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Updating The Eater Heatmap, July 2013

by Andra Zeppelin
1 comment / new
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by Andra Zeppelin
1 comment / new

Summertime is here and the dining scene is still 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 July Heatmap is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Drakes Haus, Jax Fish House Glendale

OUT: Corner House, Bohemian Biergarten

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

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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

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

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

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

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

Pizzeria Locale

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The new Denver outpost of the beloved Pizzeria Locale (original location in Boulder) opened its doors to great reviews. More casual and approachable, this counter service Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria gains more fans with each pie.
550 Broadway, Denver, CO
(720) 508-8828
(720) 508-8828

Also featured in:

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:

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.The first floor is serving full menus and a new cocktail program has rolled out. The second floor should open by the end of next week.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

Pizzeria Locale

550 Broadway, Denver, CO
The new Denver outpost of the beloved Pizzeria Locale (original location in Boulder) opened its doors to great reviews. More casual and approachable, this counter service Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria gains more fans with each pie.
550 Broadway, Denver, CO
(720) 508-8828
(720) 508-8828

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

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.The first floor is serving full menus and a new cocktail program has rolled out. The second floor should open by the end of next week.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

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

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

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