Acero Moves Into Former Crown Social Space

For years, the mansion-turned-restaurant at 1446 South Broadway has been packed with antiques and decorated in a hodgepodge style somewhere between classic and classy, first as Black Crown and then as Crown Social. But Crown Social was evicted in the spring, and with it went all of the accumulated furnishings. That gave Acero, the new Mexican eatery that opened in the space last week, a fresh start.

The result is a brighter, less cluttered interior, with bold colors and south-of-the-border decor. The bar at the entrance hasn't changed much, but it now sports a healthy selection of tequilas, with more to be added soon (something that was entirely missing on the previous tenant's Colorado-only bar slate). And two dining areas are done up in sunny yellow and brick red, highlighting the building's wood beams and terra-cotta tile floors.
The menu provides a mix-and-match approach to Mexican, with more than a dozen proteins (including vegetarian options) that can be added to burritos, nachos, quesadillas, salads or bowls. From there, veggie mixes, housemade salsas and sides can be added. Acero is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with a separate brunch menu — think chilaquiles, chiles rellenos and huevos rancheros — available on the weekend. Acero inherited its cabaret license from tCrown Social, so live music and later hours could soon be added.