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Updating The Eater Heatmap, September 2013

by Emily Hutto
20 comments / new
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by Emily Hutto
20 comments / new

Fall is here even if the summer heat has not left yet. September brings the height of Colorado's harvest and a hot dining scene that promises to only get better in weeks to come. New restaurants and bars, as well as seasoned but revamped ones attract the crowds and make diners covet a seat at one of their tables. 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 September Heatmap is about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

IN: Comida at The Source, Root Down

OUT: the Squeaky Bean, Drakes Haus

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

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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.

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

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

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

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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

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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

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. Both floors are now open and serving full menus and highlighting a new cocktail program.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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. Both floors are now open and serving full menus and highlighting a new cocktail program.
1487 -A S. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691
(303) 777-0691

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

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

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

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

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

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