Between the election and the first snowstorm of the season, this was a relatively quiet week in the dining scene. Still, five new spots opened.
Na Favola, which means “a fairy tale” in Italian, debuted in Greenwood Village. It serves simple, straightforward dishes prepared in the traditional Italian fashion of letting the ingredients do the work, with minimal fuss or flair. Highlights include pasta staples such as tagliatelle al ragu and spaghetti alle vongole plus pizza, prepared in the Roman pizza bassa style – crispy thin crusts.
Bonanno Concepts introduced a new concept in the former Salt & Grinder space. Dumplin’ combines restaurateur Frank Bonanno’s now-closed, Asian-inspired Bones and his Italian heritage on a menu that includes such options as the Bones-favorite lobster ramen, cacio e pepe ramen and, of course, a lineup of dumplings that can be ordered steamed, pan-fried or boiled.
Jack N Grill, a beloved local eatery that was known for its burgers, New Mexican eats and massive seven-pound breakfast burrito, has made a comeback. After operating a food truck under the Jack N Grill name since 2020, the founder’s son, Jack Martinez, has opened his own brick-and-mortar kitchen inside Boombox Brew Bar.
Golden Outpost is a new addition to Golden from Joe and Stacy Fowler, founders of the Golden Hayride. The “community tavern, with its rustic decor, Golden-inspired cocktails and mocktails and a rotating lineup of local food trucks, welcomes locals and visitors alike to gather, celebrate and savor the unique flavors and stories that define the town,” promises a press release.
November 8 brought the long-awaited return of Welton Street Cafe in a new Five Points location nearly three years after the eatery left its home of the last 22 years. The menu at the fully renovated space includes many old favorites plus some new features, including a full bar.
Reopening this week was the Family Jones. The LoHi distillery had closed on September 22 “for repairs and maintenance,” and is now back with a “brand new cocktail menu, refreshed space and a new (and fun) family tradition that we can’t wait to share with you,” teases an Instagram post.
Maine Shack is closing both its Denver and Boulder locations.
Closures this week include two seafood spots. LoDo’s 801 Fish from the Des Moines-based group behind 801 Chophouse (which has a location in Cherry Creek) has shuttered after less than two years in business. According to BusinessDen, “The restaurant will reopen with a new theme under the same owner.”
Maine Shack also closed its Boulder location; the last day for its Denver outpost is November 10. The team is currently working on opening a new location in Naples, Florida, but says it hopes to find a new space in Denver in 2025.
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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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