Another Neighborhood Bar Will Replace Phil’s

A holdout still

When longtime Larimer Street bar Phil’s Place announced it was closing, last month, the assumption was that it would either be leveled or gutted and replaced by something much more... RiNo. But after this neighborhood bar’s going-away party, on Sunday, the new owners won’t be changing much. Embassy Tavern will open at 3463 Larimer Street later this month, run by the people who are behind Crow Bar, Horseshoe Lounge, Bar Car, Owl Saloon, and Inga’s Alpine Tavern, Westword reports. They’re planning to update bathrooms, flooring, and bar stools but will otherwise keep the place like Phil’s. It will even have Junie Garcia’s green chile on the menu.

A really pretty coffee shop

Broadway’s Amethyst Coffee has opened its second shop, this time in the Berkeley neighborhood. The new Amethyst sits at the quiet corner of 44th Avenue and Yates Street. Inside, it’s a sunlit room serving matcha tea, iced horchata, and Rebel pastries, 303 writes. The shop, owned by Elle Jensen, is promoting itself as a safe space for workers and customers. Jensen also trains coffee companies in preventing and dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. She was originally supposed to open this second Amethyst next door to Spruce & Lark, but that bakery project is on hold, according to an owner.

A ‘best’ list explained

5280 Magazine released its annual 25 best restaurants list last week, and over the weekend it added an explainer for curious fans. Editor Denise Mickelsen writes that her choices are “reserved for the local restaurants that I’d put up against any James Beard award-winner in New York City, Austin, or Los Angeles.” She also explains her list-making methodology, which includes visiting places all along the Front Range and ranking the dining experience at each — food, drink, service, atmosphere — based on a 10-point scale. This year’s list included newcomers Tavernetta, Corrida, Call, Julep, and Super Mega Bien.

• Phil’s Place Will Become the Embassy Tavern [Westword]
• Amethyst Coffee Has a Beautiful New Location in Berkeley [303]
• How 5280 Selects Its Annual 25 Best Restaurants List [5280]