These restaurants had the gumption to open during a global pandemic, and we are oh so grateful they did. From awesome Asian to a go-to wine bar to a great new breakfast, these are the new Denver restaurants we’re excited about right now.
Mimosas
What: A cheery breakfast-centric café by former Denver Nuggets chef Daniel Young (better known as Chef D). The Five Points breakfast and brunch restaurant serves modern takes on favorite comfort foods, along with its namesake mimosas made with fresh-squeezed OJ.
Where: 2752 Welton St.
What you’re ordering: The garden breakfast burrito with fresh veggies if you’re feeling virtuous. The cinnamon roll French toast if you’re not.
The Fifth String
What: Comfortable fine dining in Highland from chef Amos Watts, formerly of Acorn, Corrida, and Old Major. (Watts bought the former Old Major space for his first solo restaurant.) The menu is chockful of flavor and technique, with an assortment of small plates, traditional entrees, and family-style meals.
Where: 3316 Tejon St.
What you’re ordering: Any of the vegetable-centric small plates, pasta entrees or house-made sausage.
Postino
What: The wine bar you already know and love opened a location at 9th and Colorado Blvd. Haven’t been? Find out why people go crazy over the cool vibes, killer bruschetta boards, and some of the best wine deals in town.
Where: 830 N. Colorado Blvd.
What you’re ordering: Whichever wine suits your mood, along with a mix-and-match bruschetta board that should probably include the prosciutto, fig, and mascarpone loaded toast.
The Ginger Pig
What: One of the state’s best food trucks is opening a brick-and-mortar in Berkeley. Chef Natascha Hess takes Asian street food and makes it, well, you just have to try it. Her food is some of the best Asian you’ll eat, with every dish balancing sweet, spicy, salty, and sour.
Where: 4262 Lowell Blvd.
What you’re ordering: The curry Bangkok balls and fiery fried Chinese chicken for dinner; Japanese souffle pancakes for brunch.
My Neighbor Felix
What: A festive pan-Mexican eatery and drinkery in LoHi. The menu comes from Mexico’s seven culinary regions, while the ingredients come from Colorado whenever possible. Thirsty? Besides the nine margaritas, bottle after bottle of tequila and mezcal, and creative craft cocktails, there are the megaritas—56 ounce margs meant for sharing.
Where: 1801 Central St.
What you’re ordering: Guacamole fresco and slow-braised pork tacos. And probably a margarita.
Restaurants still need help!
The best ways to support them:
Order takeout or delivery directly from the restaurant. That way, they don’t have to pay the high commissions delivery apps charge.
Buy gift cards.
Leave positive reviews.
If they sell it, pick up gear like t-shirts and totes.
Tip well.