Spring brings with it the feeling of new beginnings and fresh opportunities. It is also a time for reconnection as we start to shed the layers of clothing and venture outside more to enjoy warm weather days – a fitting time for the introduction of new culinary concepts. Here’s our guide to the most exciting, new restaurants opening in and around Denver – whether its for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner meetup with family and friends.
C Burger
Where: 921 Pearl St., Boulder
When: Sunday – Wednesday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Spring can illicit thoughts of planting and growth because it is an ideal season for gardening. It can also be a time of expansion and that is just what the founder of C Burger is doing by introducing his 100% locally sourced, regeneratively raised organic beef Smashburger concept to the Boulder community. This new location will feature an expanded menu consisting of pasture-raised chicken, fresh salads, and house-made soft-serve. Additionally, there will be a full bar offering craft cocktails, wine and beer. The new location is designed for comfort and conversation. With its outdoor patio seating, it is perfect for kicking off your spring series of outdoor dining.
Oakwell Beer Spa
Where: 6660 Timberline Rd., #100, Highlands Ranch; 3004 N Downing St., Denver
When: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily
Lowdown: Beer and a massage? Sign us up. Oakwell Beer Spa just opened its new location in Highlands Ranch. This unique concept combines a day spa and craft beer taproom will transform your after-work happy hour meetup. Additionally, what better way to get your friend or significant other who runs at the mention of the word, “spa” as part of your vacation itinerary or date night. You have the option of dropping in just for a drink or making it an afternoon by treating yourself to one of the beer-inspired spa packages. Either way, the experience promises to be rejuvenating and fun. Book your experience now for the new location here.
READ: I Tried Eden Health Club – Denver’s Newest All-Inclusive Wellness Destination
Alteno
Where: 249 Clayton St., Denver
When: Monday – Friday Happy Hour 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Full menu served 3 p.m. – close, Saturday – Sunday 3 p.m. – close
Lowdown: We love authentic flavors and the stories connected to them. This next concept comes from chef/owner Johnny Curiel, who pays homage to his Jaliscan Highland roots and traditions while intertwining the influence of his father in his debut of Alteno. The campestre-style restaurant will feature dishes like the cochinita pibil, which is a heirloom corn tortilla containing Yucatan-style pork, xni-pec and salsa de chile arbol, enchilada suiza, carne asada, lubina rayada, which is a pacific striped bass in a caper and olive broth with roasted tomatillos and butter rice and more. While not required, reservations are recommended.
Bear Leek
Where: RiNo
When: Summer 2025
Lowdown: This roundup includes new restaurant concepts that know how to keep the excitement and mystery going with their anticipated openings. Bear Leek, the first solo restaurant project of Chef Harrison Porter, will debut in RiNo this summer. The name, Bear Leek, comes from the German translation of “ramp” and speaks to chef Porter’s playful approach to food. Chef Porter will combine his multicultural experiences in kitchens across New York City and Melbourne to bring something new and unique to the Denver culinary scene. Along with co-owner and CDC Rema Maaliki, Chef Porter promises to bring fun to the dining experience through elements of surprise and we can’t wait to check it out.
Mango Tree Coffee
Where: 5624 S Prince St., Littleton
When: Monday – Friday 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lowdown: Mango Tree Coffee recently opened its second location in downtown Littleton. We love coffee and even more, we love coffee connected to a great cause. Mango Tree Coffee donates 100% of its proceeds to help fund relief projects. Coffee shops are great for changing up the scenery for remote workers and grabbing breakfast with a friend. Check out Mango Tree Coffee at its new location while enjoying some of the great shops in downtown Littleton.
Little Johnny B’s
Where: Located inside Urban Cowboy Denver, 1665 Grant St., Denver
When: Sunday – Thursday 4 – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The Lowdown: From the team that brought us Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza comes a highly anticipated culinary concept teased only as “The Boss of Sauce.” Johnny Bechamel’s or Little Johnny B’s opened its doors on April 21, serving up some of the hottest wood-fired pizza in Wash Park. With the new opening, it’s sure to get crowded quickly, so be sure to get your taste soon.