🛍️ Why the city wants to buy a mall

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Hannah H. wants to shout out Bertha’s Baja Bistro in Mayfair — “my fav neighborhood gathering spot, and great margaritas!”

📣 Tom G. is “obsessed” with The Book Rack in University Hills for both “the selection [of used books] and the terrific owner.”

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

📱 Sports Bar Fights ‘Slander’ from Local Activists

Staff at The Werks sports bar in Wheat Ridge say they’ve been bombarded by harassing phone calls and messages from liberal activists who staged a protest at the establishment while a conservative group held an event there. Protestors reportedly handed out fliers accusing the restaurant’s owner of supporting “misogyny, racism, violence, xenophobia, homophobia,” and more. [X]

• The restaurant’s response: The Werks owner says he didn’t even know the meetup had a political affiliation. “It is not a policy of ours to vet or filter who can and cannot come in our business based on their religious and political beliefs.”

🛍️ Denver Wants to Buy Old Pavilions Mall

The Downtown Development Authority — tasked by Mayor Mike Johnston to revitalize downtown Denver using $570 million in voter-approved bonds — has announced its biggest investment yet. It wants to buy and transform the blighted Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street for $37 million. The deal will require approval from City Council. [BusinessDen 🔒]

🪧 What’s the Latest on Jeanette Vizguerra?

It’s been six months since ICE officers arrested the local immigrant rights activist, which means enough time has passed that her legal team can demand that the federal government provide a formal justification for her continued detention. Her lawyer says authorities will need to prove she is a danger or a flight risk in order to keep her detained. [CO Sun]

• Who is Jeanette Vizguerra? We mapped out a timeline of her last three decades in the U.S.

It’s October! Spooky season, cozy season — whatever you call it, we’ve got some suggestions for how to make the most of it here in the Mile High City this year. Enjoy!

🕯️ Experience Colorado’s Victorian Era

Step back in time at the Center for Colorado Women’s History, as you’re guided through a historic Victorian mansion, surrounded by artifacts from Coloradans long past. This eerie evening tour — happening this month only — will give visitors a peek into the death rituals of the late 1800s. Mourning attire is encouraged.

🍺 Taste Fall in a Cup at Platt Park Brewing Co.

Forget pumpkin spice chais, the new drink of the season is the Hollow Jack Pumpkin Coffee Applewine Cider at Platt Park Brewing Co. — a pumpkin cider with a strong coffee finish. Order it as a 10-ounce draft for $9.

🦁 Enjoy a Kids-Free Night at the Zoo

Monster Masquerade at the Denver Zoo is for the grownups — 21+ only! Come decked out in your Halloween best for an evening of live entertainment, dancing, animal demos, and more. Tickets are $35 and include a complimentary adult beverage.

• Bonus rec for the kiddos: Take the little ones to Boo at the Zoo — every weekend in October — featuring costumed characters, activity stations, and trick-or-treating. Oct. 31 is Sensory-Friendly Night!

🌮 Put Birria on ~Everything~

Los Socios Birreria takes the hottest trend in Mexican food right now to a whole new level with birria everything — birria ramen, grilled cheese, pizza, fries 🤤 But the insider secret at this West Colfax joint is to bring in your own bag of chips, then have them pop it open and load it up, “walking taco” style.

☕ Satisfy Your Pumpkin Cravings at Coffee Sarap

The fall menu at this new Filipino-inspired cafe in Five Points is every pumpkin-lover's dream. White chocolate pumpkin pie latte? Pumpkin cheesecake cold foam? Pumpkin-chocolate mini challah bread? YES, PLEASE. But while you’re there, don’t sleep on their regular menu filled with Filipino flavors including ube, pandan, and mestiza.

🥐 Treat Your Sweet Tooth at Bake Fest

One of our favorite local events is back — bigger and better than before — Rebel Bread’s 3rd annual Bake Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4. The competition features fresh breads, pies, muffins, and other baked goods from Denver confectionary artists of all ages and skill levels, and you get to help determine the crème de la crème.

• Bonus! This year, City Cast Denver is excited to sponsor the bars category of the contest. Our very own producer Paul Karolyi will be serving as a guest judge. Say hi! 👋

Psst! There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for more recommendations!