When Huckleberry Roasters opened its RiNo outpost in 2014, the big picture was always to be more than just a coffee shop. However, it wasn’t in the cards for owners Koan Goedman and Mark Mann until now. The Huckleberry moniker has been dropped and is now known as Port Side. “This was always the goal from day one,” said Goedman of the transition of the coffee shop into a restaurant. “We were finally able to return to our original vision for this space.”
Port Side team (left to right) Koan Goedman, chef Chris Bell, and Mark Mann.
The vision was to offer simple, classic and interesting dishes that are good for you and bring great flavors as well. The menu is a reflection of the space—it’s succinct while still having a playful element to it. Chef Chris Bell, who was the chef de cuisine at Potager before coming on board with Port Side, executes the menu every day. “We have the challenge of a small space,” Bell said. “So the space dictates the menu, since we have a tight set of parameters.”
Avocado toast and smoothie at Port Side.
Breakfast options include two breakfast sandwiches ($7.75/$9.75), avocado toast ($6.50), oats ($5), and a vegan smoothie ($6). When lunchtime hits, the sandwiches go away for the day, and in comes a market salad ($8), soup ($6) and two sausage options. The buffalo-jalapeño cheddar sausage ($8) is topped with grain mustard, curried mayo and pickles in a Grateful Bread Company potato bun with a side of kale kimchi.
Draft beer and drink menu at Port Side.
The drink menu has expanded to offer two wines on tap along with four Colorado draft beers, two canned options, and a forthcoming batched cocktail program. Caffeine addicts, worry not—the same quality coffee is still available to enjoy all day long.
As for the name, Port Side is a subtle nautical reference and an homage to the shipping containers the development at 25th and Larimer streets in RiNo. “Being in the shipping containers, you have to maximize space,” Goedman said. “When we added the kitchen, it actually felt like we added space by taking some away.”
All photography by Brittany Werges.
Buffalo sausage at Port Side.
Port Side’s patio.
Avocado toast.
Port Side in RiNo.