🚧 Here’s when construction will start on Colfax

🐺 Wildlife Officials Arrange Wolf Relocation

Colorado wildlife officials will capture and relocate a pack of wolves (two adults and three pups) currently living in the Grand County wilderness that has been responsible for a string of recent livestock killings. [CO Sun]

🚧 Colfax Construction Begins This Fall

Construction for the $300 million project to bring bus rapid transit to Colfax Avenue will officially begin in October. Work will start on the stretch of road between Broadway and Williams Street and continue eastbound for several years. Commuters should prepare for traffic disruptions. [Denverite]

🍑 🌽 The Most Delicious Time of Year 🍈 🌶️

Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons, and Pueblo chiles — all four of Colorado’s most beloved signature crops are in season right now. But where did they come from? And what makes them special? Our team did the research, and we’ve got a truckload of crazy fun facts to share. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🛑 Beware Utility Employee Impersonators

Denver Water is warning customers to beware of fake utility workers showing up on your doorstep. Officials emphasize that a Denver Water employee will only come to your home in the event of an emergency or a pre-arranged appointment. [Denver Gazette 🔒 via 9News]

• How to spot a scammer: Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the FTC.

The Denver dining scene can sometimes feel like a revolving door, with new restaurants/bars coming and going before you even have a chance to Google their menu. It can be dizzying to keep up with, and we don’t want you to miss a single meal. Here’s the latest 👇

3 New Spots We’re Excited About

☕ Viva! Mexi Coffee Shop | 4900 E Colfax Ave. (Hale)

Opened Aug. 13

Husband and wife Leonardo Munoz-Corona and Elisa Garcia and are bringing the flavors of their Latin American heritage to East Colfax. The menu will boast fresh-baked specialty pastries (think hot tortas and guava cream cheese knots) and rich, delicious Latin American-inspired lattes, like café de olla and café lechero.

🥃 Lincoln’s | Undisclosed (Union Station)

Opened Aug. 15

Thirsty readers will have to pound the pavement to nab the $5 beer, wine, and cocktails at this hidden bar in the Union Station area. Owner Mark Ohlson is quick to point out that Lincoln’s is not a speakeasy, but rather a simple, affordable “bare-bones bar that gets back to the basics.” The vibes are chill, the policy is cash-only, and everything on the menu rings in at $5 flat.

🍾 Champagne Tiger | 601 E Colfax Ave. (North Cap Hill)

Opened Aug. 24

French bistro meets American diner at this new concept taking over the iconic space on East Colfax that for decades housed Tom’s Diner. Now under the ownership of Chris Donato, known for hosting “bougie rowdy” pop-ups at restaurants across town, the menu will offer everything from oysters and caviar to omelets and cheeseburgers, plus “Denver’s most luxurious” drag brunch.

3 Old Standbys We’re Sad to See Go

🍕 Benny Blanco’s | 616 E 13th Ave. (Cap Hill)

Closes Aug. 31

Cap Hill’s long-standing staple for late-night New York-style slices will close at the end of August. The owners, Mike and Holly Martinez, pointed to safety concerns and the “decline of the neighborhood” as the reason for closing. Don’t worry though — you can still catch fresh ‘za by the slice at their new Arvada outpost.

🥩 Elway’s | 2500 E First Ave. (Cherry Creek)

Closes Aug. 31

After two decades serving prime cuts of steak and fine wine in Cherry Creek, Elway’s is pulling the plug on its flagship location citing the ongoing mall construction. A note on the restaurant’s website indicates plans to re-open in the area when construction wraps up.

🍫 Churreria de Madrid | 2501 Dallas St. (Aurora)

Closed Aug. 23

Hungry visitors to Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace will no longer have the sugary fried (and affordable!) goodness of Churreria de Madrid as a snacking option. The churro shop — a sibling concept of the uber popular Maria Empanada — announced its sudden closure Aug. 23, saying in an Instagram post, “we just couldn’t break through to profitability.”