Denver/ Food & Drinks
Published on February 06, 2019
Get to know the freshest new businesses to debut in DenverPhoto: The Knotty Neighbor/Yelp

Interested in getting the lowdown the newest businesses to open in Denver? From a multinational bakery to a luxury barber, read on for the newest destinations to open for business near you.

Reunion Bread

3350 Brighton Blvd. Suite 140, Five Points

Photo: caroline f./Yelp

Reunion Bread is a bakery.

The bakery, located in The Source Hotel, specializes in international breads and pastries inspired by chef Ismael De Sousa's Venezuelan and Portuguese upbringing. The menu includes dulce de leche croissant churros, pain au chocolate and pasteis de nata, a Portuguese custard.

Reunion Bread has proven popular thus far, with a five-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp.

Caroline F., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Jan. 29, wrote, "Reunion is a truly special bakery that, without exaggeration, stands head and shoulders above anything else Denver has to offer for bread or pastries."

Yelper Kenny N. added, “We also took home a warm loaf of olive za'atar. Fragrant, dense, chewy, still great this morning with added Portuguese olive oil and more za'atar. ”

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Reunion Bread is open from 9 a.m.–9:15 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)

Hazel

1581 S. Pearl St., Platt Park

Photo: Jerry O./Yelp

Hazel is a neighborhood bar that serves cocktails, grilled cheese sandwiches and more.

The bar also features a gallery wall that showcases local artists and encourages customers to bring their own art skills to the table on select event nights. 

It's proving popular thus far, with five stars out of five reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Jerry O., who was the first to review it on Jan. 22, wrote, "It is a great place to chill with friends and meet new ones. The bar is hip and modern, with amazing art, tables complete with coloring accessories, a chill ambiance, cool music vibe and friendly people. This is a cocktail bar, but happens to serve two amazing grilled cheese sandwiches should you require something filling."

And Darrelle G. noted, "We enjoyed great mixed drinks, what a fun atmosphere. This place is new, but worth going to! Delicious gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches if you are hungry!"

Intrigued? Hazel is open from 3 p.m.–2 a.m. on weekdays and from noon–2 a.m. on weekends.

Zocalito Latin Bistro

999 18th St., Suite 107, Downtown

photo: steve s./yelp

Zocalito Latin Bistro is a Latin American spot.

The bistro features cuisine inspired by a fusion of authentic Oaxacan and American flavors. To start, customers may dig into an array of appetizers like the Mayan fried calamari, which is served with annato seed-garlic and lime vinaigrette, or the sauteed mushroom and pumpkin seed cheese dip. There are also meat, seafood and veggie dishes up for grabs. (Check out the full menu here.)

It's on its way to developing a local fan base with four stars out of six reviews on Yelp so far.

Yelper Jacob R., who reviewed it on Jan. 8, said, "This is by far the best Mexican restaurant I've been in Colorado. I have a deep appreciation for cuisine that is prepared with love and pride."

Cyn C. wrote, "I got the skirt steak with mole. It was served with three soft tacos (more like tiny quesadillas). The mole was rich, complex, smoky and spicy. The steak was tender and delicious."

Check it out: Zocalito is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)

The Knotty Neighbor

1618 E. 17th Ave., City Park West

Photo: the knotty neighbor/Yelp

The Knotty Neighbor is a New American bar and breakfast and brunch spot.

The bar offers a unique list of local craft beers like the Karma Payment Plan, a fermented sour IPA with a touch of grapefruit. For eats, the spot serves up chile lime aioli-smothered street corn, bison bolognese and a variety of burritos. (Take a look at the menu.)

It's gotten rave feedback on Yelp thus far, scoring five stars out of four reviews.

Aaron M., who was among the first to review it on Jan. 26, said, "I love this place! Great food and great environment. It's nice to have the open mic on one side and the other side a more traditional restaurant with a unique modern vibe.  The drinks are really good too."

Alexis C. added, "Good southern options and classics. Food was great and timely, and the drink selection was also pretty varied for brunch.  Prices are definitely good. And the service was great as well."

The new spot is open from 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–2 a.m. on weekends.

Baghdad Restaurant

2410 S. Colorado Blvd., University Hills

Photo: jessie w./Yelp

Baghdad Restaurant is a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot.

The restaurant offers a diverse menu of Middle Eastern cuisine, including baba ghanoush, beef shawarma wraps, shawarma plates and more. Thirsty? This spot also serves up smoothies with flavors like avocado and honey, mango and mint lemon. 

It's getting positive attention thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 16 reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Beau J., who reviewed it on Jan. 6, said, "Exceptionally prepared, authentic Mediterranean foods. The lamb and beef were flavorful and cooked with a nice seared skin yet were still tender and melt in your mouth."

Bessie C. added, "I think this was the best gyro meat I've had in town. The salad dressing was good, and the sumac rice was tasty. The hummus and pita need some work, but they weren't bad. Excellent value for all of the food I got."

Hungry? The new eatery is open from 10 a.m.–midnight Monday-Saturday and from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.

Denver's Finest Barber Lounge

1744 Platte St., Highland

Photo: brooke t./Yelp

Denver's Finest Barber Lounge is a barber.

The lounge offers a luxurious grooming experience for Denver men, offering a variety of services including haircuts, shaves, waxing, skin care and more. (Check out the spot's full list of offerings here.)

It's off to a strong start with five stars out of two Yelp reviews.

Antonio A, who reviewed it on Jan. 18, said, "They always have a great selection of libations to enjoy and the price you pay versus the value you get is unmatched. The business concept was well thought out and they execute it perfectly."

And Mark D. added, "Nice to have a great barber shop LoDo. They are even open on Mondays!"   

The new barber is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)