Courtesy Puerto Rico 5280
Audio By Carbonatix
Combine the bold colors and flavors of Puerto Rico with the Colorado lifestyle and you have Puerto Rico 5280, the new restaurant and club from the owners of El Coqui D’aqui, which closed earlier this year on South Colorado Boulevard so that Alex and Diana Rivera could move their establishment into a bigger location. Now with enough room for live music, DJs and dancing, Puerto Rico 5280 also has a full bar with multiple tap handles and Caribbean cocktails. Although the former tenant at 3109 South Federal Boulevard, Brewshine BBQ, didn’t last long, the Riveras have built up a loyal following of fellow transplants who drive from all over the region to eat Puerto Rican cuisine and, now, to dance the night away.
The rest of the week also welcomed Chow Morso Osteria, the second restaurant from the team behind Barolo Grill; Squared Pizza + Beer, a combination Detroit-style pizzeria and taproom for Boulder Beer; and Zig Zag Smokin’ Burger, the replacement for Gunther Toody’s from the same company.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is winding down its long tenure downtown. Lunches have already ceased, and the eatery will close for good after dinner on Sunday, September 16. Fans can still find the same food and old-timey atmosphere at the company’s Westminster branch at 9145 Sheridan Boulevard.
Here’s our complete list of restaurant and bar openings and closings for the week of September 10-16, 2108, plus links to our coverage of recent and upcoming debuts and shutters:
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Restaurants and Bars Opening This Week*
Albasha Grill, 2260 South Quebec Street
Chow Morso Osteria, 1500 Wynkoop Street
Happy Cafe, 945 South Federal Boulevard
Puerto Rico 5280, 3109 Federal Boulevard
Squared Pizza + Beer, 1123 Walnut Street, Boulder
Zig Zag Smokin’ Burger, 9220 East Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village
Restaurants and Bars Closing This Week*
Old Spaghetti Factory (Sunday), 1215 18th Street
Thai Street Food, 11650 Montview Boulevard, Aurora
*Or earlier, and not previously reported.
Keep reading for our coverage of recent openings and closings.
Spaghetti carbonara and other Italian specialties will be available at Chow Morso Osteria beginning September 13, 2018.
Mark Antonation
“Chow Morso Osteria Opens Tonight After Labor Shortage Delays“ Thai Street Food opened at 11650 Montview Boulevard in 2011 but is now closed. Mark Manger “One of Denver’s Best Thai Restaurants Has Closed”
Phil’s won’t see another Christmas. Sarah McGill “Phil’s Place Announces Last Call“ Sticky Fingers House of Smoke opened in Arvada this summer. Mark Antonation “Three Barbecue Joints You Probably Haven’t Been To“ There are many more openings on the calendar for the fall, and a few planned closings. But when others are announced, or places simply shutter without notice, we’ll cover those, too. In addition to news of openings and closings and explorations of the food scenes of Denver’s neighborhoods and suburbs, we also delve into the community side of food in Denver. Have you wondered about the adverse affects on food production from long-term industrial activity in Globeville? Turns out that backyard gardening is still possible in a former Superfund cleanup site. And in a food-and-music connection, we see how Illegal Pete’s keeps touring bands fed and watered for free. Have you spotted any openings or closings that aren’t on our list? Let us know in the comments, or send an email to cafe@westword.com.
