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Updating The Eater Heatmap, October 2013

by Emily Hutto
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by Emily Hutto

Denver's dynamic food scene is bustling this season with new openings and a lot of renovations. 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 October Heatmap is all about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Acorn at The Source, Colt & Gray

OUT: Jax Fish House Glendale, Izakaya Den

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

08/01/13: Added: Le Grand Bistro and Oyster Bar, Harman's Eat & Drink

09/05/13: Added: Comida, Root Down DIA

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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. Between Kenyon's cocktails and food from former Squeaky Bean chef Max MacKissock, this is rightfully a desirable place to visit.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

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

Acorn

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The wood-fired modern American cooking at Acorn in The Source has made a huge splash in Denver since the restaurant's opening in September. Also, of note at Acorn, is the elevated craft cocktail program.
3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 542-3721
(720) 542-3721

Colt & Gray

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This Denver favorite just got a makeover: a renovation that includes 30 more seats and a private dining room. Folks are buzzing about Colt & Gray where owners are soon opening the bar Ste. Ellie and the butcher Viande downstairs.
1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477-1447
(303) 477-1447

Old Major

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When chef Justin Brunson opened Old Major at the end of February, the expectations were high. The farmhouse cuisine focused restaurant has consistently impressed guests and continues to draws the dining crowds.
3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Comida

Copy Link
Comida, the food truck-turned-cantina in Longmont, is finally slinging tacos at The Source. The new location serves the now-familiar modern Mexican food influenced by Southern flavors in a large and airy space with a great patio.
3350 Brighton Blvd. Denver, CO 80216

Beast + Bottle

Copy Link
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

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

Root Down

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Root Down known for its vegetarian and vegan food among others, is now bringing its food, drinks, and eclectic design to airport travelers passing though Terminal C. The DIA location is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
(303) 993-4200

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
(720) 432-3163
(720) 432-3163

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
(303) 388-7428
(303) 388-7428

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

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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. Between Kenyon's cocktails and food from former Squeaky Bean chef Max MacKissock, this is rightfully a desirable place to visit.
3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 997-8886
(303) 997-8886

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

Acorn

3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216
The wood-fired modern American cooking at Acorn in The Source has made a huge splash in Denver since the restaurant's opening in September. Also, of note at Acorn, is the elevated craft cocktail program.
3350 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 542-3721
(720) 542-3721

Colt & Gray

1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
This Denver favorite just got a makeover: a renovation that includes 30 more seats and a private dining room. Folks are buzzing about Colt & Gray where owners are soon opening the bar Ste. Ellie and the butcher Viande downstairs.
1553 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477-1447
(303) 477-1447

Old Major

3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
When chef Justin Brunson opened Old Major at the end of February, the expectations were high. The farmhouse cuisine focused restaurant has consistently impressed guests and continues to draws the dining crowds.
3316 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 420-0622
(720) 420-0622

Comida

3350 Brighton Blvd. Denver, CO 80216
Comida, the food truck-turned-cantina in Longmont, is finally slinging tacos at The Source. The new location serves the now-familiar modern Mexican food influenced by Southern flavors in a large and airy space with a great patio.
3350 Brighton Blvd. Denver, CO 80216

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

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

Root Down

1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Root Down known for its vegetarian and vegan food among others, is now bringing its food, drinks, and eclectic design to airport travelers passing though Terminal C. The DIA location is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
(303) 993-4200

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
(720) 432-3163
(720) 432-3163

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
(303) 388-7428
(303) 388-7428

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

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