Taste of the Town

Community

Mixed Bag

There is always something happening in our neighborhood. Businesses opening, others changing direction, owners taking risks, and residents debating what they want their community to become. That constant movement is part of what makes Wheat Ridge and the surrounding area interesting. Sometimes the news is exciting, sometimes disappointing, and often it is a little bit

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Community

The State of the Pie: Why Wheat Ridge is at the Frontier of Pizza 

During a recent movie night, the conversation amongst my friends drifted into reminiscence. Specifically, pizza. Growing up in the 80s, pizza only came to us by way of special events, or sheet pans from the school lunch ladies. Sometimes we’d spend all summer reading, logging books, turning in forms; just to earn enough points through

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Community

Restaurant Roundup: Changes, Closures, 
and Local Favorites

It’s been a turbulent stretch for restaurants across our community—openings, transitions, and a few uncertain paths forward. Through it all, one thing remains clear: supporting local matters more than ever. If you’re looking for a standout experience, make your way to Himalayan Spice on Tennyson. It’s exceptional. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the spices

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So You Want to Open a Restaurant?

Jeff Hurlburt has heard it a thousand times. Someone walks into Clancy’s Irish Pub, orders a beer, surveys their surroundings, and says something like: “Man, I’d love to own a place like this.” There’s a certain romanticism to the idea of owning a restaurant. You may picture yourself welcoming regulars by name, sharing wisecracks with

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Community

The Green on 38th: Boosting Business Along Wheat Ridge’s Main Street

The effects of the Green on 38th are already being felt and seen on Wheat Ridge’s Main Street on 38th Ave. With much anticipation and attention to detail, the city’s newest park is officially opened for business. Play business, that is. Besides the day-long festivities on opening day, we had already seen the week prior,

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Community

Supporting Our Local Restaurants and Bars: Why It Matters More Than Ever

It has never been more critical to support your favorite neighborhood watering hole. Rising costs are forcing bars and restaurants into tough decisions. Staff wages are climbing, food and beverage costs continue to rise, and property taxes are escalating. Owners are caught between raising menu prices—risking the loss of loyal customers—or cutting corners on quality,

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Community

The Art of the Happy Hour

There’s something about a happy hour at a location that celebrates a happy hour like it should. Calling it a “Happy Hour” is definitely not enough. Maybe a dedicated menu, special prices, live music, shareable food and great friendly service with quick turnarounds on orders.  An unusual start to my happy hour this week. Stylus

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Community

mmmestizo… Have You Heard?

Mestizo (/mɛˈstiːzoʊ, mɪˈ-/ mest-EE-zoh, mist-, Spanish: [mesˈtiθo] or [mesˈtiso]; fem. mestiza, literally ‘mixed person’) is a term primarily used to denote people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry in the former Spanish Empire – Wikipedia There is something about this small Mexican brewery on 38th and Pierce. Attracting a community of beer connoisseurs and lovers

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Community

It’s Patio Season!

Patio season is always something to get excited about. Enjoying a meal or just a cocktail outside on the sidewalk or a constructed patio while people watching and enjoying the weather.  Usually the patio will be quieter than inside the restaurant but with staffing shortages it could also mean waiting longer for that next refill

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Community

Where Are You Spending Your Happy Hours?

Big news this week—GasTown finally got the green light to open their restaurant on 29th Ave! I’m counting down the days to try their menu, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Owner Fin, a proud Army veteran, even used reclaimed beams from Walt’s old garage in the build. Fridays are getting wild with Happy Hour

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Community

Gastown: A Historic Transformation Bringing Bold Flavors to 29th Street

What was once a bustling gas station and mechanic shop is now being reimagined into something entirely new—Gastown, a soon-to-open culinary hotspot in the heart of Wheat Ridge. Founded by Finn Walsh, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran with a passion for hospitality, Gastown will blend history, community and bold flavors into a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

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Community

Exploring the Vibrant Food Scene in Wheat Ridge

The food scene in Wheat Ridge continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and triumphs to our beloved local establishments. One thing is certain: there is no shortage of passion, dedication, and flavor in this community. As we navigate the highs and lows of the restaurant industry, we want to take a moment to highlight some

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Community

Good Times, Bad Times For Our Restaurants

You can just imagine how shocked I was after seeing my favorite restaurant in the news, announcing their closure. Benzina at 4839 E Colfax Avenue in Park Hill, is in fact, shutting down. We had just highlighted them in last month’s issue. After 4 years of producing amazing meals and providing top notch service, they

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Community

What’s Old is New Again

It’s been great to see local restaurants finally adjust their hours to take advantage of the many consumers out there looking for meal or a beverage. Little Brazil on 7333 W38TH Ave is now open every day except for Monday. Great cocktails, delicious menu and live music. Also great to see Colorado Plus Brewery now

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Community

How Do Restaurants Decide on Menu Items?

When it comes to creating new menus, Chef Robby utilizes seasonal and local ingredients as much as possible. All of our recipes are from scratch and you’ll find hand-shredded cheeses and house-ground sausage on our pizzas. When it’s time to switch the menus for the season, there’s a lot of trial and error before a

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Community

The State of Restaurants in Wheat Ridge: 
Challenges and Community Efforts

The restaurant scene in Wheat Ridge is a dynamic and vital part of the city’s identity, but it’s not without its challenges. As costs of food and labor continue to rise, many local establishments find themselves grappling with the need to balance quality and affordability. While some restaurants enjoy strong community support, higher prices and

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Community

Advice From the Wine Cellar

Holiday season is upon us, and no one likes to show up to a party or gathering empty handed. Instead of grabbing a bottle of your regular Cabernet or Merlot, get a little creative this year when picking out wines to gift to your host. Instead of the popular Sauvignon Blanc, why not pick up

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Community

Food Scene Heating Up

The food scene is once again heating up in the neighborhood.  Super excited that Colorado Plus has reopened after their extensive remodeling project. Love going back to the original menu with the amazing burger. I’m still iffy about the full and no service but I’ll take it. I sit at the bar anyhow. I do

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Community

Long Time Favorite Colorado Plus Welcomed Back With 
New Look/Approach

A mainstay of Wheat Ridge’s bar and restaurant scene is back in business, after an 8-month hiatus to expand and change not only its appearance but its business approach.  Co-owner Eugene Kahng has operated the Colorado Plus Brewpub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge for 18 years. During that time, he also volunteered to

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Community

A Cup of Coffee and 
a Slice of Community

I step inside ‘Stylus & Crate’, located along West 38th Avenue and order a black cup of coffee. Owner Tadd Overstreet joined me a few minutes later with a gentle apology. “Sorry” he says as he takes a seat “the fire department was inspecting our suppression equipment today.” But my attention isn’t on his tardiness,

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Community

60 Years At Pietra’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant

In 1986, at the age of 15, Joe DeMott had the only job interview of his life.  “I was walking out the door to go to a movie with my friends, and my dad asked, ‘Where are you going?’” “I told him ‘Out to a movie,’ and he said ‘No, you’re not.’ That was it

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Community

The Restaurant Shuffle Continues

So much has happened in the last few weeks in the local food scene. New places have popped up and a few have sadly closed down. Wolf and Wildflower wine bar (7190 W. 38th Ave.) has new owners but have kept the same name and delicious wines flowing and they have now added coffee in

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Community

Your Wheat Ridge Restaurant Rundown

When it comes to places to drink and eat, you’d be surprised just how many exciting and not-so-exciting places we have right here in Wheat Ridge. In fact we have more than 80 restaurants and bars inside city limits.  Let’s start with Clancy’s Irish Pub on 38th Avenue. Excellent food, expansive beverage selections and low

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