It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to some of Denver's most loved bars and restaurants due to the impacts of COVID-19.
We will continue to update this page as things move forward. For now, let’s remember the great ones that kept our hearts and bellies full for years.
Updated 1.24.2022
Photo Via Facebook/Owlbear
Owlbear Barbecue
2826 Larimer St. - RiNO
This past weekend saw the closing of one of our favorite barbecue spots, Owlbear. Citing struggles due to the pandemic, owner Karl Fallenius made the choice to shutter the restaurant after less than three years of business. Owlbear was known for its top-tier, Texas-style BBQ and, it will forever hold a special place in our hearts and tastebuds.
Photo Via Facebook/Brass Tacks
1526 Blake St. - LoDo
After just a little over two years since opening up on Blake Street in LoDo, Brass Tacks is calling it quits. Citing issues that stemmed from the pandemic, owner Stephen Julia said that he and his teammates would rather focus on their other projects rather than pushing on. We'll miss the cocktails and eclectic food.
Image Via Facebook/Falling Rock
Falling Rock Tap House
1919 Blake St.
After 24 amazing years of business, Falling Rock Tap House is calling it quits. Falling Rock has been a pillar for the Denver craft beer scene since it first opened, and has been best known for its “no crap on tap" motto. The last day to grab a beer at the tap house will be this Sunday, June 27, though the spot will be open Wednesday - Sunday. So come grab a beer, some merch and pay your final respects. Read the statement from the tap house here.
image via facebook/ogden street south
Ogden Street South
103 S. Ogden St.
After almost 50 years, Ogden Street South has called it quits. Owner Tim Fry cited a changing industry landscape and lack of support from the city as reasons for the closure. Fry said the bar will remain but as a different concept. Regardless, karaoke nights in the city just won't be the same without Ogden. Read more here.
image via facebook/streets
Streets Denver
1501 E. Colfax Ave.
One of our absolute favorite punk bars is calling it quits. After over 20 years, Streets Denver (fka as Streets of London) has announced that this week will be its last. Between the pandemic and former owner John Elliot passing away this last November, it was decided to close the place down for good. It will be taken over by Steven Alix, who owns the gay nightclub X Bar.
image via facebook/the denver diner
Denver Diner
740 W. Colfax Ave.
After 30 long years in the business, Denver Diner is calling it quits - at least for now. The doors of this 24/7 spot have not only been graced by many a Denverite but also its fair share of celebrities. Post Malone, Billie Eilish, players from both the Avalanche and Nuggets have stopped by for a plate or two. Read more here.
image via Karl Christian Krumpholz
Tooey's Off Colfax
1521 N. Marion St.
There's a special place in our heart for dive bars and an even more special place for Tooey's. We've made so many amazing memories here, even though some may be a bit hazy. Independent venues like Tooey's are what makes Denver's music scene one-of-a-kind, and we just hope not many more go under before some aid finally arrives.
image via facebook/el chapultepec
1962 Market St.
After an incredible 87 years of operation, El Chapultepec has closed its doors for the last time. To call El Chapultepec an "institution" is putting it lightly. The jazz club has done so much for not only the jazz scene but also the Denver music scene as a whole. Its presence will be greatly missed. Read more here and look out for an official statement on Wednesday, December 9.
Photo Courtesy of Vesta
1822 Blake St.
After 23 years, this LoDo staple has closed its doors. Those two decades saw a transition from Vesta Dipping Grill (anyone else have their senior prom dinner there??) to Vesta, rebranding as a special occasion farm-to-table operation. “We can’t throw a party, we can’t have everybody come to Vesta for one last meal,” owner Josh Wolkon told the Denver Post. “In a small way … it just feels like an appropriate send-off.”
You can read Josh Wolkon's note to the community HERE. He asks the community to leave their stories, favorite memories, and photos as a send-off on their Facebook page since they can't have the send-off party this institution deserves.
Photo Courtesy of GOZO
30 S. Broadway
When Gozo closed its doors at the beginning of the pandemic, we didn't know it would be for the last time. It was one of our favorite spots to grab one of their amazing wood-fired pizzas and a glass of wine, and people-watch. Owner Curt Sims has said he plans to open a new concept in the space, but no details have been announced.
You can read the notice from General Manager Eric Norberg HERE.
Photo Courtesy of Racines
650 Sherman St.
Racines has been one of those Denver traditions for over 35 years. We will miss long weekend brunches on that great patio the most. You can read the note from owners Lee and David HERE.
Photo Courtesy of C.B. & Potts
Multiple Locations
C.B. & Potts, one of the oldest brewpubs in Colorado, has permanently closed 4 of its 5 Colorado locations. Ft. Collins has been sold but is currently retaining the name. You can read more in Westword HERE.
Photo Courtesy of Fresh Fish Company
7800 E. Hampden Ave
Another Denver institution is closing its doors permanently due to COVID-19. After 40 years of serving the community, Denverites will have to find another place for those special seafood dinners. The Proof Niteclub, owned and operated by the same proprietors and located in the same plaza, is also closing its doors.
You can read the post from owners Karen and Tim HERE.
Photo Courtesy of Hidden Idol
2240 North Clay St.
This popular tiki bar has sadly served its last cocktail. Despite the best efforts of owners and fans alike, it just couldn't survive the COVID-19 restrictions. You can read more at Westword HERE.
Photo Courtesy of Armida's
840 Lincoln St.
Chances are, you've spent more than one tipsy evening belting out your best Beyonce from the Armida's stage. Unfortunately, those days are gone. The owners have indicated they will open a new restaurant concept in the space - stay tuned for details.
Photo Courtesy of Meadowlark Kitchen
2705 Larimer St.
Meadowlark Kitchen has sadly served its last late-night burger. This neighborhood hang, with its great back patio and well-curated local art, will be missed. You can read the announcement from owner Casey Karns HERE.
Photo Courtesy of New Denizen Blog
3120 Unita St
It took forever to open but closed all too quickly. Punchbowl Social took over the former Stapleton Airport, with a restaurant, bowling alley, arcade, and more. You can read more in the Denver Post article. The Denver outpost did reopen on July 1st and is embracing "Punchbowl Social Distant."
Photo Courtesy of The Med
The Med, Via Perla and Brasserie Ten Ten
Boulder, CO
"We feel enormous gratitude in our hearts for the warmth and love that this community has shown us since the very first time we opened the doors to The Med in 1993, and we are honoured by the memories of the wonderful dinner parties we have thrown every night without interruption for the past 27 years," wrote owners Joe & Peggy Romano in their closing announcement. Referencing challenges of COVID-19, they announced that all three of their Boulder restaurants (The Med, Brasserie Ten Ten, and Via Perla) would not be reopening. You can read the full announcement HERE.
Photo Couresty of 12@Madison
1160 Madison St.
Congress Park’s 3-year-old 12@Madison is the latest to announce its closure following the 10-week coronavirus shutdown in Denver. The 40-seat restaurant was too small to manage a reopening under the current guidelines, according to a release, reported the Denver Post (read the full article HERE). “It would be incredibly difficult to social distance appropriately in that space, even with the patio,” the release said. “12@Madison was designed as a restaurant that thrived on intimacy — from shared small plates to human interactions. That model is just not sustainable for the foreseeable future.”
Sister restaurants Osaka Ramen, Sushi-Rama, and The Empire Lounge remain open. You can read the announcement from owner Chef Jeff Osaka HERE.
Photo Courtesy of La Cour
1643 S. Broadway
La Cour, one of South Broadway's gems, will sadly not be reopening their doors. The jazz club, French bistro, and art bar was a perfect date night spot, with its intimate vibe, talented musicians, and good French wine. As a parting gift to the community, they are launching 100 Nights of Jazz, beginning on May 15th, in conjunction with Classic Pianos.
You can read their goodbye note to the community here.
image via facebook/biju's little curry shop
4279 Tennyson St. - Berkeley
The fast and casual Biju’s Little Curry Shop has called it quits. In an attempt to avoid “a long, slow death,” owner and Chef Biju Thomas pulled the plug sooner rather than later. The announcement followed an incredible re-opening month in February. Read more here.
iamge via facebook/old major
3316 Tejon St. - Highlands
While the news of Old Major closing down is still nonetheless sad, readers will be relieved to hear that Chef Justin Brunson will be sticking around in the cured-meat and butcher world. In fact, he had plans pre-COVID-19 to step away from the restaurant. So while it might not have been completely on his terms, there’s still some silver to this lining. Check our River Bear Meats to see what he’s up to now.
image via facebook/acorn
3350 Brighton Blvd - RiNo
The kale and apple salad from Acorn will be sorely missed. The Source Market Hall flagship restaurant, and brainchild of Chef Bryan Dayton, has called it quits in hopes of putting something new in the now-vacated space. We eagerly await to see what that will be!
image via facebook/euclid hall
1317 14th St. - LoDo
One of the first Denver restaurants to call it quits due to COVID-19, Euclid Hall served up high-concept bites for around 10 years. Co-owner Jennifer Jasinski hopes this isn’t the end, as the group hopes to find a new location sometime in the future.
image via facebook/Zaidy's Deli
121 Adams St. - Cherry Creek
After 35 years of pastrami sandwiches and matzoh-ball soup, Zaidy’s Deli has called it quits. Citing an ever-growing challenging landscape, owners Gerard and son Jason Rudofsky will be hanging up the apron. The deli will be sorely missed. Read an interview with Jason here.
