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Updating The Eater Heatmap, June 2013

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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 June Heatmap is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Pizzeria Locale Denver, Izakaya Den

OUT: Uber Sausage LoHi, Pinche Tacos Highlands

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

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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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Izakaya Den

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Izakaya Den, the sister restaurant to Sushi Den, reopened its doors across the street in a new building last week. With a refreshed menu and a stunning new space, this Japanese hangout is the place to be. Until June 11, seating and menus remain limited.

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.

Bohemian Biergarten

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Bohemian Biergarten, a European-style beer garden owned by Czech born Zdenek Srom, opened its doors in Boulder. This beer-centric hall serves European-style beer, whether Czech, German, Austrian, or Belgian, in a casual and friendly atmosphere along side small plates and shared platers. Bonus: the pretzels are outstanding.

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.

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.

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.

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Old Major

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.

Beast + Bottle

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.

Williams & Graham

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.

Uncle

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.

The Squeaky Bean

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.

Pizzeria Locale

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.

Izakaya Den

Izakaya Den, the sister restaurant to Sushi Den, reopened its doors across the street in a new building last week. With a refreshed menu and a stunning new space, this Japanese hangout is the place to be. Until June 11, seating and menus remain limited.

The Populist

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.

Bohemian Biergarten

Bohemian Biergarten, a European-style beer garden owned by Czech born Zdenek Srom, opened its doors in Boulder. This beer-centric hall serves European-style beer, whether Czech, German, Austrian, or Belgian, in a casual and friendly atmosphere along side small plates and shared platers. Bonus: the pretzels are outstanding.

OAK at fourteenth

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.

Spuntino

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.

Corner House

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.

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