Interested in finding out about the newest restaurant and retail additions to Denver? From an upscale hotel restaurant to an indoor playground, read on for a list of the newest hot spots to open their doors recently.
Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps
650 15th St.
Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps is an upscale restaurant that recently opened in the Hyatt Regency Denver in downtown.
Former Saint keeps it local with a Colorado-themed menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers traditional fare and healthy options, such as sweet potato pancakes in the morning, or oven roasted elk strip loin with smoked cheddar grits, duck bacon, bourbon cherry reduction and pistachio pesto in the evening.
The drink menu is loaded with more than a dozen craft beers on tap, plus domestic beers, cocktails and wine.
With eight reviews, the restaurant has a 4.5-star Yelp rating, indicating positive results so far.
Yelper Erin H., who reviewed the spot on Dec. 5, wrote, "Former Saint for the win! Not only is the vibe of this new downtown hot spot causally hip, but the beer, wine and entire menu are totally on par. ... From the wine and beet salad to the chicken entree and chocolate Milton dessert, everything was fantastic. The service was attentive, informative and, most importantly, friendly."
Brenda H. noted, "Former Saint is gorgeous and thoughtfully laid out! It gives a nod to all things Colorado (both past and present) while being vibrant, energetic and trendy!"
The new spot is open from 6 a.m.–midnight daily.
Ishtar Grill
2060 S. University Blvd., University Park
Ishtar Grill is a new Mediterranean and Lebanese spot.
Appetizers, soups and salads are available. Entrees include a falafel plate, which includes six fried veggie patties served with hummus and a choice of salad and a side of rice. Or try any number of kebabs or curry dishes. Vegetarian options are also available. (See the full menu here.)
With a 3.5-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp so far, it's off to a solid start with locals.
Hayat C., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Dec. 3, wrote, "Everything is... so delicious. I ordered the lamb shank and that was scrumptious, so tender and packed full of flavor. My husband ordered the lamb kabsa and that was full of very aromatic spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice—it was absolutely a delight."
And Aleks W. wrote, "Authentic Middle Eastern food and atmosphere. Nice and friendly waiters and chef. Large portions. Reasonably priced. We went there twice during last month and are already planning to go back."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Ishtar Grill is open from 11 a.m.–midnight daily.
BorraCho Tacos
42 S. Broadway, Speer
BorraCho Tacos is a Mexican spot to score tacos and more.
As the restaurant name suggests, it has many taco selections to choose from on the menu, including the Baja Buzz that has beer-battered fish, pico de gallo, lime cream and slaw, or the El Vegano, which comes with roasted cactus, pepitas and vegan cheese. Rice and/or beans are available as sides and there are plenty of beers to pick from to wash your meal down with.
It has a four-star rating through 11 reviews on Yelp, which indicates a positive reception from local diners.
John N., who reviewed it on Oct. 8, said, "Good selection of tacos, but not overwhelming. I had the BorraCho taco, which was braised short rib with onion and Swiss queso—probably one of the best street tacos I've ever had. Also tried pork tamales and they were delicious, delicate and flavorful."
Eli N. noted, "Amazing atmosphere along with great food, music and excellent staff. A special shout out to chef Kevin for a delicious experience."
Thew new taco spot is open from 5–9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 5–10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 5–11 p.m. on Friday, 2–11 p.m. on Saturday, and 2–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Lilu Star Indoor Playground
8340 Northfield Blvd. Suite 1680, Stapleton
Lilu Star Indoor Playground is an indoor play center for young children that hosts parties and events.
The facility offers open play, events and classes, plus party packages on its website, which describes itself as "filled with fun and extraordinary toys, play structures and several dedicated spaces for imaginative play." Its activities are for children ages 7 and under.
With a 3.5-star rating out of three Yelp reviews, Lilu's is getting solid feedback from visitors.
Yelper Vanessa L., who was the first to review it on Oct. 25, wrote, "This is a great indoor play space for my infant and toddler with a lot of age appropriate toys and activities to keep them entertained for hours."
Turbat B. added, "My two kids had so much fun at this indoor playground. Very spacious with lots of fun and entertaining toys."
The new place is open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on weekends.
