COLUMN & PHOTOS BY
J. L. SCHULTHEIS PRICE
Openings
The past month marked a rebirth for neighborhood bars. LIFE found all types throwing open their doors in the ‘hoods of the Hill. Contemporary, retro or sedate and relaxing; it’s all here. In this bounty I found a few that promise to be downright unforgettable.
First up is Beauty Bar. You know you want a martini in one hand while getting a manicure on the other. Some folks say that’s the only way I ever get my nails done, and they could be right.
Beauty Bar promises glamour and glitz in a rather unlikely place, the former Snake Pit dive’s old home at 608 E. 13th near Pearl.
This beauty and booze concept is not unique to Denver. It originated in NYC’s East Village in the mid 90s. Using salvaged barbershop chairs and discarded salon supplies, a decades-old salon was transformed into the first Beauty.
Manicures are included in the price of a drink during “Martini & Manicure” hours. That usually means 5-10 pm. So no excuses about how you need to get your nails done and can’t have a drink with the boys. Or girls.
THE LARGER OF THE TWO SPACES AT ‘BEAUTY BAR,’ 13th & Pearl, features a wild color scheme & lots of room for a private chat... or a manicure with your martini.
For co-owner and operator Noah Ray McMahan, running this venture is an easy transition from a career in special events and music management. Ironically, McMahan was a patron of the old Snake Pit when he lived on Capitol Hill.
“I lived at Pearl and Colfax (while) in college. It was always entertaining on the block. Obviously the neighborhood has improved a great deal,” said McMahan. He believes Beauty Bar’s arrival will boost the area.
“There are some amazing businesses on the avenue already. I think we will just connect the dots for some bar-hopping like Broadway is enjoying presently,” he said. “One of my reasons for taking on the project was seeing the development of the Baker and Highlands neighborhoods over the ten years I was gone. I knew Denver would be ready for this Beauty Bar concept.”
Despite some pleasant memories of the old Pit, McMahon was heartbroken to see the state of the space.
“It’s been a ton of work and I’m really thankful to have an architect design partner on board (who’s) truly talented.”
Credit for the retro, fun and funky decor goes to partner Justin Martinez. The color theme is pink, purple, turquoise, green and glitter. He’s crafted a bar top with inlaid colored emery boards and lots of glittery padded vinyl. You can sit in an old salon chair or on a padded bar stool to sip your ‘tini.
The staff promises to deliver “a passion to pamper, entertain and connect with” each customer and they’re doing it in a space that features two separate areas and two bars. The larger room features a DJ space and dance floor plus lots of private seating areas.
AT THE UPTOWN BROTHERS BREWING CO., 320 E. Colfax at Grant, the 32 taps are just a portion of the pour. There are also 64 beers by the bottle, plus all the normal bar offerings.
The company has sister locations in NYC, LA, SF, SD, Las Vegas and Austin. Beautybar.com is the web address and the number for the Denver location is 720-542-8024. Happy Hour with signature martinis is Tuesday through Friday 6-10 pm! Just plan to snack before you go, since Beauty serves no food.
Just a handful of blocks to the northwest, there’s new life at the defunct Red Room space at 320 E. Colfax at Grant. The new bar’s based on a hot concept: solid recipes and a huge selection of microbrews on tap.
Uptown Brothers Brewery Co. is the company name. A passion for fine casual food and brewing has brought the partners together to launch this venture.
“We’re featuring Colorado microbreweries. Our primary emphasis is on American beers, but there are some international brands too,” said co-owner Paul Lumbye, who is working to obtain a brewing license so that Uptown can start its own brewery upstairs.
Volunteer firefighter Harrison Huffstetler is the company chef, and his father Danny is the general manager. The elder Huffstetler has decades of restaurant creds going back to his years at Jackson’s Hole and 5280 Brewpub in Littleton.
While chef Harrison had a hand in crafting the menu with his partners, it wasn’t a solo effort.
“It was a full collaboration between the group of us. Even the servers critiqued everything,” said Harrison.
The menu demonstrates a passion for food. Fried green tomatoes and cornbread crusted oyster sliders are among the starters. Huff’s burger features artichoke aioli and roasted red peppers. Yum. There’s even a skillet chocolate chip cookie you can get baked to order for dessert. Best of all, entree prices top out at $15.
THE ELEGANT NEW ‘SIENNA WINE BAR & SMALL PLATES,’ 12th & Madison, begs a visit if only to study the trinkets & keepsakes that have been embedded in its magnificent bar top.
There are 32 beers on tap and 64 beers in bottles to back up the owners’ claims of a commitment to good beer. The food and beverages are paired with live music on the weekends and all sports on 19 big screen TVs. Any game that you want to watch you can watch here.
Brothers promises great casual fare with a little southern accent.
“I’m a southern boy and my partner’s a southern boy,” Lumbye said to explain why coastal and New Orleans foods are prevalent on the menu.
“My favorite thing is probably the fried chicken. We have the best fried chicken on the Hill. It’s comfort food with a southern accent,” he said.
The kitchen grinds its hamburger meat fresh daily and Lumbye is determined to win top honors on the Hill for that dish.
“I’m pretty happy with our burger. Let’s put it that way,” said Lumbye.
Hours are from 11 am and the kitchen closes around 11 pm seven days a week. The number’s 303-839-8000. Live music is often provided in the afternoon or 9 pm-1 am weekends.
The third watering hole on this month’s tour is quite different in atmosphere and approach from the first two.
Sienna Wine Bar & Small Plates opened June 18 at 3422 E. 12th near Madison and is already getting strong reviews in the Congress Park neighborhood.
In a space that was once a beauty salon, owners Mary Kent and Quince Rickard have crafted an elegant bit of European refinement. You can feel your frantic life slow a few beats just by crossing the threshold, and that’s rare.
“The name Sienna came from the color pigment. I wanted to capture that feeling of a warm, golden space,” said Kent.
The design masterpiece is the curved bar surface, which has all sorts of golden and vintage trinkets from friends and family embedded in epoxy resin. It’s roughly 30' of unique art. There is not a trace of the old beauty shop in sight.
“I actually stalked this space. I wanted this particular space,” said Kent, who moved from Aspen last fall and is expecting her first child later this summer. “My dream is to have a bar where everyone can come in. We have fans from age two to 80.”
The cellar contains roughly 60 wines and many are available by the glass. There are also three types of sangria offered: a red, a white, and one that Kent calls “heart healthy” due to the many antioxidants used as ingredients.
Beer drinkers won’t go home parched, though. In addition to brew, there are soft drinks as well, including frozen custard floats crafted with products from The Daily Scoop in the next block.
You can nibble on baked brie, small batch cheeses, olives, salads and even Toblerone fondue as you sip.
Siennawinebar.com is the web address and 303-355-2202 is the number, but don’t be surprised if this two-person team is too busy to pick up the phone. The place is already receiving lots of attention.
Sienna opens at noon on the weekends and 3 pm weekdays. Closing time is still fluid.
The fourth new venture is an old venture reborn, and not a minute too soon. It’s not quite a bar but rather a bar-ista heaven.
Aviano Coffee is slated to open July 1 in its new home on the northwest corner of 2nd & Saint Paul in Cherry Creek North (CCN). Just in time for the CCN Arts Festival, but the details are being kept under wraps until after we go to print.
“It’s been a rough haul since (opening at) Beauvallon. We’re getting back to being what we originally intended,” said Doug Naiman, who owns Aviano with his wife with Saadia.
You’ll have to stay tuned for next month’s edition to get the details and glamour shots. It’s so new they don’t even have a phone number yet.
Eco-Burger is now open in the former Soleil Mediterranean space at 2817 E. 3rd at Detroit.
“We opened Soleil six years ago and it was still profitable, but we just felt it was time for a change. The burger concept is happening all over Denver, but we had been thinking of that concept for awhile,” said Bekah Donovan Pellegrin,who with husband David owns the business and The Q Worldly BBQ and Q Blues & Jazz lounge several doors down.
“There really isn’t a high-quality burger place in Cherry Creek,” she said. “David had one of his first jobs working at a hamburger stand and it has always been a dream.”
The “eco” in the name is not a random addition.
“We are using 100% grass-fed beef for its health benefits, but also for the environmental/sustainable element. A lot of people are really excited (about this approach),” said Donovan.
There’s a high cost to pay for grass-fed meat, but the Pellegrins have still tried to keep prices low. A 1/3-pound patty with grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes and sauce runs $6.75.
The menu also includes thick-cut fries with signature blue cheese dipping sauce, Boulder ice cream, and veggie or fish options. Shakes and malts are available. There’s also a gluten-free option using Udi’s gluten- free buns.
The old wine cellar has been turned into a hydroponic garden to grow lettuce and tomatoes, which Eco-Burger hopes to get an OK to serve in the restaurant.
Packaging and serving items used at Eco-Burger are 100% compostable and a commercial composter has been brought on board to make sure they don’t linger in a landfill.
“We changed all our light bulbs and in August we hope to install solar panels on the roof,” Bekah said. “Part of it has been seeing how far we could go (with sustainability) and still maintain a feasible business model. It’s been a fun project.”
The concept includes what is called “quick service.” You order at the bar and claim your meal when your name is called. The eatery still holds a full liquor license, but alcohol is now served with more of a “do it yourself” twist. There are lots of mini bottles in case you want to add flavored vodka to that chocolate malt or rum to your fountain drink.
The venture retains the intriguing two-story seating area plus the delicious patio on 3rd. Hours are daily 11 am-9 pm. The restaurant number is 303-316-9100.
On the northeast corner of 13th & Pennsylvania there’s a new concept restaurant that could be the next new “thing.”
kaTcH Fish House is the name of the business, and it’s one that clearly hopes to follow in the footsteps of another fast fresh food place... Chipotle... that once occupied this space for a decade.
Think of Noodles with a menu paced with fishy selections and you have the idea. You choose a fish or seafood and whether you’d like that delivered on a bun or with a couple sides.
The restaurant emphasizes seafood recipes found on both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico, but the eatery also offers a few non-fish items, including a chicken sandwich or burger.
kaTcH may be a concept with legs. The founders think so because they’ve already planned a second place, possibly in downtown.
AT KATCH FISH HOUSE, 13th & Pennsylvania in the former Chipotle spot, the decor is seafood shack & the mission... ‘Bringing the oceans to the mountains’... is proudly painted large.
It was created by Emily & Chris Deutschman, who also own Magnolia Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Lafayette.
“Our goal is to ‘bring the oceans to the mountains.’ You’ll find familiar coastal recipes, unique menu choices, and a diverse quality-driven menu, all while saving some money and time,” said Chris.
The atmosphere is designed as a modernized seafood shack mixing recycled barn wood with galvanized and stainless steels. The restaurant embraces a healthful menu, creative offerings, sustainable practices, and what its creators believe is a hip environment in which to enjoy quality-driven, affordable seafood fare.
Sandwiches and “katchers” are the primary offerings. The latter lets you combine your choice of fish with two sides and a choice of sauce and runs just $10.95. We’re not talking chopped cod; we’re talking Mahi Mahi, calamari steaks, halibut and more. The serving size runs 4-7 ounces depending on type.
“I’ve been stewing on this concept for well over a year now,” said Chris. “What I found with Capitol Hill was a very dense population, a lot of foodies, and people receptive to new ideas. This seemed to make sense as a first location.”
“I’m from Baltimore. I grew up eating seafood all the time. I’m a very health-conscious person. You don’t see this kind of concept with fish,” he said.
One of his biggest challenges has been finding staff with experience in handling or cooking fish.
Is he “Chipotle dreaming,” hoping for a wildfire success that can be franchised? You bet, but for now the goal’s to fine-tune the menu and master getting your meal served in eight to 12 minutes.
Katchfishhouse.com is the web address and 720-328-1616 is their number.
Pure Medical is open for marijuana sales in the 1100 block of Bannock. The number is 303-534-7873. Puremmj.com on the web.
High Street Cobblers has opened on the corner of Colfax & Vine (not High) in the former B & B Leather shop space.
The new venture offers shoe and leather repairs, alterations and dry-cleaning. Dmitry Berest, the owner, has about a decade of experience and already owns a shop near Hampden & Monaco, but found Colfax to be irresistible.
“I just think that there are people who walk here and shoes need more repair than other areas of the city,” said Berest. “You go anywhere outside Denver and people just walk to their car.”
“The neighborhood is changing to better, higher-end residences. People have jobs and money to spend here,” he added.
Hours are 7 am-5 pm weekdays and 8 am-2 pm Saturdays. The number is 303-333-4013.
“Anythinggreen is super these days, but geesh, can’t we do it with some flair?” ask the founders of Recycle Fashionably.
‘MODERN SHOE REPAIR’ OWNER MARK BABAKHANOV promises ‘affordable prices & Cherry Creek quality,’ at his family-run business located at 2817 E. 3rd at Detroit.
Simon and Aurora Sisceros run Recycle, a web-based business which makes and sells reusable bags, from their home.
These are not the same old standard boring reusable bags but are made with fun, stylish prints that turn function into a fashion accessory.
Their product is dubbed “The Sweat Mate” and it’s a waterproof stuff-sack meant to hold wet and sweaty clothing after a workout or swim or hot yoga class. Currently about 30 yoga studios nationwide carry the company’s products.
“Our local community is extremely important to us, so we try to keep our business as local as possible,” said Aurora Sisceros. “We have a sewing shop in Lakewood that helps with the manufacturing and the rest we do out of our home. We buy as much of our materials from Colorado-owned shops as we can.”
Sisceros says her product will tackle anything that is soggy that needs to be stored to prevent the soiling of all the rest of your stuff, plus it helps the planet.
“Our mission is to create reusable bags that will help keep plastic waste out of landfills. Over its lifetime one reusable bag has the potential to save 1,000 plastic bags from becoming waste,” she said.
The company also makes a “City Mate” bag and one for groceries called “EnvironMate,” a larger, over-the-shoulder bag, is now in trial. Check them out at recyclefashionably.com.
Modern Shoe Repair has opened in CCN at 2817 E. 3rd & Detroit. The company promises “affordable prices and Cherry Creek quality.”
It’s a family-run business whose owners have almost 20 years experience in the trade.
Mark Babakhanov is the owner. He specializes in the repair of designer shoes and boots and has won several awards for his cobbling skills. One of his additional interests is working on orthopedic adjustments for folks who have problem feet. He’s also quite comfortable working with top designer plans. His clients include Andrisen Morton, Garbarini and Saks.
His brother Ruben specializes in repairing handbags and purses as well as suitcases, belts and jackets.
The brothers use old-world techniques paired with the latest in technology. Mark chose the Cherry Creek location because he was familiar with the area after working at Dardano’s at 1st & Cook for many years.
This is also a place for dyeing and special shoe shines. But wait, there’s more! Free parking around back!
Hours are 8 am-7 pm weekdays, 9 am-6 pm Saturday, and 11 am-5 pm Sunday. The phone’s 303-667-2274. Modernshoesrepair.com is the web address. There’s a printable coupon there for 20% off your first service.
DR. LINDA CHASSMAN OF ‘ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAMS,’ 1540 Race, raised Mazey from a feral kitten to a major partner in her therapy with children & adults.
Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC) has opened the nation’s first counseling agency to provide animal-assisted therapy as its focus. The practice is located at 1540 Race.
Professional and licensed therapists work with a trained animal partner to accomplish therapeutic goals. Animals assist in mental health counseling and therapy services for children, teenagers and adults with behavioral, emotional and social concerns.
Therapist Dr. Linda Chassman’s website says, “People often address issues faster when animals are present. The therapy takes less time and is therefore more cost-effective.”
Her practice provides treatment teams, training of parents on how to use family pets therapeutically, special work with veterans and others exposed to trauma, in-home counseling, and free or low-fee training and workshops for the public.
Chassman has more than 25 years of experience working with children and teenagers as a licensed marriage and family therapist. Hers is the first counseling agency in the US to specialize in teaming professional therapists and trained therapy animals to accomplish the client’s treatment goals.
Dr. Chassman believes animals can have a major therapeutic effect on healing, and that doing the formidable work of feeling better doesn’t always have to be difficult. She states that animals bring lightness and hope to therapy, facilitating the use of humor, creativity, openness, and release.
While raising her last litter of kittens, Chassman met Mazey, her younger therapy cat. With a calm, loving and nurturing nature, Mazey became the inspiration for opening AATPC.
Chassman said research has demonstrated that therapeutic interaction with animals can facilitate rapport and openness with children, teenagers, adults, seniors and couples; lower anxiety, stress and blood pressure; teach caring, gentleness and healthful boundaries to children; help develop attachment-related receptivity; reduce anger, loneliness, and depression; and enhance self-esteem.
AATPC can be reached at 720-266-4444 or via their website, aatpc.com.
SFR Leadership Coaching, a new company developed by Saul Rosenthal, who also owns SFR Public Relations, began operations last month to offer one-on-one coaching for professional and volunteer leadership working in non-profit organizations. The biz operates out of 44 Cook in CCN.
LOOKING FOR A NEW DIVERSION? R&R MODERN LEISURE, 1238 E. Colfax at Lafayette, invites the neighborhood to Game Night on the first Thursday of every month.
“Life is full of coaches helping people reach important goals,” said Rosenthal. “In the world of sports, coaches are a fixture and in the performing arts world performers are coached by directors, choreographers and conductors. Most of us have learned to talk, walk and read with the help of coaches we call parents and teachers. If coaching works so well in these areas, why not for non-profit leaders?”
Rosenthal served for 16 years as the director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States regional office and has provided consulting to a large number of non-profit and trade organizations through his public relations firm. He has also held numerous volunteer leadership positions in non-profit organizations and is currently the vice president of the board of directors of the Swallow Hill Music Association.
SFR Leadership Coaching focuses exclusively on the needs of leaders in non-profit organizations. According to Rosenthal, many non-profit leaders struggle at times to keep their organizations on track and to balance their personal and professional lives. Through coaching such leaders can identify the obstacles to their progress and get the support they need to move forward.
For more information visit sfrcoaching.com or call 303-748-4815.
What’s New?
Game night anyone? R&R Modern Leisure, 1238 E. Colfax at Lafayette, has begun a neighborhood game night on the first Thursday of each month.
“Lots of people showed up and we had several games going at once. Everyone had a good time and I was able to meet lots of new folks,” said owner Hamilton Cowie.
Several months ago Cowie launched R&R to cater to individual interests in indoor and outdoor leisure activities. On Game Night Day, all games are 10% off, too. The business number is 303-993-6748. To sign up you can email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or stop by the shop.
“We’ll play classic and modern board games, dice games, card games, whatever the consensus is. Last (month) it was Settlers of Catan and backgammon,” Cowie said. “I provide snacks, soda and water, and if people want to bring adult beverages, that’s fine.”
Dulcinea’s 100th Monkey at 717 E. Colfax at Washington has been renamed Pete’s Monkey Bar by Pete Penzenstadler, the new owner.
Penzenstadler worked for Sancho’s Broken Arrow for nine years before buying the Monkey. Before coming to Denver he worked in the fine-dining industry in California. This is his first ownership venture in the biz.
“I’ve been a general manager many times. People always thought I was the owner, but this is my first,” he explained.
He changed the name because “nobody even knew it was a bar.” Now there’s no doubt you can buy a cold drink here. You can also find some affordable food.
Tuesday is taco night. Wings abound on Wednesday. You might find veal Parmesan sliders on Thursdays. You get the picture, and many snacks are priced at just $2.
“It’s not your typical bar food by any means. It’s probably the best food value you’re going to get,” said Penzenstadler, who’s clearly poured a lot of effort into the venture.
“I’m trying to help create a safe block for the neighborhood. My other vision is to give my family, my kids and my wife a little luxury by being a successful business owner.”
The number for the Monkey Bar is 303-831-4000.
Here’s a marketing change-of-pace: the Alta Vera Condominiums, 1284 Downing, is sponsoring a “Good Things Happening on Capitol Hill” photo contest.
The person who submits the top image of such a Good Thing will win $500 (2nd $250, 3rd $125). Top entries will be included in an exhibit at the new residences.
Hurrythough, the deadline for entries is July 15. For details, visit altaveracondos.com or call 303-832-3600.
Metro State has reopened its Center for Visual Arts at a new location in the heart of Denver’s Santa Fe Art District after spending nearly $1.5 million to renovate the property at 965 Santa Fe.
“The current real estate market opened up some opportunities that did not exist a few years ago,” Metro State Foundation board chair Jon Robinson said.
With help from the Boettcher Foundation and numerous other donors, Metro pledged $460,000 toward the purchase and renovation of the gallery over three years.
“This property represents the first in a series of new facilities that will increase Metro State’s connections in the community in the coming years,” said Metro State president Stephen Jordan.
The new location will allow the college to enhance its outreach programs, including the Center’s “Art Builds Communities,” which serves at-risk children.
Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals has launched a new technology service billed as being both consumer- and environmentally-friendly.
Property details such as price, bedrooms, baths and square footage can be instantly sent to a cell phone through a Quick Response (“QR”) Code powered by ScanLife, and through the company’s new text-messaging service.
When a potential buyer drives through a neighborhood and finds an interesting property, the buyer can get all the info they seek even if the flyer box is empty.
The text-messaging service will work on most cell phones activated for texting. In fact, the text-messaging service will work on any listing in the MLS, not just Perry & Co. listings.
“We wanted to provide two services that worked for the main types of cell phones that people use. This is about making the information customers want more accessible immediately,” said Jon Larrance, vice president.
Paper and gas are saved because fewer flyers need to be printed and brochure boxes don’t need to be maintained as often.
The new technologies not only give buyers instant information, but also assures sellers that their virtual “brochure boxes” will never be empty and that potential buyers can get all of the current listing information within seconds.
For information call 303-399-7777. Larrance, who is Perry’s Director of Technology and a vice president, can be reached at 303-336-4744 and perryandco.com is the web address.
TheDenver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys at 1880 Gaylord is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer.
The museum was founded in 1981 with support from of a grass-roots community coalition of business owners, civic leaders, and miniature doll artists.
The organization provides educational and cultural services to the greater Rocky Mountain region through the preservation, exhibition, collection and interpretation of the visual arts using miniatures, dolls and toys.
DMMDT.org is the web address and 333-322-1053 is the number. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm.
The rates in CCN may have proved too steep for David Micklin, DDS and his dental practice at 2601 E. 3rd.
Several years ago Micklin bought out brothers James and Peter Maniatis, who had filled cavities in the office at 3rd & Columbine for decades. Many changes were made, but now the address changes as well, to 400 S. Colorado at Dakota. The number remains 303-399-1650.
Max Hair Salon in the 3000 block of E. 3rd has moved out after a very brief stay at that address. The owner is now strictly operating out of her home and can be reached at 303-393-1411. The website is maxhairsalon.com.
Closings
Max clothing store at 3039 E. 3rd near Cucina Colore restaurant is closing at the end of the month. The business is moving to a “soon to be announced” location. Through July Max is holding a major sale on its high-end designer and moderately-priced clothing lines. The number is 303-321-4949. Hours are 10 am-6 pm six days a week and noon-5 pm on Sunday.
Koudes Hair Braiding at 2418 E. Colfax has closed.
Vito Pini Salon near 2nd & Detroit has closed temporarily and will be shut for four or five months while the business seeks a new location. Their Belmar location is still open and honoring gift certificates. The phone for details is 303-399-6000.
Brite Smile of Cherry Creek, 237 Detroit, has also shut down. This biz was primarily a cosmetic dentistry shop featuring rapid teeth-whitening.
Andrews on Lincoln, the spacious sports bar at 1111 Lincoln, is apparently closed. Calls to the business phone indicate it has been “temporarily” disconnected. No further details are available on why the venture folded.
Send biz news to Jeanne at otlgroup@ comcast.net.
| Comments |
|