Five Asian Eateries to Look Forward to in Denver

There's a lot on the dining horizon of 2015 and one of the biggest trends that's taking shape in Denver is a boom of Asian-inspired restaurants. The cues for these spots are coming from street food, ramen, sushi, and more, with an emphasis on quick and casual service. Here's a look at what to expect out of these five Asian eateries.

CHO77
Chef Lon Symensma of LoDo's ChoLon is teaming up with Larimer Associates' Joe Vostrejs and Pat McHenry to open the walk-in-only, street-food inspired spot. The menu will focus on dim sum, noodle bowls, and even some large-format plates designed for sharing, such as crispy pork knuckle.
Where: Baker, 43 South Broadway
Anticipated opening: late February

OSAKA RAMEN
This concept from chef Jeff Osaka has been in the works for awhile now, with him closing his flagship restaurant, Twelve, in August. The RiNo location was the first announced, and recently Osaka also signed on a second outpost in Cherry Creek. Several styles of ramen will be featured, with the pork-rich tonkotsu variety leading the pack.
Where: RiNo, 2611 Walnut Street; Cherry Creek, 2817 East Third Avenue
Anticipated opening: mid-March; April

MIJO
MiJo was the last of six tenants to sign on for Avanti Food & Beverage, a collective and experimental eatery housed in shipping containers. The project serves as an incubator for new concepts, with relatively short-term leases. For MiJo, Bones chefs John DePierro and Michael Nevarez are focusing on fresh and fast noodle and rice bowls, plus other small plates.
Where: LoHi, 3200 Pecos Street
Anticipated opening: May

BAR UNCLE
It's early in the plans for this spinoff of ramen hotspot Uncle, and chef and owner Tommy Lee may even change the name by the time it opens. What we know is that Lee had been looking to add a second venture for awhile, and the idea is for a Chinese-inspired menu.
Where: RiNo, 3500 Larimer Street
Anticipated opening: Late summer

SUSHI RAMA
Osaka is keeping busy by also adding the upcoming Sushi Rama to the mix. Utilizing a Kaiten-style conveyor belt to move the dishes to guests, the vibe aims to be fun and interactive, with colorful, hippie-like decor.
Where: RiNo, 2615 Larimer Street
Anticipated opening: August/September