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Updating The Eater Heatmap, April 2013

by Andra Zeppelin
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by Andra Zeppelin

While Denver is still deciding between spring and winter, sunshine or snow, the dining scene is undoubtedly hot. New restaurants and bars that attract the crowds and make diners wait in line and get excited for great experiences open at a fast pace around the metro area. Often Eater gets this question: Where should I go for a drink right now? Where should I dine this week? What's new, what's hot, where do the crowds flock to? That is what the April Heat Map is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Beast + Bottle, Pinche Tacos Highlands
OUT: Ace, Vesper Lounge

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or send 'em down the tipline.


06/07/12: Added: Lowry Beer Garden, Parsley, The Wooden Table

07/05/12: Added: The Squeaky Bean, Sassafras American Eatery

08/02/12: Added: Ace, Central Bistro and Bar

09/06/12: Added: Phat Thai, Vietnam Grill

10/04/12: Added: Oak at Fourteenth, Spuntino

11/20/12: Added: Uncle, Beehive

12/06/12: Added: the Populist, Punch Bowl Social

01/03/13: Added: Vesper Lounge, Tom's Urban 24

02/07/13: Added: Corner House, Slotted Spoon

03/07/13: Added: Old Major, Cafe Max

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Old Major

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The new LoHi restaurant is packed each and every night with diners excited to try the "elevated farmhouse cuisine" offered by chef Justin Brunson and his team. The space is warm and contemporary and bar program top notch.
3316 Tejon Street, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Uncle

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This Highlands Asian-fusion spot dishes out outstanding ramen dishes, noodles bowls, and a spectacular kimchi stew. In a modern decor with friendly service, Uncle is a great choice for a casual dinner packed with Momofuku-inspired flavors.
2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
303.433.3263
303.433.3263

The Squeaky Bean

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The rebirth of The Squeaky Bean is without a doubt one of the hottest openings of the year, and Johnny Ballen, chef Max MacKissock and bartender Sean Kenyon are showing Denver a playful and sophisticated way to dine. MacKissock's menu is inspired by the season, and much of the produce is coming from Squeaky Acre farm. Drop in for meal, or perch at the bar for one of Kenyon's pop culture-inspired cocktails.
1500 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 623.2665
(303) 623.2665

Beast + Bottle

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Beast + Bottle, one of the most anticipated openings of 2013, opened recently to a very warm welcome from diners. The restaurant, owned by siblings Paul Reilly, the chef, and Aileen Reilly, the general manager, focuses on rustic, comforting American craft cuisine. Bonus: brunch service starts on Friday, April 5.
719 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303.623.3223
303.623.3223

OAK at fourteenth

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Oak at Fourteenth reignited as a better version of itself over the last few months. Between the insane bar and cocktail program that Bryan Dayton is leading, complete with ice carved on premises and house-bottled sodas, and the daring dishes fired by Steven Redzikowski in the wood-fired oven, Oak at Fourteenth is the hot spot in Boulder.
1400 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-3622
(303) 444-3622

Spuntino

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This may be Denver's best kept secret right now. Chef John Broening and pastry chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom (James Beard semi-finalist for multiple years) work the line at this small eatery putting out simple but creative dishes that attract neighbors and those in the know from food critics to Denver's best chefs.
2639 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-0949
(303) 433-0949

Corner House

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This new Jefferson Park eatery, led by chef Matt Selby, is magic in both the casual and comfortable feel and the selection of food. Neither outrageous nor extensive: just the right kind and number of dishes prepared with care and attention to detail.
2240 Clay St Ste 1, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 287-1895
(720) 287-1895

Pinche Tacos

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The modern Mexican taqueria that got its start in a food cart and opened a first brick and mortar in November 2011, is doing it again. The West Highlands location is packed with taco fans ready to enjoy both the food menu and the variety of cocktails offered.
3300 West 32nd, Denver, Co 80211
(720) 502-4608
(720) 502-4608

cafe max

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This unassuming European-style cafe on Colfax is winning over customers every day with thoughtful and simple food and a comfortable yet stimulating environment.
2412 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-0003
(303) 333-0003

The Populist

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The RiNo restaurant from Noah Price, owner of Crema Coffeehouse and chef Jonathan Power has opened with a splash in November. Try the fish rilletes and the braised beef cheeks and don't overlook the small but smart wine list.
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 432-3163
(720) 432-3163

Williams & Graham

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Williams & Graham, Sean Kenyon's LoHi speakeasy joint hidden behind a bookshelf, is one of the harder places to get a table these days, and no wonder. Between Kenyon's cocktails and chef David Bumgardner's food, it's rightfully a desirable place to visit.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

Slotted Spoon

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Meatball lovers rejoiced when chef Jensen Cummings announced that he was opening a fast-casual restaurant focused on meatballs. Now all can enjoy the Slotted Spoon goodness in many different combinations at its location in the University Hills Shopping Center.
2730 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 756-3072
(303) 756-3072

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Old Major

3316 Tejon Street, Denver, CO 80211
The new LoHi restaurant is packed each and every night with diners excited to try the "elevated farmhouse cuisine" offered by chef Justin Brunson and his team. The space is warm and contemporary and bar program top notch.
3316 Tejon Street, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Uncle

2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
This Highlands Asian-fusion spot dishes out outstanding ramen dishes, noodles bowls, and a spectacular kimchi stew. In a modern decor with friendly service, Uncle is a great choice for a casual dinner packed with Momofuku-inspired flavors.
2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
303.433.3263
303.433.3263

The Squeaky Bean

1500 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
The rebirth of The Squeaky Bean is without a doubt one of the hottest openings of the year, and Johnny Ballen, chef Max MacKissock and bartender Sean Kenyon are showing Denver a playful and sophisticated way to dine. MacKissock's menu is inspired by the season, and much of the produce is coming from Squeaky Acre farm. Drop in for meal, or perch at the bar for one of Kenyon's pop culture-inspired cocktails.
1500 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 623.2665
(303) 623.2665

Beast + Bottle

719 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Beast + Bottle, one of the most anticipated openings of 2013, opened recently to a very warm welcome from diners. The restaurant, owned by siblings Paul Reilly, the chef, and Aileen Reilly, the general manager, focuses on rustic, comforting American craft cuisine. Bonus: brunch service starts on Friday, April 5.
719 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303.623.3223
303.623.3223

OAK at fourteenth

1400 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302
Oak at Fourteenth reignited as a better version of itself over the last few months. Between the insane bar and cocktail program that Bryan Dayton is leading, complete with ice carved on premises and house-bottled sodas, and the daring dishes fired by Steven Redzikowski in the wood-fired oven, Oak at Fourteenth is the hot spot in Boulder.
1400 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-3622
(303) 444-3622

Spuntino

2639 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
This may be Denver's best kept secret right now. Chef John Broening and pastry chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom (James Beard semi-finalist for multiple years) work the line at this small eatery putting out simple but creative dishes that attract neighbors and those in the know from food critics to Denver's best chefs.
2639 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-0949
(303) 433-0949

Corner House

2240 Clay St Ste 1, Denver, CO 80211
This new Jefferson Park eatery, led by chef Matt Selby, is magic in both the casual and comfortable feel and the selection of food. Neither outrageous nor extensive: just the right kind and number of dishes prepared with care and attention to detail.
2240 Clay St Ste 1, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 287-1895
(720) 287-1895

Pinche Tacos

3300 West 32nd, Denver, Co 80211
The modern Mexican taqueria that got its start in a food cart and opened a first brick and mortar in November 2011, is doing it again. The West Highlands location is packed with taco fans ready to enjoy both the food menu and the variety of cocktails offered.
3300 West 32nd, Denver, Co 80211
(720) 502-4608
(720) 502-4608

cafe max

2412 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
This unassuming European-style cafe on Colfax is winning over customers every day with thoughtful and simple food and a comfortable yet stimulating environment.
2412 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-0003
(303) 333-0003

The Populist

Denver, CO 80205
The RiNo restaurant from Noah Price, owner of Crema Coffeehouse and chef Jonathan Power has opened with a splash in November. Try the fish rilletes and the braised beef cheeks and don't overlook the small but smart wine list.
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 432-3163
(720) 432-3163

Williams & Graham

3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
Williams & Graham, Sean Kenyon's LoHi speakeasy joint hidden behind a bookshelf, is one of the harder places to get a table these days, and no wonder. Between Kenyon's cocktails and chef David Bumgardner's food, it's rightfully a desirable place to visit.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

Slotted Spoon

2730 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
Meatball lovers rejoiced when chef Jensen Cummings announced that he was opening a fast-casual restaurant focused on meatballs. Now all can enjoy the Slotted Spoon goodness in many different combinations at its location in the University Hills Shopping Center.
2730 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 756-3072
(303) 756-3072

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