Thirteen20 is a new chef's counter from chef Jacob Bickelhaupt and his wife, Nadia, located in the original home of Comal Heritage Food Incubator in RiNo's Taxi development. The two are not new to Denver — Nadia grew up in Colorado and the couple briefly ran an underground restaurant, Konro Dinner Club, here in 2021 before leaving to open a brick-and-mortar version of the concept in West Palm Beach, Florida, which is still in business.
Now, they're back, though Jacob Bickelhaupt is bringing along some baggage — specifically a 2017 battery conviction from an incident in which he violently attacked his then-business partner and ex-wife outside their Chicago restaurant 42 Grams. Bickelhaupt details the aftermath of the incident, his first move to Denver and the backlash in a self-funded documentary, 86ed. At $295 per person for ten to fourteen courses plus an additional $195 for alcoholic beverage pairings, an N/A pairing for $175, and an A5 wagyu add-on for $125, Thirteen20 is more expensive than any of the Michelin-starred tasting menus in town.
Other openings include the brick-and-mortar location of Maiz, our 2023 Best of Denver pick for Best Food Truck/Cart, and a new concept from the same owner, Good Vibes Cafe, inside the Assembly Student Living.
There also a new crepe cart, Matteo's, on the corner of 16th and Arapahoe streets and a new gelato shop, Thick's, in Curtis Park.
The Gaylord Rockies resort recently debuted three new dining spots as part of phase two of its multi-year enhancement plan. They include Copper Table, Garden + Grain and Old Hickory Steakhouse. Last year, the resort introduced Embers Lodge Bar and the Fortunate Prospector pub.
Restaurateur Jared Leonard is closing three of his restaurants. Campfire Lakewood has already shuttered; Campfire Evergreen and Chicago tavern-style pizzeria Grabowski's in Lakewood will both be open on Saturday, February 8 for one last hurrah until they sell out. After that, Leonard will have only one Colorado restaurant, AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q, as well as outposts of AJ's and its steakhouse offshoot in Punta Mina, Mexico.
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden in Centennial announced its closure via social media on February 2: "This journey started two years ago with a passion for bringing authentic Indo-Chinese flavors to our community. However, as life took us in a different direction, we (owners) had to relocate to another city about a year ago, making it challenging to manage the restaurant from afar. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing customers who supported us and made this experience so special. As we move on to our next chapter, we hope to find the right owner who can continue the legacy of this wonderful space. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to [email protected] or DM us."
Voghera Apericena on Tennyson Street has also shuttered. Its owners have not posted an announcement on its website or social media, but an eviction notice was posted on its door.
In other openings and closings news:
- After business dropped following the Eaton fire in Los Angeles, one of that city's trendiest restaurants, Bar Chelou, announced plans to close in Pasadena and reopen in Denver.
- Reminder: Lao Wang Noodle House is closing February 15; if you're planning to visit for a last taste, show up early and be prepared to wait.
Here's the complete list of restaurants and bars that opened this week*:
Openings
Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse, 3875 Steele StreetMaíz and Good Vibes Cafe, 3900 Elati Street
Matteo's Crepes, 1575 Arapahoe Street
Thick's Gelato and Chocolates, 3339 Downing Street
Thirteen20, 3455 Ringsby Court #105
New at Gaylord Rockies, 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora
- Copper Table
- Garden + Grain
- Old Hickory Steakhouse
Closures
Campfire, 840 Tabor Street, Lakewood, and 27883 Meadow Drive, EvergreenGrabowski's, 13795 West Jewell Avenue, Lakewood
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden, 12073 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial
Voghera Apericena, 3963 Tennyson Street
*Or earlier and not previously reported.
Know of something we missed? Email [email protected].
