💰 Why Denver is spending $2M on a lawyer

👀 Inside the Biggest Battles at the State Capitol

The 2025 legislative session kicked off just over a month ago and major battles are already unfolding. From a push for condo development and new gun control measures to labor rights and a state Senator’s controversial resignation, Colorado Politics reporter Marianne Goodland shares her insight on what’s going down at the Capitol. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

👩‍💼 Denver Hires Top DC Lawyer

City Council has approved a contract that would allow the city to pay up to $2 million during a one-year period for legal representation in preparation for a Republican-led Congressional committee investigation into its “sanctuary” laws protecting immigrants. Mayor Mike Johnston — who is scheduled to testify in Washington March 3 — and the city will be represented by attorney Dana Remus, former White House counsel for President Joe Biden. [Denverite]

⛽️ New Restrictions On Gas Stations

Denver City Council also approved a new law that bans the construction of gas stations near train stops, certain residential areas, and existing gas stations. Supporters hope land for would-be gas stations can instead be used for residential development, though some developers think it could have the opposite effect. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Dive Deeper: An urban planner explains why banning gas stations is an approach used to promote more pedestrian-friendly communities. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚔 ‘White Power’ Perpetrators Caught

Denver Police arrested the two people who were caught in a viral video throwing glass bottles and making a Nazi salute at three women walking near an immigration enforcement protest downtown on Feb. 8. The two suspects, one of whom is a juvenile, are being investigated for bias-motivated crimes. [Denver7]

Denver’s dining scene has been a mixed bag lately with news of local restaurants winning national accolades alongside closures of beloved spots. This month, two food trucks land permanent locations and we say goodbye to a Tennyson community hub, along with a ramen favorite.

New to the Scene

Maíz (Inside Good Vibes Cafe) | 3900 Elati St. (Globeville)

Opened Feb. 2

One of the latest food-truck-to-brick-and-mortar success stories comes in the form of gorditas — fried corn “pockets” stuffed with a choice of six different fillings — from Westword’s 2003 pick for Best Food Truck. Maíz’s new outpost is inside the Good Vibes Cafe at the Assembly Student Living building.

Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ | 3525 E. Colfax Ave. (City Park)

Opened Feb. 14

This BBQ joint launched as a food truck in 2021 and is now serving up its award-winning fried chicken out of the former home of the now-closed Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs.

Maria Empanda | 2730 E. Colfax Ave. (Congress Park)

Opened Feb. 19

Lorena Cantarovici’s Buenos Aires-inspired café opened its fourth Denver location across the street from East High School. The new spot will serve many of Maria Empanada’s classics — my favorite triple threat is the chorizo empanada, a Spanish-style churro, and a sip of Mate.

Last Chance to Visit

Osaka Ramen | 2611 Walnut St. (Five Points)

Closing Feb. 23

Chef Jeff Osaka announced that the RiNo eatery would serve its final bowl on Feb. 24, so this is your last chance to fill up on the famous green chile and chorizo ramen.

Benzina | 4839 E. Colfax Ave. (Park Hill)

Closing End of March

The Italian pizzeria inside the Googie-style building on East Colfax is calling it quits after four years, citing, unsurprisingly, the rising costs of running a restaurant in Denver.

Wendell’s Breakfast | 3838 Tennyson St. (Berkeley)

Closing TBA

Like many restaurants in the Denver area, the folks at Wendell’s have struggled to keep up with rising food costs and are now going through an eviction process. There’s no definite closing date, but co-owner Casey Keller told Westword they likely have about a week before they’re forced to shut down.

RIP

• Eat’Ya Pizza | 1530 16th St. (Union Station)
• Campfire | Lakewood and Evergreen locations
• Grabowski's Pizzeria | 13795 W. Jewell Ave. (Lakewood)