casual ramen brand on the South Broadway corridor.

📍 3401 S Broadway, Englewood

Vaultaire — South Broadway (Englewood)

Opened: March 2026 | 39 S Broadway, Englewood

Subterranean HiFi listening bar underneath La Forêt. Curated vinyl, high-end audio, and thoughtful cocktails.

📍 39 S Broadway

Lavender Coffee Boutique — Cherry Hills Village

Opened: January 23, 2026 | 1400 E Hampden Ave, Denver 80113

Second location of this wellness-focused café with house-roasted Colorado coffees and homemade syrups.

📍 1400 E Hampden Ave | 🌐 lavendercb.com

Egg Harbor Cafe — Highlands Ranch

Opened: March 2026 | Highlands Ranch

Beloved Midwest breakfast and brunch chain’s first Colorado location. Cage-free eggs, fair-trade coffee, extensive gluten-free menu.

🌐 eggharbor.cafe/highlandsranch

📋 Coming Soon — Spring/Summer 2026

Peyton Manning Restaurant — Littleton (Proposed)

Proposed: TBD | S Santa Fe Dr & Mineral Ave, Littleton

Gastamo Group (Park Burger, Homegrown Tap & Dough) is partnering with Broncos legend Peyton Manning on “1st Street Farms,” a 15,000 sq ft “Southern-inspired but Colorado-rooted” restaurant at the Littleton city limits. Think shrimp and grits, oysters, and classic Americana. The $28M mixed-use project also includes an event venue, turf football field, and community park. Littleton City Council reviewed the proposal April 14 — still seeking a public-private partnership before it proceeds.

Rōmyō — Larimer Square ✅ Now Open

Opened: Mid-July 2026 | 1401 Larimer St, Denver (Miller Building)

Bonanno Concepts’ Japanese-Italian fusion concept is now open on Larimer Square. See the Week of July 15 section above for full details.

Dear Emilia — Cherry Creek

Expected: 2026

Michelin-awarded Chef Ty Leon bringing an Emilia Romagna-focused Italian concept to Cherry Creek.

⚠️ Recent & Upcoming Closures — South Denver

Sirens Bar & Grill — Littleton ⚠️ Closed April 2026

Closed: April 2026 | 7444 W Chatfield Ave #D, Littleton

Sirens Bar & Grill in Littleton has closed, with an eviction notice posted on the doors alongside a “closed until further notice” sign. The eviction notice makes a permanent closure the likely outcome.

Kung Fu Tea — Littleton ⚠️ Closed April 23, 2026

Closed: April 23, 2026 | 9559 S University Blvd, Littleton

The New York boba tea chain’s Littleton location on South University has closed. Westminster and other Denver metro locations remain open.

Noodle Express — Belcaro / Colorado Blvd ⚠️ Closed May 2026

Closed: May 2026 | S Colorado Blvd at the Belcaro Shopping Center, Denver

One of Denver’s best Szechuan restaurants has officially closed. Noodle Express spent years under a death sentence — the entire Belcaro Shopping Center (same complex as the King Soopers at S Colorado Blvd) was slated for demolition and redevelopment. The restaurant survived a near-closure in 2022 when loyal diners rallied to save it, but the lease extension ran out for good this month. The dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and dry-fried beef are gone. A neighborhood institution, lost to redevelopment.

The Family Jones Spirit House — Highland

Closing: May 1, 2026 | 3245 Osage St, Denver (Highland neighborhood)

Denver’s first distillery-restaurant — a gorgeous chapel-like space with copper stills on display — is closing its tasting room doors on May 1. The distillery itself isn’t going anywhere: founders Rob Masters and Paul Tamburello are refocusing on spirits production and distribution. The hospitality chapter just isn’t sustainable.

Imperial Chinese — South Broadway

Closed: March 31, 2026 | 431 S Broadway, Denver 80209

A 41-year institution on South Broadway. Opened by Johnny Hsu in 1985, it was among the city’s oldest Chinese restaurants. New ownership took over in 2023 with expansion plans, but rising costs forced an abrupt closure.

China Taipei — Centennial

Closed: April 2026 | 8100 S Quebec St B14, Centennial 80112

After more than thirty years of authentic Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine in Centennial, China Taipei has closed.

Denver Distillery — South Broadway

Closed: March 2026 | South Broadway, Denver

Denver’s first-ever distillery pub, an 8-year run on South Broadway.

Yak & Yeti — Greenwood Village

Closed: March 2026 | Greenwood Village (DTC area)

Closed after just one year. Spice Trade Brewing has since reclaimed the space and reopened April 17, 2026.

Wild Sky Brewery — Centennial

Closed: February 2026 | 4151 E County Line Rd, Centennial

🏆 Opened in 2025 — Still Hot

Alteño — Cherry Creek (Clayton Hotel)

Elevated Jalisco-inspired Mexican with a standout raw bar and masa program. 4.7 stars.

📍 249 Clayton St | Cherry Creek

Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse (B10) — Cherry Creek

High-end steaks meets sushi. Classic chophouse vibes with unexpected range.

📍 2345 E 3rd Ave Suite 100

Salt Water Social — Cherry Creek

Seafood-forward social dining. 4.7 stars, one of the hottest reservations in the neighborhood.

📍 201 Columbine St

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