Denver

Win admission for two to Toques and 'Tails on Thursday, May 23, at Casselman's

On Thursday, May 23, Becky Creighton, the founder of Culinary Connectors, a company that exposes foodniks -- both locals and visitors -- to various Denver, Boulder and Aspen restaurants as part of a walking tour of those city's top dining dens, is rolling out a new food-and-cocktail event: Toques an ... More >>

Reader: Can't we come up with something other than pizza and beer bars?

Although downtown just lost another pizza spot, Toppings, today Pizza Republica will make its debut on 14th Street, right in front of the Colorado Convention Center -- and this downtown version of a restaurant that got its start in Greenwood Village looks like more than a fair trade. And more pizz ... More >>

Reader: When will we stop destroying important parts of the West?

The ten best places to sing karaoke in Denver

While there are a countless number of places to do karaoke around town, we've singled out the ten best spots in town to indulge your inner song bird. Some of these places cater to singers every night of the week, while others only do karaoke on specific nights. Some of these spots made the list last ... More >>

Photos: Ten worst domestic-travel cities for summer 2013 -- and why Denver was the best

CardHub.com has come up with its summer 2013 list of the best and worst travel cities, and Denver finished first in the domestic category when it comes to the combo of inexpensive flights, short travel times to popular destinations and accessibility, both logistically and financially. The methodolog ... More >>

Ten favorite cocktails (with recipes!) from ten favorite Denver bartenders

I'm a big fan of cocktails and have been drinking them longer than some of my coworkers have been alive. But for many people who have never had a real cocktail, ordering one for the first time can be intimidating. Big menus, unusual names, unfamiliar spirits...you get the point. If you are going t ... More >>

Video: Denver police kill man who'd held gun to his head -- suicide by cop?

The phrase "suicide by cop" remains in the common lexicon because incidents that seem to fall under it happen on a fairly regular basis. This 2010 post and another from 2011 are cases in point. Something similar happened last night on the 2600 block of Federal -- and chillingly, some of the interac ... More >>

Womenswear Wednesdays: Kissing Party singer Deirdre Sage on her '90s hip-hop style

Denver is brimming with talent and style -- and sometimes, the two clash perfectly together, as is the case with Kissing Party singer Deirdre Sage. We recently spotted the musician at the Mouth House following one of the band's performances and questioned her about her fashion choices. Continue read ... More >>

Photos: Abstract solos at Sandra Phillips Gallery and the DAM showcase Colorado's best

For this week's review, art critic Michael Paglia visits Sandra Phillips Gallery and the Denver Art Museum, where he took in solo shows from two of the state's best abstract artists, both of whom teach at the Rocky Mountain College of Art Design. For his thoughts on both exhibits, check out, "Thes ... More >>

Photos: Ten best cities for allergy sufferers -- and the nine that topped Denver

The folks at the Asthma and Allergies Foundation of America recently ranked 100 cities in terms of how good, or bad, they are for residents with allergies. The worst was Jackson, Mississippi, while Denver placed in the ten best cities -- at number ten. That means nine cities ranked higher than the ... More >>

Don't have strangers sleeping in your living room on a regular basis? You should.

Life can be uncomfortable. It's supposed to be: If you're comfortable, it probably means you've settled into a job that pays the bills, you're on a television schedule that rivals the class schedule you had in college, and you eat things that you will eventually resemble (potatoes and boxes of cerea ... More >>

100 Favorite Dishes: Schezuan beef in numbing chile oil from Chef Liu's Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Suffice it to say that I eat out more than the general population, unless, of course, the general population can catalogue more than 450 restaurant meals in a year -- which is about the number of breakfasts, lunches and dinners that I stomached in 2012. Pathetic, isn't it? But all those food dates a ... More >>

Photos: Church of the Ascension, 107-year-old landmark at 6th and Gilpin, catches fire

Church of the Ascension, located at 600 Gilpin, near 6th Avenue, has been a Denver landmark for 107 years. During the early morning hours, it caught fire. The good news -- or at least the it-could-have-been-worse info? No one was injured in the blaze. At this point, though, crews are still assessi ... More >>

Video: How to understand what prairie dogs are saying -- and if they think you're fat

This week's cover story, "The Dogs of War," examines increased efforts to eradicate prairie dogs around the metro Denver area -- particularly in Stapleton, where developers and park managers have found it easier to poison the pesky rodents than relocate them. That's stirred up outrage from advocacy ... More >>

Odyssey Beerwerks, a brewery and taproom, opens in Arvada in May

Arvada will get a new brewery later this month when Odyssey Beerwerks opens up at 5535 West 56th Avenue, Suite 107, just north of the Denver border. The 1,700-square-foot taproom, which will include a fifteen-barrel brewing system and room for at least eighty people, was founded by friends Chris Hi ... More >>

Photos: Single Malt and Scotch Whisky Extravaganza at the Brown Palace

The Single Malt and Scotch Whiskey Extravaganza is visiting thirteen major markets around the country this year. Last night, it was Denver's turn, when the event poured out the love -- and the booze -- at the Brown Palace. Photographer Christopher Morgan was there; keep reading to get a look at the ... More >>

Joel Klatt leaves 104.3 FM for Los Angeles -- and Fox Sports

Denver blog posts are immune to spring fever. South Stands 303's Colin Daniels tells us we won't realize how much we miss 104.3 FM's Joel Klatt' until he's gone -- to Los Angeles on July 1. Denver Egotist shares an unsettling new project that combines technology and art with your DNA. Denver Infi ... More >>

Photos: Utah's Epic Brewing is preparing new Denver facility, three Colorado beers

Denver is about to get Brainless. Sometime in late May or early June, Salt Lake City-based Epic Brewing, known for its series of Brainless fruit beers, will brew its first batch in Denver, in a soaring old warehouse building it is renovating in the River North neighborhood. By July, Epic plans to ... More >>

Republicans crybabies during 2013 legislative sesson?

Denver blog posts surf, even if Charlie don't. Colorado Pols thinks even Dawson didn't cry as much as Republicans did during the 2013 legislative session. At Mile High Mamas, Stephanie Sprenger shares memories of those times that called for an un-fun mommy. Mile High Hockey's Sandie Gauthier thin ... More >>

Golden Pho & Grill is a newcomer, but fits right in on Federal

In A Federal Case, I'll be eating my way up Federal Boulevard -- south to north -- within Denver city limits. I'll be skipping the national chains and per-scoop Chinese joints, but otherwise I'll report from every vinyl booth, walk-up window and bar stool where food is served. Here's the report on t ... More >>

A handful of breweries? CNN's beer-city list misses the mark on Denver

If you like beer and have an Internet connection, you've probably seen CNN's list of the 8 Best Beer Towns in the USA that went up Monday. While the list was better than most recent beer-city lists produced by national magazines and websites, it certainly had its share of problems. But for my purpo ... More >>

Carlos Gonzalez hits a two-run dinger (not the mascot, unfortunately) to best Yankees

Denver blog posts are already getting psyched for Rocktober. Purple Row's Jordan Freemyer on the unusual (for Coors Field) score of the Rockies' win over the Yankees: 2-0. Cargo put up the runs, the pitchers (!) did the rest. Colorado Pols calls bullshit on this quote: "Doctors kill more people th ... More >>

Nathan Dunlap, Chuck E. Cheese killer, files clemency petition

Denver blog posts are news to you. Colorado Pols ponders the prospects of Governor John Hickenlooper granting clemency to Nathan Dunlap, whose execution week has been set. Denver Frank compares 1993 tech to the 2013 version. Denver Infill's Ken Schroeppel shares Union Station update #115!

Reader: Without Trader Joe's, we have not really been living

While King Soopers has pulled out of the project set for the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center at Ninth and Colorado Boulevard, last month construction got under way on the first Trader Joe's in Denver -- just down the street. A second Trader Joe's is going into Boulder, but this ... More >>

USA Pro Cycling Challenge promotes the art of pedaling

Denver blog posts understand completely. Denver Egotist promotes a USA Pro Cycling Challenge poster contest. Does the poster seen here look like a winner to you? Coyote Gulch offers the latest drought assessment. Square State's Zappatero: If only the two year old had an AR-15....

Reader: I've made some history using the Oxford's urinals

Yesterday, Patricia Calhoun offered up some alternative Denver tour stops for a group from Virginia, including the urinals at the Oxford Hotel, which have been around so long that Bat Masterson is said to have drained his lizard in them. Plenty of readers expressed affection for this unusual attract ... More >>

Colorado cuisine is a culinary rodeo: Libertarian and lawless

I was back in Denver for three weeks last month, during which I ate what was basically one continuous meal interspersed with brief lulls that occurred when I had to switch venues or go to sleep (which was sort of often, given the food comas and also the drowsiness that comes on after the day-drinkin ... More >>

Keeping Colfax weird: Ten spots that give Denver's main street its culture and character

With the closure of Smiley's Laundromat and last month's bust and subsequent shuttering of Kitty's East, Colfax Avenue lost a little of its glittery seediness. Progress is a constant along this main drag, and has been for life of the city -- but still, Colfax isn't known for its betterment projects. ... More >>

Win $200 in bottle service at Jet Lounge!

Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind about what season it is in Denver right now, but that's okay. We've got a contest to lift your spirits...with, well, spirits. Jet Lounge has offered two lucky Backbeat readers (and your friends, if you choose to be nice, share the wealth and avoid alcohol ... More >>

Nuggets stave off elimination against the Warriors -- but is the end near anyhow?

Denver blog posts live to fight another day. Denver Stiffs' Nate Timmons recaps last night's physical Nugs victory over Golden State in game five of the playoffs -- but thinks it'll take a near-perfect game to earn a game-six win. At Mile High Mamas, Christina offers a hilarious new-mom survival g ... More >>

Twenty-three products that are trending at Trader Joe's -- and might show up in Denver

I spent the last week in California, splitting my time between Los Angeles, where I had a stellar dinner at Night Market, a Thai restaurant that pimps everything from fried pigs' tail to pigs' blood, and Newport Beach, a city whose restaurant scene is depressing, save for Pizzeria Mozza -- and eve ... More >>

10 things to do for $10 (5 free!) in Denver this weekend, April 26-28

Denver's thaw couldn't have come at a better weekend. This week only, National Parks throughout the country are waiving their admission fees -- so you can enjoy the spring weather by exploring the natural beauty of this state, for free! And even if the great outdoors aren't your thing, we've got mor ... More >>

Reader: I've eaten a lot of mac and cheese, and Rackhouse has the best

Don't get too comfortable! Yesterday we served up our ten favorite versions of everyone's favorite comfort foods, macaroni and cheese. And while readers agreed with several of our offerings, they also wondered what had happened to Dazzle? Hops and Pie. And, above all, Rackhouse? See also: - Denver' ... More >>

Round two with Rod Dupen, chef-owner of Waffle Brothers

Rod Dupen Waffle Brothers 393 Corona Street; 303-733-1212 1707 Lafayette Street; 720-708-5150 1326 College Avenue, Boulder; 303-593-0510 wafflebrothers.com This is part two of my interview with Ron Dupen, exec chef of Waffle Brothers; part one of our chat ran yesterday. Most memorable meal you've ... More >>

Manuel Ramos on his Mile High noir novel and the gentrification of Denver's North Side

Set in the depths of a Denver recession, Manuel Ramos' new novel follows Gus Corral as he gets caught up in a gritty world of warring gangs, murder and a missing religious artifact. Out now on Arte Público Press, Desperado: A Mile High Noir uses the North Side of Denver as the backdrop for a thrill ... More >>

Denver's ten best macaroni and cheese dishes

During this snowy spring, it often feels like we have one foot out the door to summer, and one still back by the fire, sticking loyally to our favorite winter comfort foods. As with fans of grilled cheese, lovers of macaroni and cheese divide into two factions: the progressive thinkers and the puris ... More >>

Zagat includes Colorado in two must-try national lists

Zagat recently released a guide to the fifty best plates of food in the United States as well as one on the best sources of caffeine in country. Denver makes both lists -- and rightfully so. the established eatery guide has rightfully included Denver on both lists. The legendary Buckhorn Exchange, 1 ... More >>

Hot 107.1 reborn online as Beatgasm.com

In its short life span, HOT 107.1 managed to build a decent following with its EDM format -- decent, but not quite big enough, as the station ended up flipping formats. At first the frequency was unveiled as Pot 107.1, which turned out to be a stunt (what a brilliant format that would've been, thoug ... More >>

Photos: Sweet Cow is braving the snow at its new location in Highland

A second outpost of Sweet Cow recently opened at 3473 West 32nd Avenue in Highland. Owner Drew Honness decided to expand to northwest Denver after having considerable success at his original Littleton location. Keep reading for pictures of his new place. See also: - Best Ice Cream 2011 - Best of De ... More >>

Andrew Orvedahl on Those Who Can't, the Grawlix pilot for Amazon

The Grawlix have been one of the brightest lights on the Denver comedy scene for a couple of years now, most successful comedy team not to come out of Denver -- but to live in Denver. Their crowning achievement thus far, though, has got to be this past weekend's premiere of the Those Who Can't sitco ... More >>

Five @ Five, Earth Day and more on the calendar this week

It's the sixth anniversary of the Denver Five -- a collaborative dining project from some of Denver's most reputable chefs. And the crew is celebrating tonight with a Five @ Five dinner featuring five paired courses from Matt Selby, Sean Yontz, Ian Kleinman, Kevin Morrison and Jorel Pierce. The loca ... More >>

Five things people shouldn't wear in Denver when it's snowing

Denver weather is unpredictable, as we all know with piles of snow landing on this city in mid-April, while lucky bastards in other places are already planting spring vegetables. And thanks to our local meteorologists, (who can't predict weather any better than drunk psychic televangelists), we neve ... More >>

Guess where I'm eating this green chile cheeseburger?

Who says you can't teach an old kitchen dog new tricks? This restaurant, which will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in Denver in 2013, just added a half-dozen new items to its already massive menu, including a commendable green chile cheeseburger. Can you guess where I'm eating? Special bonus: ... More >>

10 things to do for $10 in Denver this weekend (7 free!), April 19-21

Yes, weed is now legal in Colorado. And yes, this weekend is the giant 4/20 celebration. But that doesn't mean that all the fun will be in Civic Center Park.From an alternative 4/20 celebration with music and comedy to Record Store Day to a free theater performance, this weekend is full of events th ... More >>

Reader: 4/20 gives Coloradans a chance to prove they can handle their cannabis

This week, we shared the schedule for the Denver 4/20 Rally, which is widely regarded to be the largest gathering of its type in the U.S. And given the passage of Amendment 64 this past November, most observers think it'll be bigger than ever. One reader sees these factors as presenting an opportuni ... More >>

Ask a Stoner, 4/20 edition: Pot critic William Breathes answers your cannabis queries

See also: How marijuana activist Mason Tvert stirs the pot

DJ Ishe's thoughts on legalizing marijuana

From his involvement with the Whomp Truck to his efforts to help the dubstep movement in Denver progress, DJ Ishe is a household name in Denver. He's also an advocate for the use of marijuana, who knows first-hand what the plant can do to help others, even though he himself hasn't smoked in over a d ... More >>

Slam Bam

Nuggets face challenge of beating terrible Phoenix Suns team to secure three seed

Denver blog posts will challenge just about anyone. Denver Stiffs' Nate Timmons previews tonight's Nuggets-Suns game, a lopsided match-up that a lack of focus can even up mighty fast. Big Media's Jason Salzman thinks Mike Coffman should be challenged about his past love of labeling after joining a ... More >>

Womenswear Wednesdays: Snow day street-style spectacular

With the recent onslaught of snow hitting Denver, many people are dressing for warmth and comfort instead of a stylish spring. Still, a few women managed to inject some fun into their snow-day looks. Continue reading to see a sampling of frosty female fashion, and what practical accessories these la ... More >>