We reported more openings (28) than closures (16) in October, but many of the losses were longtime staples – including Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs (which still has a location at Denver International Airport), the Monaco Inn and Cafe Prague in Morrison.
Denver’s last remaining lesbian bar, Blush & Blu, also closed in October but reopened just twenty days later as Cocks on Colfax. It has the same owner, and is billing itself as a “queer safe space” with “cocktails, karaoke, music and dancing,” according to its Instagram profile.
Debuting during the last week of October was BoHeo Pho Kitchen, in the former Garlic Knot space on South Colorado Boulevard, which makes a 24-hour bone-broth pho; Change Please Coffee in Aurora, a London-based social enterprise that provides barista training and employment to homeless individuals; Little Man Ice Cream’s tenth location, this one on Littleton’s Main Street; and the latest pickleball facility, Mile Hi Pickleball, which includes a lounge with beer and wine.
Sunnyside Supper Club is listed for sale for .75 million.
Sunnyside Supper Club
The month ended with one surprise closure: Sunnyside Supper Club, which was opened by the Mighty Hospitality Group (El Jefe, Lucky Pie and the Mighty Burger) in 2021 after it purchased the building at 2915 West 44th Avenue for $3.1 million from Larimer Associates.
The space has a long history in the neighborhood. In the ’40s, it debuted as Ernie’s Supper Club, then became 3 Sons Italian Restaurant in the ’80s. Larimer Associates purchased the property in 2009 and resurrected the spirit of original owner Ernie Capillupo, reopening the space as Ernie’s Bar & Pizza.
A June 2018 hailstorm forced that restaurant to close for what was supposed to be only roof repairs. Instead, the project turned into a nearly two-year, $1.2 million renovation as the space was transformed into Earnest Hall – which opened exactly 21 days before Governor Jared Polis ordered bars and restaurants to close to indoor dining on March 17, 2020. Earnest Hall permanently shuttered in June 2021.
Fans lined up to say goodbye to Steve’s, which will be replaced by Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ.
Molly Martin
Closures
1930 Blake (formerly Sports Column), 1930 Blake Street Blush & Blu, 1526 East Colfax Avenue
Cafe Prague, 209 Bear Creek Avenue, Morrison
ChoLon, 10195 East 29th Drive (replaced by YumCha)
Damascus, 1399 West Littleton Boulevard, Littleton Finley’s Pub, 375 South Pearl Street Fox Run Cafe, 3550 East Colfax Avenue
Lava, 2200 Market Street
Monoco Inn, 962 South Monaco Parkway
Park Burger RiNo, 2615 Walnut Street
Pour House, 1410 Market Street Provolino, 3563 South Monaco Parkway Salt & Grinder, 3609 West 32nd Avenue Stay Tuned, 2162 Larimer Street Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs, 3525 East Colfax Avenue
Sunnyside Supper Club, 2915 West 44th Avenue
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Molly Martin has been the Food & Drink editor at Westword since 2021. Prior to joining the staff, Molly reported on the Denver dining scene for more than a decade and contributed to Thrillist. At Westword, Molly monitors restaurant openings and closings, offers dining recommendations and reports on Denver-area food news and trends. She also publishes such annual lists as Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants, and contributes to the yearly Best of Denver edition. In 2023, she was recognized with the Colorado Restaurant Association’s Outstanding Media Professional award.
Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin
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