In the second iteration of Bubu, chef Troy Guard is building on the fast-casual menu of Bubu Larimer to bring a full-service experience to Lowry. Gearing up to open on Tuesday, February 10 in the Hangar 2 dining district, the eatery will still focus on fresh, healthy, and fast fare, but in a sit-down environment.
The signature and build-your-own bowls that launched the first Bubu are the core of the lunch menu, but Bubu Lowry is starting off with dinner-only hours. After the first couple weeks lunch will be added in, plus happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. That's in contrast to Bubu Larimer, which is only open until 5 p.m. and stakes its business on the fast lunch and catering crowd.
For this location, Guard has expanded the menu at dinner with the help of executive chef Diane Snider, sous chef Sharif Villa Cruz, and general manager Joe Rubenstein, offering a range of small bites, sushi, salads, vegetable sides, and rice and ramen bowls. Various proteins are available by the quarter, half, and full pound, with the "big stuff" like pork shoulder, Pacific salmon, and whole roasted chicken being ideal for take out—which is also an option for the whole menu.
Guard's Hawaiian roots and background in Asian cooking influence the board throughout, showcasing items like bubu crispy rice with spicy tuna, chicken-fried duck tongue, and steamed white fish, which will change out frequently depending on what purveyor Seattle Fish Co. can provide in-season. The fact that there's no freezer onsite ensures freshness of the ingredients—sourced locally whenever possible—with the menu also changing seasonally.
Also, look for a bar menu featuring a focused list of draft beer, wine, sake, and house cocktails—some mixed with fresh juices. A focus on sustainability and a health-conscious mindset is seen in touches like recycling the oil used, yoga mat storage for those just coming from a session, an electric car-charging station out front, and even the kids' menu, which offers eco-friendly educational tips complementing the list of options like popcorn shrimp, buttered parmesan ramen noodles, and teriyaki rice bowls.
Bubu Lowry also has the benefit of a 40-seat patio and garage doors opening up to that space, in addition to the 50 seats inside. The space was designed by Kimberly Timmons Interiors, who also worked on TAG and Guard and Grace.
Located at 7559 East Academy Boulevard, Bubu Lowry will be open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. initially, with hours growing to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. once lunch service begins. Guard is also slated to open a second outpost of Los Chingones near the Denver Tech Center in mid-June.