Want the inside word on Denver's buzziest local spots?
We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to uncover which local businesses have been on the tips of diners' tongues this month.
To find out who made the list, we looked at Denver businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month.
Read on to see which spots are extra hot right now.
Turtle Boat
Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Overland's Turtle Boat, the fast-casual seafood option is a hot topic according to Yelp review data.
While businesses categorized as "Seafood" on Yelp increased their review counts by a median of 2.5 percent over the past month, Turtle Boat bagged an 11.2 percent increase in reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a superior 4.5-star rating.
Open at 2231 S. Broadway since April 2017, Turtle Boat offers poke bowls (which it calls "poki salads") with salmon, striped bass, cuttlefish and barramundi, among other fish, to which the shop adds numerous mix-ins and a dressing. That's all served on a base of either rice or lettuce. There are also vegan versions.
Also trending on Denver's seafood scene: Blue Agave Grill, which has seen a 8.7 percent increase in reviews.
54thirty
Downtown's 54thirty is also making waves. Newly reopened after a recent renovation, the bar atop the Le Meridian Hotel (1475 California St.) has seen a 15.3 percent bump in reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 2.5 percent for all businesses tagged "Bars" on Yelp.
54thirty offers handcrafted cocktails and small bites with rooftop views overlooking all of Denver. Over the past month, it's maintained a healthy four-star rating among Yelpers.
But there's more than one hotspot trending in Denver's bar category: The Brutal Poodle has seen a 15.2 percent increase in reviews, and Icehouse Tavern and Bang Up To The Elephant! have seen 11 and 8.8 percent increases, respectively.
Cafe Miriam
City Park West's Cafe Miriam is the city's buzziest breakfast and brunch spot by the numbers.
The crêperie, launched at 2217 E. 21st Ave. in June 2017 by a father-daughter duo, increased its review count by 20.5 percent over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median review increase of 3.2 percent for the Yelp category "Breakfast & Brunch."
Cafe Miriam offers sweet and savory crêpes, pastries and espresso drinks in an arty space with a few seats outside.
Punch Bowl Social Stapleton
Stapleton's popular Punch Bowl Social is currently on the upswing in the New American category on Yelp.
While businesses categorized as "American (New)" on Yelp increased review counts by a median of 2.5 percent over the past month, this gastropub and spot for video and other games increased its by 13.6 percent.
Open for business at 3120 N. Uinta St., the eatery is best known for its bowling, bocce ball and other games for adults, but it also offers dishes like black-eyed pea hummus, beer-braised brats and a fancy chicken pot pie. There is an extensive drinks menu, too.
Before you go, keep in mind that the joint did fail a health inspection in June, FOX31 recently reported. The restaurant's owner told the outlet that all issues have been remedied and, according to the data, Punch Bowl Social managed to keep its Yelp rating consistent at 3.5 stars over the past month.
Also abuzz in the world of Denver New American: Just BE Kitchen has seen a 11.4 percent increase in reviews.
