👷 Colfax's next era has a start date

🚍 BRT Project Goes Full Steam Ahead

This week, Denver City Council approved a $197 million contract with a general contractor to begin construction on the Colfax bus rapid transit project. Crews will start work next month at Broadway and continue east. Completion is expected in 2027. [Denver Post 🔒]

🏆 Sắp Sửa Lands Yet Another Accolade

The buzzy new Vietnamese restaurant on East Colfax was garnering praise before it even opened in 2023, making Bon Appétit’s list of most anticipated restaurant openings. Since then, it has received honors from Esquire, the James Beard Foundation, and most recently, the New York Times. [Westword]

🏗️ Cherry Creek West Development Moves Forward

With the all clear from Denver City Council, developers are set to begin work on a 13-acre mixed-use redevelopment project in Cherry Creek that will bring new residential, retail, and office space to the area. Demolition of current structures on the property is scheduled for early next spring. A ground-breaking is slated for the summer of 2026. [Mile High CRE]

🚔 Another Expired Plates Crackdown

This week, the Denver Police Department will be zeroing in on people driving with expired license plates along I-25 and I-70. DPD held a similar enforcement campaign in July that led to a “significant increase” in registrations. [Westword]

Hey loyal readers and listeners, we love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? Commentary on a recent podcast episode or newsletter? We want to hear it 💌 Here’s the latest from the inbox:

🍽️ Denver Fine Dining

The Denver dining scene has been basking in the national limelight recently, and Denverites are here for it:

• “I am honestly shocked that Sắp Sửa didn't make the [Michelin Guide]. The food is incredible and the chef talked to us while we were at the bar. My partner has Celiac disease and it makes eating out a tough risk. Sắp Sửa made a separate pot of oil for us to fry the food we wanted to order. If that's not Michelin service I don't know what is.” — Anonymous
• “I just wanted to spread the word about a new Filipino restaurant opening in RiNo next month called Magna Kainan (meaning ‘Great Restaurant’ in Tagalog) by a well-known chef from Portland, Carlo Lamagna. As a Filipino American that moved to Denver from the Bay Area in 2020 … I am anticipating their opening and the hopes that they will expose Filipino food and culture to a greater audience here.” — Jeff

🕵️ The Hunt for the Slide Rock Bolter

Looking for proof of the mysterious Slide Rock Bolter? You know, Colorado’s very own mythical mountain creature? Danielle from Two Creeks shares an interesting rumor she heard a few summers ago 😉

• “[Apparently] one actually slid down a mountain, all the way down the Front Range, into the city and is actually at the bottom of the lake at Lakeside … so they're very well may still be one lying in wait there.”

🔐 Grocery Store Lockdowns

Local grocery stores are cracking down on shoplifting by putting products under lock and key. Here’s how that’s going:

• “I made friends with somebody who lives literally down the street from me because we were both hopelessly pressing that service button in order to buy laundry detergent, and we had enough time to have a full conversation.” — Cara
• “I shop at the Mayfair King Soopers and … after waiting 20 minutes with numerous attempts at the service bell, no one showed up. So I went and found a manager, and the manager told me that not only is everything locked up, but they lost the key. This is clearly going to be a challenge for them to navigate.” — Clayton

🏙️ The Best of South Broadway

We recently shared some of our favorite places to hang on South Broadway. Here are a few more recs from your fellow Hey Denver readers:

• “Western Wednesdays at Skylark Lounge on the first Wednesday of the month! Live country (usually local) and square dancing and fun!” — Ashley
• “Bardo Coffee House is a true indie coffee shop, with some super unique drinks (pistachio matcha anyone?!) and a great vibe.” — Alexandra M.
• “Broadway Bazaar Vintage! Woman-owned (she is SO sweet) and a great selection of quality quirky items.” — Jessica N.
• “Wax Trax Records opened a second location at 200 S South Broadway! Perfect spot to get the latest new or used vinyl, turntables, and vintage clothes.” — Erica P.