It’s another dynamic week in the Denver dining scene. Two restaurants, both that have received high praise upon their opening last year, announced they’ll be taking divergent paths. One has abruptly closed to focus on its original concept while the other tries to turn a new leaf by taking a more casual approach. Also, a successful Denver restaurateur takes on a new project in the ever popular RiNo neighborhood.
The BSide Closes
Where: 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver
The Low Down: The BSide, a restaurant critically acclaimed for its gluten-free fried chicken, announced that it will be closing its doors for good last week. Notice about its shuttering was posted on its Facebook page on Saturday afternoon. The post gave thanks to their patrons while reminding them they can still visit Star Bar, a beloved Ballpark dive bar with a wide whiskey selection that is owned by BSide’s Justin Lloyd. 303 has reached out for comment but details have not been shared about the future of the 1336 E. 17th Street location, which has been several restaurants in the past, including an outpost of Pasquini’s pizza.
Curtis Club to “Re-Open”
When: Re-opening party is on August 15 at 10 a.m. to August 16 at 2 p.m. with happy hour drinks from 3 p.m. to close.
Where: The Curtis Club, 2100 Curtis St, Denver, Co
The Low Down: The Curtis Club, a rustic-urban eatery located on the edge of the Ballpark neighborhood, is planning to re-open by debuting a new menu and re-vamped, event-centered concept. Owner Scott Bagus explained that the goal is to return to the original vision of the Curtis Club by shifting the focus away from its “fine-dining” identity that the restaurant initially assumed after a succession of reviews that praised it for its refined food:
“When it opened, the menu became stigmatized as casual fine-dining, but that wasn’t what I was intending. That dining crowd is fickle,” explained Bagus. “We want it to be more accessible.” This new Curtis Club will have a completely different menu that will focus on comfort foods such as fried chicken sandwiches, brisket, shishito peppers, and mashed potatoes. There will be a late night happy hour and a brunch menu, but it will no longer offer lunch. Weekly events are also scheduled to take place including nights dedicated to trivia and “bring your own vinyl” listening parties. Live entertainment will be another component with a monthly lineup kicking off this weekend with music from The Hang Rounders and Andy Hamilton & the Whiskey Hitchers starting at 10:30 p.m. ($3 cover charge for entry). The drink menu will also get a face lift with seasonal focused cocktails and a more tailored wine selection. Bagus and his team hope that with this latest revision, they will be able to captivate a more casual crowd: “We want it to be more of a fun bar,” he explained. Curtis Club will re-open this Saturday with a weekend long party and will then return to normal business hours from Tuesday- Wednesday 3 p.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursday – Friday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m,; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..
Atomic Cowboy Opens on Tennyson
Where: 4275 Tennyson St., Denver
When: Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. with Denver Biscuit Company serving from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m, Monday – Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday – Sunday. Fat Sully’s Pizza is available 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Daily happy hours are from 3-6 p.m., and a late night happy hour Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m. to close.
The Low Down: Atomic Cowboy welcomed its third location in the Berkeley neighborhood with an official opening yesterday, August 11, 2015. The restaurant, which also houses Denver Biscuit Company and Fat Sully’s Pizza, now occupies a 3,000 square-foot building that was formerly a dance studio. “When I saw the old dance studio a few years ago, it just felt like an Atomic.” explained Owner Drew Shade. “It’s an amazing building with great bones. The mix of shops and restaurants combined with the dynamic community was something that I wanted our brands to be a part of. We’re excited to join the neighborhood,” he said. Unlike the other two locations, this spot will have a parking lot, making for increased accessibility and will also reportedly debut a new kids menu.
Troy Guard Announces RiNo Concept
Where: INDUSTRY Denver, 3001 Brighton Boulevard, Denver
When: Projected opening, fall 2015
The Low Down: Denver restaurateur and chef, Troy Guard, is planning to open a new restaurant inside the Industry building off Brighton Boulevard. Guard is known primarily for his award wining restaurants such as TAG and more recently, Grace and Guard. He explained to 303 that the 3,500 square-foot concept might not be fully developed yet but it will be a “fun, cool, hip, high energy hang-out” with sharable plates featuring continental flavors from around the world. Reportedly, it will potentially be a Mediterranean concept but he further elaborated that it could center around a large multi-layered wood grill. “I’d say 75 percent of the menu will come off the grill,” he explained. If all goes as planned, it will open later this fall, specifically this October.