Denver is burning with new places, fun hangouts, special events. Where should I eat right now? What are the spots that are killing it, those that anyone dining in Denver should not miss? That is what the October Heat Map is about - this dining moment in time. Very soon, Eater will update the Eater 38, a list that covers old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city. The hot spots of the moment for the food-crazy are in this Eater Heat Map.
IN: Oak at Fourteenth, Spuntino OUT: Phat Thai, Tag Raw
Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or send 'em down the tipline.
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Ace, a monster ping pong hall and Asian eatery from restaurateur Josh Wolkon, is one of the hottest restaurants to bounce onto the Denver dining scene. Everything from the sprawling outdoor patio to the unique Asian-inspired kitchen and bar program makes Ace the place to be scene.
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 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.
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 kimchi stew that is worth the trip alone. In a modern decor with friendly service, Uncle is a great choice for a casual dinner packed with Momofuku-inspired flavors.
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 six days a week putting out simple but creative dishes that attract neighbors and those in the know from food critics to Denver's best chefs.
Pinche Taqueria, the brick-and-mortar extension of the Pinche Tacos food truck, just shouldn't be missed. The tacos here are flat-out amazing, and the bar offerings don't lack either. Pinche also offers brunch tacos on weekends. Go hungry. Go thirsty. Go now.
The Kitchen, a Boulder farm-to-table staple, recently opened a location in LoDo. While it's very similar to the Boulder digs, The Kitchen Denver offers an exclusive sustainable seafood bar and 10 kegs wines by the glass. There's also a fantastic happy hour here.
New to the LoHi hood, Central Bistro and Bar is a collaboration between chef Lance Barto and real estate developer Isiah Salazar. As one of the most anticipated opening of 2012, Central Bistro and Bar strives to serve true American cuisine without the pretense.
Vietnam Grill is not a new restaurant, but man, it sure has gained some attention via some of Denver's restaurant authorities in recent weeks. Both Denver Post dining critic William Porter and Cafe Society editor Lori Midson claim it's the best Vietnamese food in Denver, and maybe in Colorado.
There's nothing else like Adrift in Denver. Walk in, and it's as if you've been transported to an island party with tiki drink concoctions that may cause you to forget that you really are, in fact, in Denver. Don't miss chef Wade Kirwan's small plates either.
This casual restaurant led by the talented chef Janice Henning offers unpretentious food made with locally sourced ingredients in a modern yet rustic setting. Expect to find comforting dishes like chicken ‘n’ rice complemented by farro and Hakurei turnips, house-made duck confit that changes its sides with the seasons, and Tuscan Ribollita soup, perfect for the colder weather.
Ace, a monster ping pong hall and Asian eatery from restaurateur Josh Wolkon, is one of the hottest restaurants to bounce onto the Denver dining scene. Everything from the sprawling outdoor patio to the unique Asian-inspired kitchen and bar program makes Ace the place to be scene.
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 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.
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 kimchi stew that is worth the trip alone. In a modern decor with friendly service, Uncle is a great choice for a casual dinner packed with Momofuku-inspired flavors.
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 six days a week putting out simple but creative dishes that attract neighbors and those in the know from food critics to Denver's best chefs.
Pinche Taqueria, the brick-and-mortar extension of the Pinche Tacos food truck, just shouldn't be missed. The tacos here are flat-out amazing, and the bar offerings don't lack either. Pinche also offers brunch tacos on weekends. Go hungry. Go thirsty. Go now.
The Kitchen, a Boulder farm-to-table staple, recently opened a location in LoDo. While it's very similar to the Boulder digs, The Kitchen Denver offers an exclusive sustainable seafood bar and 10 kegs wines by the glass. There's also a fantastic happy hour here.
New to the LoHi hood, Central Bistro and Bar is a collaboration between chef Lance Barto and real estate developer Isiah Salazar. As one of the most anticipated opening of 2012, Central Bistro and Bar strives to serve true American cuisine without the pretense.
Vietnam Grill is not a new restaurant, but man, it sure has gained some attention via some of Denver's restaurant authorities in recent weeks. Both Denver Post dining critic William Porter and Cafe Society editor Lori Midson claim it's the best Vietnamese food in Denver, and maybe in Colorado.
There's nothing else like Adrift in Denver. Walk in, and it's as if you've been transported to an island party with tiki drink concoctions that may cause you to forget that you really are, in fact, in Denver. Don't miss chef Wade Kirwan's small plates either.
This casual restaurant led by the talented chef Janice Henning offers unpretentious food made with locally sourced ingredients in a modern yet rustic setting. Expect to find comforting dishes like chicken ‘n’ rice complemented by farro and Hakurei turnips, house-made duck confit that changes its sides with the seasons, and Tuscan Ribollita soup, perfect for the colder weather.
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