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Updating The Eater Heatmap, August 2013

by Andra Zeppelin
6 comments / new
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by Andra Zeppelin
6 comments / new

With the harvest and fresh local produce finally at its peek, Denver's dining scene is hot. New restaurants and bar, as well as seasoned but revamped ones attract the crowds and make diners covet a seat at one of the joint's tables. 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 August Heatmap is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Le Grand Bistro and Oyster Bar, Harman's Eat & Drink

OUT: Spuntino, Pizzeria Locale Denver

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

04/04/13: Added: Beast + Bottle, Pinche Tacos Highlands

05/02/13: Added: Bohemian Biergarten, Uber Sausage LoHi

06/06/13: Added: Pizzeria Locale Denver, Izakaya Den

07/11/13: Added: Drakes Haus, Jax Fish House Glendale

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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

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

Le Grand Bistro & Oyster Bar

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This two-year old modern French bistro has gotten hot since chef John Broening took over the kitchen. The chef, who owns Spuntino and previously cooked at Duo and Olivea, revamped the menu and brought technique and tradition back into each and every new dish.
1512 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-1155
(303) 534-1155

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

Old Major

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The menu at Old Major is broken down into The Farmer, The Butcher, and The Monger sections for vegetable-based dishes, meat dishes and seafood options. This restaurant was one of Denver's most anticipated openings this year.
3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Izakaya Den

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Izakaya Den, the sister restaurant to Sushi Den, recently reopened its doors across the street in a new building. With a refreshed menu and a stunning new space, this Japanese hangout is the place to be. Both floors are now open and serving full menus and highlighting a new cocktail program.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

Jax Fish House Glendale

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The newest outpost of Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar had an instant following. There are not one but two oyster bars, a private dining room, and a very large patio with beautiful views of the mountains.
650 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale, CO 80246
(303) 756-6449
(303) 756-6449

Also featured in:

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.
3163 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205

Drakes Haus

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This new burger emporium dishes out unique Merlot-injected burgers from a modern space with a stunning patio. Don't miss the South American, which boasts grilled slices of Chorizo sausage, cherry fennel goat cheese, and arugula.
2900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303

Harman's Eat & Drink

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With a creative yet approachable American menu with a twist, this Cherry Creek restaurant is rapidly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Judging by the buzzing dining room, chef Mark Fisher's plan to drop Phat Thai (previously in the space) and add Harman's is working.
2900 E. 2nd Ave., Denver, CO 80206

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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

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

Le Grand Bistro & Oyster Bar

1512 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202
This two-year old modern French bistro has gotten hot since chef John Broening took over the kitchen. The chef, who owns Spuntino and previously cooked at Duo and Olivea, revamped the menu and brought technique and tradition back into each and every new dish.
1512 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-1155
(303) 534-1155

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

Old Major

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
The menu at Old Major is broken down into The Farmer, The Butcher, and The Monger sections for vegetable-based dishes, meat dishes and seafood options. This restaurant was one of Denver's most anticipated openings this year.
3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Izakaya Den

1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
Izakaya Den, the sister restaurant to Sushi Den, recently reopened its doors across the street in a new building. With a refreshed menu and a stunning new space, this Japanese hangout is the place to be. Both floors are now open and serving full menus and highlighting a new cocktail program.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

Jax Fish House Glendale

650 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale, CO 80246
The newest outpost of Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar had an instant following. There are not one but two oyster bars, a private dining room, and a very large patio with beautiful views of the mountains.
650 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale, CO 80246
(303) 756-6449
(303) 756-6449

The Populist

3163 Larimer Street, 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.
3163 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205

Drakes Haus

2900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303
This new burger emporium dishes out unique Merlot-injected burgers from a modern space with a stunning patio. Don't miss the South American, which boasts grilled slices of Chorizo sausage, cherry fennel goat cheese, and arugula.
2900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303

Harman's Eat & Drink

2900 E. 2nd Ave., Denver, CO 80206
With a creative yet approachable American menu with a twist, this Cherry Creek restaurant is rapidly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Judging by the buzzing dining room, chef Mark Fisher's plan to drop Phat Thai (previously in the space) and add Harman's is working.
2900 E. 2nd Ave., Denver, CO 80206

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