City Cast Denver
💰The $4B proposal to fix RTD
March 27, 2025 · — McKenna Harford
Good morning, readers! These precious photos of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's first Somali wild ass foal made my day — I hope they put a smile on your face, too 🥰
What's CITY Talking About?
🏗️ Future of Zuni Steam Plant Uncertain
Xcel Energy rejected a $1 million offer to redevelop the Zuni Steam Plant, a defunct power plant in Sun Valley, amid an effort to make the site a landmark. Developers say they believe Xcel wants to demolish the plant, but a landmark status could prevent that. [Business Den 🔒]
✂️ 14,000 Local Jobs at Risk from Trump Cuts
A Republican-passed federal budget that directs $1 trillion in cuts to the committees responsible for Medicaid and SNAP could lead Colorado to lose 14,000 jobs next year. While cuts to the programs haven’t been finalized, experts believe it’s the only way to achieve the savings outlined in the budget. [CPR]
🚲 Getting the Most of Denver’s Bike Routes
With the weather warming up, no better time to dust off your bike and take it for a spin. But where are the best – and worst – places to enjoy Denver on two wheels? From secretly great side streets to high speed spots to avoid, one cycling expert shares his tips and tricks for riding around the Mile High. [City Cast Denver 🎧]
- Need an incentive to cycle? Check out this new rewards program created by Bike Streets offering free stuff just for riding your bike! [5280 Magazine]
🚌 $4.2B Could Make RTD Popular
A plan to boost ridership on Regional Transportation District buses would cost $4.2 billion over 10 years and include increasing bus frequency to every 15 minutes. The plan – which currently lacks a funding source – would double the number of routes running every 15 minutes by 2036. [Colorado Sun]
Denver’s Latest Bar/Restaurant Openings and Closings
Things are always changing when it comes to Denver's dining scene and this month is no exception. Here are a few new places to check out, as well as some saying a fond farewell.
New to the Scene
Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings | 2005 Clinton St. (Central Park)
Opened March 27
Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings opened its first location in 2023 in LoHi and has become so popular that the restaurant will soon have six locations open in Colorado, including a Central Park location that opened this month. Nana’s is well known for its soup dumplings (xiao long bao) and thumblings — thumb-sized, pan-fried dumplings.
Alteño | 233 Clayton St. (Cherry Creek)
Opened March 17
From the owners of Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina, Alteño opened in the Clayton Hotel and is serving up elevated Mexican inspired dishes with influence from the Jalisco region. The menu is broken into raw bar offerings, starters, dishes that highlight maiz, and family-style entrees.
Fiction Beer Company | 7101 E. Colfax Ave. (South Park Hill)
Reopened March 27
After closing at the end of last year, Fiction Beer is reopening under new ownership who plan to bring back a number of things the brewery was known for including its signature beers, trivia nights, and welcoming atmosphere. An opening party with live music, patio games, and a BBQ are planned for April 5.
Last Chance to Visit
Blue Moon Brewing Company RiNo | 3750 Chestnut Pl. (RiNo)
Closing March 28
The Blue Moon brewery in RiNo is the brand’s only experimental brewery, used for testing new flavors before launching them to a wider market (if you’ve had the Blue Moon Mango Wheat, it was first crafted here). Parent company Molson Coors announced the closure after deciding to reduce its investment in craft beer.
The Mercury Cafe | 2199 California St. (Five Points)
Closing March 27
Founded in 1975 in Indian Hills as a witchy, vegetarian-friendly establishment, the Merc – as it’s called by regulars – has been a Five Points institution since moving to its iconic building in 1990. That era will come to a close tonight, with a farewell party hosted in the upstairs ballroom. But not to worry! The space will re-open soon as The Pearl, so stay tuned!
FlyteCo Brewing | 4499 W. 38th Ave. (Berkeley)
Closing April 5
FlyteCo Brewing is closing its original location after six years to focus on the FlyteCo Tower location in the former Stapleton Airport control tower. The brewery will host an ‘aloha’ blowout party on its last day.
RIP
- Mellow Mushroom | 1201 16th St (Union Station)
- Gennaro’s Bar and Lounge | 2598 S Broadway (Rosedale)
- Wash Park Grille | 1096 S Gaylord St (Wash Park)
What To Do
Thursday, March 27
- 🎨 Art at the Gardens | 10-11 a.m. | $20 | Denver Botanic Gardens
- 🧳 Great American RV Show | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | $13.25 | Colorado Convention Center
- 🛩️ Extended Hours at the Museum | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | $19.95 | Wings Over the Rockies
- 🍸 Cocktail Class (21+) | 5-7 p.m. | $40 | Peaks Lounge
- 🍕 Pizza Cooking Class (18+) | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | $50 | CSU Spur
- 🎸 Sanctuary For All Benefit Concert | 8 p.m. | $28+ | Marquis Theater
- 🔴 Bingo After Dark (21+) | 7-9 p.m. | $7.18 | Colorado Sake Co.
- 🎤 Don’t Tell Comedy (21+) | 8 p.m. | $46.75 | Meow Wolf
Friday, March 28
- 🌳 Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Free | Washington Virginia Vale
- 🧳 Great American RV Show | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | $13.25 | Colorado Convention Center
- 💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show | Noon-6 p.m. | $6+ | Stockyards Event Center
- 💅 RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party | 6-8:30 p.m. | Free | Sie FilmCenter
- 🪩 Indie Sleaze Dance Party (18+) | 9 p.m. | $31.62 | Bluebird Theater
Have you been to Daiso yet? The affordably-priced Japanese home goods store just opened its first Colorado locations in Aurora and Fort Collins. I’ll be going to check out the skincare and journal supplies ☺️📓
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