The meat grinder
Recapping 2025's most significant food and drink happenings, from openings and closings to milestones and more + this week's food & drink events
2025. What a year to be alive.
Things have stayed busy, hectic and uncertain at most turns. But like the promise of your next eye-popping insurance deductible due, Side Dish has remained a constant in your life. A brief, end-of-week respite to sit down and catch up on each week’s snackable and meal-length food and drink news.
But perhaps you missed something. That week you were on vacation or just too distracted to make it all the way through your inbox. Or perhaps you have a terrible short-term memory (no judgement). Or maybe you just like to review what you might already know, kinda like patting yourself down to make sure you have your keys, wallet and phone before leaving the house.
Either way, I’ve got you. Below, I offer a terse recap of the most noteworthy 2025 food and drink happenings.
But first, I want to thank my lead sponsors, Ranch Foods Direct and my Side Dish Dozen sponsors. And of course all you subscribers and readers. None of this happens without this foodie feedback loop we’ve created and the community who supports our local hospitality industry. You can help me grow that community by sharing my posts and recommending Side Dish to friends:
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Now let’s get to the recap:
Winter (January-March)
Beloved Bellas Bagels expanded its hole-y footprint up north. The flaky, doughy, delicious La Concha Bakery & Coffee opened on the south side (and a Pistachio Dubai New York Croissant later followed.)
The Blue Star announced its (eventual) return to the scene, sharing renderings and the long story of its restaurant group’s journey. Ethiopian-infused Crepe Amour opened off Rockrimmon Boulevard. Jake & Telly’s created a retail market for grocery items and grab-and-go goodies.
The owners of Monse’s Taste of El Salvador and Saigon Cafe purchased westside staple Mountain Shadows Restaurant (which remains under renovation) and acquired the former Wild Goose Meeting House space, which became The Best Coffee & Lounge at the end of May.
I learned to ski again after three decades just so I could nab an exclusive beer on the slopes. A steady Side Dish contributor created a data science-driven “best restaurants” list locally. And I fell madly, hopelessly, addictively in love with Third Wave Chocolate Co., a rare bean-to-bar Springs chocolate maker. (So much so we went back to shoot a short cacao/coffee tasting video segment.)
Side Dish was featured by the national publication Simon Owens’s Media Newsletter for its unique sponsorship model.
Side Dish interviewed longtime Springs restaurateur Johnny Nolan about his legacy and then-sale of the historic Navajo Hogan space. (It has yet to reopen under new ownership.) I toured Fountain’s go-for food and drink spots. MoJoe’s Cafe launched across from City Hall.
In March, I marked the five-year anniversary of the Covid pandemic and mandatory shutdown of dine-in restaurant service in Colorado. I did so by chatting with a batch of businesses who were just getting their doors open when they were forced to close.
Base Camp Restaurant opened in OCC. Goat Patch Brewing opened its new Northgate tasting room and pizzeria. Legacy outfit Luigi’s closed after 60-plus years in business. I learned to make maple syrup in the woods of Wisconsin.
Side Dish celebrated its second anniversary with a Josh & John’s collab ice cream series. It was successful enough to warrant another collab series in November, which celebrated Ivywild businesses.
A perfect bowl of green chile for bowl game season
Spring (April-June)
Showing both my unserious and serious dispositions in rapid succession: on April 1, on Facebook, I announced that I was retiring to start a lumberjack-themed OnlyFans page called Side Split. Then, just days later, I picked up two food-writing awards in Denver at the 2025 Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism competition held by the Colorado Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Goodie Bag came to town. We did a two-part dine through Denver hitting cool places new and old, and savoring some of the latest Michelin-awarded spots. Then I went underground locally to a totally off-the-beaten-path business started by a popular local bartender. And picked favorites with Bread & Butter Neighborhood Market near their fifth anniversary. Oh, and I finally visited The Rey taco truck, which carries on the tradition of the once-iconic downtown green chile haunt.
Side Dish talked sustainable seafood with the culinary director for Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar (who was given a Lifetime Achievement Award later in November by the Colorado Restaurant Association). I discovered badass murals at Cheba Hut for 4/20.
In my favorite story that I wrote in 2025, I detailed the newly created Culinary Connections program, which allows refugees to prepare and sell meals (from Afghan to Haitian) via a unique, collaborative community program.
Cowboy Star turned 10 and reminded us why they’re awesome. The Homestead Collective attempted to avenge Till five years later. (It didn’t make it three months.) Kung Fu Noodles and Dumplings showed promise early.
We took a working vacation across Spain during much of May. I later crunched it into a three-part distillation of culinary impressions and takeaways: pastries and seafood; ciders and pintxos, and a Michelin meal to remember.
Meanwhile, fabulous guest content included: A visit to Boulder’s majestic Dushanbe Teahouse; a rundown of the mega-cool Champagne Tiger; a meditation on loving food and true nourishment; how to budget to dine out more; a love letter to Susie’s Westside Cafe; a smart espresso martini tour and cocktail bar crawl through hip Denver spots; and Lauren’s account of making me watch Ratatouille for the first time.
In June, Codswallop finally opened after a long delay. Things got kinky at Agave Lounge. (It’s a drink reference people, settle down.) I co-judged a barbecue competition with Famous Dave Anderson himself. JINYA’s opening put a second ramen shop downtown. I paddleboarded the ephemeral pond we named Lake Lincoln.
Sober-focused Lake & Lantern won us over in Palmer Lake, as did gluten-free-focused Three Farm Girls. And I presented seven flavors of Fort Collins.
Summer (July-September)
I visited the Aurora Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings ahead of the C. Springs location’s opening for my own sneak peek. We went behind the brisket with Chuckwagon 719. I caught fish for the first time in many years. The Loft won over a bagel snob.
707 Pizza Co. brought their stellar sourdough from Penrose, opening next to the CC hockey arena. The digitally interactive tables were supposed to be a big draw, but they became a liability. A Peruvian spot off Austin Bluffs wowed us.
Masala Mingle opened in the longtime China Town Restaurant space downtown. Dale St. Bistro Cafe closed after more than 20 years in business. I (momentarily) joined a biker gang and revisited Shuga’s after way too long, finding it as awesome as ever. In late July, I learned what was replacing The Well, and introduced you to Totem. (They finally opened in October.)
Side Dish Dozen members hosted the VIP area at Taste of Pikes Peak. I discovered great margaritas in Green Mountain Falls and Monument. We finally made it to a Baon Supper Club dinner.
The Hatch Cover turned 50. Popular gluten-free donut spot Mochi Thai’m announced a third location (which later opened in November). And Downtown COS’ Kelsee Swenn and I embarked on a noble mission to document all 11 Weenies & ’tinis hotdog and cocktail pairings.
A local business professional made a case for AI’s place in the kitchen. I sent a batch of unsolicited Dish Picks to, well, everyone. A new bartender king was crowned at Cocktails After Dusk. And District Elleven dropped a flashy new lounge menu.
La Patrona introduced more than a dozen birria variations to the N. Academy Boulevard corridor. Pho King Wing revived itself inside Avenue 19. NSFW Sandos infused its branding with a burlesque-inspired “filthy naughty” tagline. We examined Red Gravy’s from-scratch approach. And Gunslinger Brewing replaced Brass Brewing downtown (though the former head brewer stayed on, now working with a brewer on the new ownership team).
I asked what’s left to innovate in the craft coffee world, and Hold Fast Coffee’s roaster weighed in. Egg Lush introduced the Springs to Korean-style egg sandwiches in the former Urban Steam space. The Warehouse announced its Urban Grocer market expansion, set to deliver a second grocery store downtown in early 2026.
Inked and Infused added tacos and tequila to a tattoo parlor in the Old North End. Felipe’s 109 moved back into a food truck from brick and mortar. Eleven 18 ceased operating as a restaurant and repurposed itself into a popup and events space. We dined well during a quick trip to L.A.
Elephant Thai synchronized its revamped menu with sister outfit Chaang Thai (and I’m still thinking about that soft shell crab Pad Thai). Ranch Foods Direct hired a meat cutter with an interesting past; chef’s dinners ensued. Ten-year-old Shri Ganesh went on a redemption journey after bad press on KRDO’s Restaurant Roundup segment. And two guys launched a useful app to track all happenings and releases at local breweries.
Ambli sister eatery Latin Social opened in north downtown and immediately wowed. A second, swanky rooftop spot, Ryze Skyline Lounge, launched atop the Hilton Garden Inn in mid downtown. And making a hat trick out of opulent openings, The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room finally reopened after a years-long hiatus. (Yes, it’s pretty.)
Fall (October-December)
Reception opened as a slow bar coffee spinoff from Hold Fast Coffee by day, and cool cocktail lounge by night. Build-your-own espresso martinis is one central draw.
I took my hat off to talk a little business and share personal-life banter with my friend Nick Raven on his Badly Needed & Long Overdue podcast:
Rebel Rebel opened in Eleven18’s former bar space, mixing a ’70s vibe (complete with a vinyl library) and a blue collar aesthetic. I got a first taste of Totem. We checked out former Tepex/Inefable owner/chef Fernando Trancoso’s latest venture, Pin-Txi Wey.
The Brit Pub finally kicked off next to the Switchbacks FC stadium, operated by a team of Brits (and one Irishman) plus a number of former Jack Quinn’s staffers. In year 31, Bristol Brewing Co. acquired a new pilot system that will allow for more play and more one-off specialty brews in the taproom. Side Dish co-presented a Rare Barrel Community Dinner with Chef Brent Beavers in Bristol’s barrel room.
White Lotus Cafe opened up north as an expansion of the NaRai Thai restaurants, introducing a new bakery component and breakfast menu. Evergreen Restaurant got a new owner. The French Kitchen debuted a new all-French-flour bread lineup, and now I’m all about the Deluxe loaf.
We finally dined at Oro at the Mining Exchange. Blackhat Distillery tasted me on their fine agave spirits lineup, spotlighting their private-label potential with a killer new coffee liqueur.
Commonfork Bites & Brews replaced The Ute inside City Rock. Sidedishsidekick documented rut season in Estes Park, with a guide on where to nab good bites and coffees.
Roth’s Sea & Steak opened, attached to Ford Amphitheater. The hugely expensive venture, complete with private event spaces and a separate cocktail lounge, is unambiguously aiming to attract a Michelin star. It’s probably the year’s most ambitious project.
Switchback Coffee Roasters marked 15 years and focused a spotlight on its roastery. We said a tearful farewell to Bar Mom. And Side Dish turned the cameras and mics on KRDO to interview them about their contentious Restaurant Roundup segment.
Trinity Brewing closed, making way for 105 West Brewing Company’s arrival from Castle Rock. The Point Bar & Grill turned 30 this year and changed ownership and Lolley’s Ice Cream announced an expansion from Monument to downtown COS.
I closed the year with spotlights on two music venues with food and drink components: Thrasher’s Bar downtown and Bittersweet Coffee and Venue near OCC.
If you enjoyed the recap format of this newsletter and want to catch up on 2024 and/or 2023 news the same way (especially if you’re a newer subscriber to Side Dish), click here and here.
Side Dish Dozen happenings
Edelweiss: Christmas has passed but we sell our stollen and gluhwein through New Year’s, so you still have time to grab a slice, loaf and/or sip. Make reservations for the week ahead as we’re still busy for the holiday season.
Stellina Pizza Cafe: Visit us for our winter pasta special: Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli, crafted with fresh, handmade pasta, toasted pine nuts, crispy sage and sage-infused brown butter. Enjoy as an appetizer or entrée for a limited time!
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Through Dec. 31, for every $100 in gift cards purchased receive a complimentary $20 eGift card. Make reservations now for a customizable four-course New Year’s Eve Dinner on Dec. 31. Dishes include Dungeness Crab, seared tuna, squid ink linguine, branzino and Key Lime Tart. $85/person.
Goat Patch Brewing: Taproom Session live music with James Wallace, 5-7 p.m., Dec. 26 at Lincoln Center. Monday Night Football, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 29 at Northgate. Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party, noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 31 at Pikes Peak Brewing in Monument, with face painting, a balloon drop and food trucks.
Kangaroo Coffee: Visit each of our locations to discover delightful drinks of the week, created by our staff. Order online for in-store pickup, or if you don’t wish to go out, have a drink delivered through Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Allusion Speakeasy: You have to try the themed food at our Stranger Things popups. Example: Hopper’s Hungry Man Meal with herb-roasted turkey breast, brown butter sage gravy, citrus-infused cranberry chutney, cornbread stuffing and garlic butter green beans plus a brownie. Yes, we serve it in a compartment tray.
Upcoming events
Dec. 30: Neon Poker Night(s) at Cocktails After Dusk. 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday. $5 drinks; get an extra $100 in poker chips per dry good donated to Care & Share.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve prix fixe menus abound. Make resos while you still can.
Jan. 3: Local Relic’s Small Brew Saturday at The Carter Payne. Noon to 4 p.m.
Jan. 10: Profs and Pints at Colonel Mustard’s. 5 p.m. Free, with an optional $20 sandwich, chips and cookie bag available by preorder. Beers for purchase. This month’s topic is Breathe Easy: The Environmental Health and Science of Indoor Air, presented by a Colorado College math professor and CC-alum air filtration expert.
Jan. 12: Tequila Fight Night at Cocktails After Dusk. 6 p.m. $25 includes three cocktails.
Jan. 29: Sip With Schnip at Stellina. Details to come; save the date.
Parting shot(s)
See you in the new year, friends!
