The Nine Saddest Closings of 2016

In reverse order from number nine to number one

9. Pete’s Café, closed in March

Pete Gatseos took the opportunity to close up shop and enter a well-deserved retirement from the 44 year old dive on East Colfax. The ten-table casual diner brought guests breakfast and lunch near the corner of Colfax Avenue and Pennsylvania Street since 1972.

8. Love Peace & Sol, 3435 Albion Street closed in August

A short lived but heartfelt venture, Park Hill's Love Peace & Sol was the brainchild of Lonni Byrd. Serving a healthy version of the chef's vision of soul food, the casual spot was gaining a quick following. Some pop up appearances happened, but there is no indication that the restaurant will reopen.

7. Rooster & Moon, 955 Bannock Street, closed in September

This Golden Triangle spot was so much more than a coffee shop. Regulars camped along with their laptops, had meetings, caffeinated, and later had a cup of hot tomato soup for lunch. It was a real community space for many who work remotely. The space remains vacant for the time being.

6. Pop's Place, 2020 Lawrence Street, closed in August

One of Denver's most beloved industry folks, Jim Pittenger, aka Biker Jim, took a leap of faith when he opened this breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot along with chef Stephen Kleinman. Five months in, the two cut their losses and said goodbye to the venture that was slowly but surely becoming a fun brunch stop.

5. Wurstkuche, 2036 Broadway, closed in January

This short-lived Los Angeles transplant that brought sausages and Belgian beer to this area showed lots of promise and got many excited. After all, what is there not to love about a meaty beer hall? The doors closed abruptly a year ago and nothing replaced the venture yet.

4. Trinity Grille, 800 18th Street, closed in February

When it came to power lunches and big shot meetings in Downtown Denver, Trinity Grille was among the top destinations for some three decades. Since the closure, the space has been completely transformed and became home to another Mile High institution, La Loma.

3. The Inventing Room, 2020 Lawrence Street, closed in November

Soon after chef Ian Kleinman celebrated the first anniversary of the sweet and creative brick and mortar, he got a notice from his landlord that he had to pack up his shop. Kleinman put lots of soul and work into creating this Willy Wonka-inspired magical space. He is currently looking for a new location.

2. Z Cuisine, 2239 W. 30th Street, closed at the end of August

With chef and owner Patrick DuPays at its helm, Z Cuisine and sister bar À Coté were a real piece of Paris plopped in the middle of the quickly developing LoHi area. The pace was slower, the conversation more relaxed, and the wine more free-flowing. The restaurant may return under the same name but new ownership.

1. Patsy's Inn, 3651 Navajo Street, closed in August

95 years in business isn't exactly something anyone can replicate these days. The red sauce Italian restaurant was a staple of North Denver and a relic of times past. The space will soon become Vespa, a bar and eatery from the owner of The Hornet on Broadway.

You can find a list of all the closure we reported on here.