clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

The Hottest Restaurants in Denver Right Now, March 2015

What's new, what's hot, where do the crowds flock to? That is what the March Heatmap is all about - this dining and drinking moment in time.

View as Map

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort.

And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change on a regular basis to always highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.

IN: Wurstkuche, School House Kitchen & Libations

OUT: Sarto's, Zoe Ma Ma

Editorial disclosure

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
The wood-fired modern American cooking and the elevated craft cocktail program at Acorn gained the restaurant many accolades. In August, Acorn was named among Bon Appetit's best 50 new restaurants in the country and in October 5280 Magazine ranked the RiNo eatery #2 among the top 25 restaurants in Denver. When you go, don't miss the killer Matsutake Mushrooms.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Copy Link
Casual and laid-back by day and fine dining by night, the new venture from chef Alex Seidel from Fruition has quickly attracted an audience. Come early in the day for breakfast pastry and a cup of Commonwealth Coffee, at lunch for a giant Banh Mi sandwich, or in the evening for the great rabbit pappardelle.

Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen

Copy Link
Classic New York-style bagels, house-cured fish, specialty cream cheese spreads, and more is what this new eatery in Five Points brings. Open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 6 a.m., Rosenberg's is a great breakfast or lunch destination.

Stoic & Genuine

Copy Link
With a stunning interior and a creative seafood menu, this venture from chef Jennifer Jasinski and partner Beth Gruitch is a winner. Don't miss the lobster roll, the broccoli salad, and the granitas.

Work & Class

Copy Link
A square meal, a stiff drink, a fair price is the motto at the RiNo restaurant Work & Class. With an extensive rotisserie-based menu, the restaurant features comfort food, peppered at times with Mexican influences brought by chef/owner Dana Rodriguez. Latest accolades of the busy spot include being ranked 20 among Denver's 25 best restaurants by 5280 Magazine.

Cart Driver

Copy Link
The menu is small and smart, the space intimate and vibrant, and the pizzas may be the best in Denver. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the Cart Driver pie, fresh oysters, and the vanilla soft serve, maybe with a shot of Underberg. Bonus: lunch service is now offered.

RiNo Yacht Club

Copy Link
This newest addition to the Source brings energy to the common area space with creative cocktails crafted by bartender Mclain Hedges, a curated eclectic wine list, and some seriously geeky beers. Try to snag some bites from the food cart that comes and goes with dishes created by the chefs at Acorn.

Blackbelly Market

Copy Link
Chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Bravo's Top Chef Season 5, took his time opening his own restaurant but the wait paid off. The space is warm, the cocktails are lovely, and the food is superb. Try the lamb shank and don's miss the green chili.

Biju's Little Curry Shop

Copy Link
Small, modern, and on point with flavors and textures, the new curry shop located in the hot RiNo neighborhood is the place to be at lunch and for a casual dinner.

Katsu Ramen

Copy Link
Since the moment it opened last month, Katsu Ramen has been packed. The new Aurora spot offers five kinds of ramen with the shoyu (chicken, pork and soy broth) being its most popular.

Wurstküche

Copy Link
The newly opened sausage and beer emporium on Broadway is attracting guests of all ages and backgrounds. Order as you enter in the front room, then slide into a modern and cozy dining room where a DJ may be spinning on weekends.

School House Kitchen & Libations

Copy Link
There are 476 whiskeys and counting offered at this brand new bar and eatery in Arvada. The busy and large spot offers lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Acorn

The wood-fired modern American cooking and the elevated craft cocktail program at Acorn gained the restaurant many accolades. In August, Acorn was named among Bon Appetit's best 50 new restaurants in the country and in October 5280 Magazine ranked the RiNo eatery #2 among the top 25 restaurants in Denver. When you go, don't miss the killer Matsutake Mushrooms.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Casual and laid-back by day and fine dining by night, the new venture from chef Alex Seidel from Fruition has quickly attracted an audience. Come early in the day for breakfast pastry and a cup of Commonwealth Coffee, at lunch for a giant Banh Mi sandwich, or in the evening for the great rabbit pappardelle.

Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen

Classic New York-style bagels, house-cured fish, specialty cream cheese spreads, and more is what this new eatery in Five Points brings. Open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 6 a.m., Rosenberg's is a great breakfast or lunch destination.

Stoic & Genuine

With a stunning interior and a creative seafood menu, this venture from chef Jennifer Jasinski and partner Beth Gruitch is a winner. Don't miss the lobster roll, the broccoli salad, and the granitas.

Work & Class

A square meal, a stiff drink, a fair price is the motto at the RiNo restaurant Work & Class. With an extensive rotisserie-based menu, the restaurant features comfort food, peppered at times with Mexican influences brought by chef/owner Dana Rodriguez. Latest accolades of the busy spot include being ranked 20 among Denver's 25 best restaurants by 5280 Magazine.

Cart Driver

The menu is small and smart, the space intimate and vibrant, and the pizzas may be the best in Denver. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the Cart Driver pie, fresh oysters, and the vanilla soft serve, maybe with a shot of Underberg. Bonus: lunch service is now offered.

RiNo Yacht Club

This newest addition to the Source brings energy to the common area space with creative cocktails crafted by bartender Mclain Hedges, a curated eclectic wine list, and some seriously geeky beers. Try to snag some bites from the food cart that comes and goes with dishes created by the chefs at Acorn.

Blackbelly Market

Chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Bravo's Top Chef Season 5, took his time opening his own restaurant but the wait paid off. The space is warm, the cocktails are lovely, and the food is superb. Try the lamb shank and don's miss the green chili.

Biju's Little Curry Shop

Small, modern, and on point with flavors and textures, the new curry shop located in the hot RiNo neighborhood is the place to be at lunch and for a casual dinner.

Katsu Ramen

Since the moment it opened last month, Katsu Ramen has been packed. The new Aurora spot offers five kinds of ramen with the shoyu (chicken, pork and soy broth) being its most popular.

Wurstküche

The newly opened sausage and beer emporium on Broadway is attracting guests of all ages and backgrounds. Order as you enter in the front room, then slide into a modern and cozy dining room where a DJ may be spinning on weekends.

School House Kitchen & Libations

There are 476 whiskeys and counting offered at this brand new bar and eatery in Arvada. The busy and large spot offers lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Related Maps