The space was most recently home to Chow Morso, but has sat empty since late 2020.

From mac and cheese with brisket to banh mi-inspired tacos, local restaurants and food trucks brought it hard this year.

“Please pray for us to survive another day, we will try to hang in here until the last minute.”

New additions to the culinary scene include Gringos Tacos, which is now serving at the Mercury Cafe, vegan bakery the Cake Bar and more.

It started as a pop-up out of Biker Jim’s in 2020 and also serves its food at many venues, including Red Rocks, Ball Arena and Coors Field.

Owned by Concept Restaurants, Inc. from Old Chicago founder Frank Day, the space was once home to the legendary eatery Strings.

Open since 1979, Rico’s was taken over by new ownership in late 2019, and now it has expanded, serving its New York-style pizza, pasta and $4 subs across from East High School.

Tempting seasonal dishes are popping up on menus all over town, from a Rocky Ford melon gazpacho to pierogi stuffed with creamy lima beans and herbs.

And there are more closings to come.

It was one of a handful of locally owned eateries to debut in the area in the last year, but now it’s gone after just five months in business.

Local operators of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Newk’s Eatery have signed a ten unit development deal to bring the celebrity chef brand to the Front Range.

Black Box inside Edgewater Public Market has a viral hit on its hands, but that’s not the only bakery that should be on your radar this summer.

Other restaurant and bar additions include a second location of Paris Baguette and a Denver tasting room for Lyons-based Spirit Hound Distillers.

On the menu are over-the-top drinks with names like Succubus in a Red Dress, Heart of Darkness and All Black Everything.

Over twenty spots joined the dining scene last month, including a number of new places to sip wine and cocktails.

In the coming months, owners Syd Younggreen and Brian De Souza will also bring back their intimate dinner series, the Guest, and add a daytime concept called El Mercado.

Standouts from the last month include a damn good steak at an old school classic, duck confit at neighborhood staple, a savory dessert at a new fine dining eatery and more.

Among the additions are Camelia Modern Mexican Cuisine on Broadway and Masas, now serving Oaxacan fare in Boulder.

It’s taking over the space that was home to Frontroom Pizza for over three decades, then Roca’s for a year.

The fourth Colorado outpost of the Portland-born chain, which includes a drive-thru, had to change its exterior color because it violated city codes.