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Updating The Eater Heatmap, May 2013

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Sunshine is finally upon us after a cold spring but 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 May Heat Map is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Bohemian Biergarten, Uber Sausage LoHi

OUT: Slotted Spoon, Cafe Max

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

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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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Über Sausage

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The Über Sausage, a sausage-centric company that got its start on East Colfax, has opened a second location in LoHi. The menu still features many sausage sandwiches but also rhree salads as well as a breakfast menu that includes the waffle Benny, a Nutella waffle, and a sausage-less breakfast sandwich.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pinche Tacos

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Über Sausage

The Über Sausage, a sausage-centric company that got its start on East Colfax, has opened a second location in LoHi. The menu still features many sausage sandwiches but also rhree salads as well as a breakfast menu that includes the waffle Benny, a Nutella waffle, and a sausage-less breakfast sandwich.

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.

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.

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