It comes as a surprise to no one that Frasca Hospitality Group’s newest baby-a European-style wine bar behind Union Station that spins only vinyl-is the coolest kid in town. Opened: December 2019 Sommelier Clara Klein at Sunday Vinyl. Oenophiles can romp through the natural wine list, and even those of us not comfortable with dining in have reason to go, for Somebody People has turned its foyer coffee bar into a market where you can pick up vino veggies from Oxford Gardens dips and pickles and dried noodles and spices, tiffins, and T-shirts. Of course, his vegetable plates are the true stars, each as vibrant and layered as the next. Hard-core omnivores won’t miss a thing when presented with chef Art Burnayev’s magically creamy almond skordalia, umami-bomb mushroom toast, and hearty semolina pastas. Tricia and Sam Maher’s vegan, no-waste-inspired, Miami retro Overland restaurant blows away all expectations. Opened: September 2019 Somebody People owners Sam and Tricia Maher. Room for Milly does everything well: Zoom cocktail classes luxe merchandise shaded patio brunches and happy hours and some of the best sips, snacks, and decor in Denver. But coronavirus couldn’t stop the brilliant minds behind this transportive new drinks-and-small-plates destination. It certainly rocked Room for Milly’s world, given how tiny the gorgeous Platte Street space is and how most of it is taken up by a long bar. It’s a tragic bit of irony to open a cocktail bar based on a fabulous flapper-era traveler just weeks before a no-more-trips, no-more-bars pandemic struck. With Morrison running the floor, Olivia is the full package-a neighborhood spot where every meal feels like a celebration. His modern Italian offerings run the gamut from take-and-bake lasagna family meals to dine-in and takeout tasting menus, all designed to go with Carson’s wild grape French 75s or fig old fashioneds. Late last year, three Mizuna vets-chef Ty Leon, barman Austin Carson, and hospitality ace Heather Morrison-transformed Cafe Marmotte on South Downing Street into a charming yet modern trattoria inspired by Morrison’s eponymous (and equally charming) 10-year-old daughter, who loves Leon’s glorious handmade pastas almost as much as we do. Tortellini at Restaurant Olivia. Photo by Joni Schrantz If you’re looking for what’s funky and fun in Denver right now, Misfit is it. Exhibit A: Fried whole clusters of Worcestershire-marinated enoki mushrooms, Porytko’s take on the bloomin’ onion, and a BLT crafted from tomato aspic, braised bacon, and pickled lettuce. The result? Playful, edible art showcased from a 120-square-foot kitchen inside the Middleman cocktail bar on East Colfax Avenue. Photo by Sarah BoyumĬhef Bo Porytko has a knack for novelty, a talent that allows him to riff on pub classics-burgers, popcorn, fried fare-through his own quirky lens. Opened: December 2019 Misfit Snackbar’s tempura broccoli. Throw in the large, social-distancing-friendly rooftop patio, and it’s a new idea whose time has clearly arrived. The excellent extras come in when you consider that Dimestore is also a beautiful full-service restaurant and bar featuring $11 craft cocktails by bar manager Mas Morrison, Dotson’s genius dimerolls (stuffed, rolled focaccia sandwiches) and refined small plates (try the spicy fried chicken nuggets with slaw, blue cheese mousse, and hot honey served in a Little Man waffle cone). Selling everything from Tylenol and hand sanitizer to house-cured pastrami and dried rice noodles, Dotson and Fuentes have created a model that works-and then some. Photo by Sarah BoyumĬhef Tim Dotson (formerly of the Family Jones Spirit House) and partner Chris Fuentes (a Tacos Tequila Whiskey vet) may not have forecast the pandemic, but their deli/convenience store/bar/restaurant was certainly well-stocked for it. Opened: December 2019 Dimestore Delibar’s “dimeroll” focaccia sandwiches.
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