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Without further ado, we present to you the triumphant winners of the 2015 Eater Awards - the stellar restaurants and the folks behind them who elevate Denver's dining scene to a more delicious, more beautiful level.
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RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: CHO77
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Stone Cold Stunner: The Occidental
The little sister bar to highly acclaimed speakeasy Williams & Graham bursted into the bar scene with its casual vibe, large screen TVs, and an interior that is thoughtful, precise, and charming. Bijou Angeli, wife of bartender and owner Sean Kenyon, is responsible for the funky and unique touches of this LoHi spot.
Chef of the Year: Steve Redzikowski
Steve Redzikowski, whose culinary pedigree includes Le Cirque, Cyrus, and the Little Nell, is the culinary force behind two highly lauded restaurants: Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth. This year, Acorn was named the number one restaurant in Denver by 5280 Magazine. Last year, the same spot was among Bon Appeitit's 50 best new restaurants in the country. Redzikowski's latest project, Brider, will open in early December.
So Hot Right Now: Bar Dough
Bar Dough is brand new and highly anticipated restaurant from acclaimed chef Max MacKissock. A casual neighborhood bar and eatery, the new spot brings wood-fired pizzas and Italian inspired dishes to LoHi. The space is sleek and the wait times are becoming longer and longer with each week that goes by.
Bartender of the Year: Rob Corbari
Rob Corbari has been leading the bar program at the Populist since the RiNo restaurant opened in 2012. The unassuming yet commanding bartender now also showcases his craft at the new and hot Bar Fausto.
Sustainability Award: The Kitchen
For eleven years, Boulder's original farm to table restaurant, The Kitchen, has been raising the bar for using local produce, supporting farmers, and bringing learning gardens to schools in our community. The reach of the group has become national.