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.
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.
In other openings-and-closings news:
- An upcoming Mediterranean restaurant in Whittier plans to be open (nearly) 24/7.
- After 34 years, Señor Burritos is closing its Baker location in December, with plans to reopen in Westminster.
Openings
Dumplin', 3609 West 32nd AvenueJack N Grill 2 at Boombox Brew Bar, 5686 Pecos Street
Golden Outpost,17695 South Golden Road, Golden
Na Favola Trattoria & Pizzeria, 5909 South University Boulevard, Greenwood Village
Welton Street Cafe, 2883 Welton Street
Reopening
The Family Jones Spirit House, 3245 Osage StreetClosures
801 Fish, 999 17th StreetMaine Shack, 2010 16th Street, Boulder
*Or earlier and not previously reported.
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