As the Mile High City settles back into the daily grind after the prolonged winter holiday season, the food and booze scene churns along. Following in the wake of a monumental year accented by numerous openings and closures, the first week of 2016 has already proved to be a busy one. And while 2015 was big, if its commencement is any indication, this year will continue to shape—and shake—the Denver dining scene.
Below are some highlights from the first week of January, including the first openings of 2016, a Sunnyside shuffle and more.
Sushi Ronin Opens in LoHi
Photo courtesy of Sushi Ronin.
Where: 2930 Umatilla St, Denver
Neighborhood: LoHi
When: January 2, 2016
The lowdown: Sushi Ronin officially became the first new restaurant of 2016 when it opened its doors on Saturday, January 2. The LoHi eatery is a collaboration between restaurateur Alexander Gurevich, owner of the recently shuttered Limon, and Chef/Partner Corey Baker, who has worked at Sushi Den, Sushi Sasa, Sushi Hai, and Sushi Yoshi. Located next door to Linger, Sushi Ronin adds to an already star-studded block.
Rooted in traditional sushi preparations, Baker’s menu is focused on small-plate offerings and an esoteric menu that will fuse modern and classic flavors. To complement the Omakase-forward, seasonal selections, the Ronin Bar will offer a curated selection of Japanese whiskey, sake, and local spirits.
Sushi Ronin is open for dinner at 5 p.m. on Sunday – Thursday and 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
GoodBird Kitchen Opens in Longmont
Nashville hot fried chicken plate. Photo courtesy of GoodBird Kitchen.
Where: 1258 S Hover Rd, Longmont
When: January 5, 2016
The lowdown: GoodBird Kitchen, the self-described “irreverent-little-brother” of 303 favorite The Post Brewing Company, opened January 5 in Longmont. Following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the fast-casual comfort food eatery will serve up its mouth-watering fried chicken and southern sides, award-winning beers and fresh pies.
Developed by Chef/Partner Brett “Smitty” Smith, GoodBird’s menu, which differs slightly from The Post, features platters that can be enjoyed fresh or taken home. The bar program, helmed by Post Bar Manager/Partner Brian Selbitchka, includes can and draft beers produced exclusively by Brewmaster/Partner Bryan Selders, chicken-friendly wines, and a selection of straightforward, classic cocktails.
GoodBird Kitchen will be open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., with a happy hour from 2 – 5 p.m., seven days a week.
TAG Burger Bar to Open Location in Sunnyside
TAG Burger Bar. Photo courtesy of TAG Restaurant Group.
Where: 3759 Lipan St, Denver
Neighborhood: Sunnyside
When: Opening is slated for Thursday, January 21
The Lowdown: Northwest Denver residents have a new go-to for burgers and booze. Troy Guard, Chef/Owner of Denver’s TAG Restaurant Group, will open a second location of TAG Burger Bar in the former Sunnyside Burger Bar space this January. The menu will feature favorites from its sister location, including daily bistro specials, a variety of unique, customizable burgers, rotating seasonal beers, and boozy shakes and floats.
The Highlands outpost will serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 1o p.m. Monday through Friday, and dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Brunch is slated to begin in the spring, to coincide with the opening of the space’s outdoor patio.