🔎 Why 17 state Dems are under investigation

🔎 17 Democratic Lawmakers Under Ethics Investigation

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission will move forward with an investigation into 17 Democratic state lawmakers accused of illegally accepting monetary gifts from a prominent “dark money” political group to fund a private retreat in Vail. The complaint was filed by watchdog group Colorado Common Cause. The Colorado Democrats are denying any wrongdoing. [Denver Post 🔒]

🧐 What’s Really Going On Underneath DIA?

Denver International Airport has been riddled with conspiracy theories since before it even opened in 1995. So, is there any truth to the existence of underground bunkers? Is the airport actually a headquarters for the illuminati? Is Blucifer really cursed? We went all the way down to the secret tunnels of DIA with airport officials to get the scoop for ourselves. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚨 DPD Wants to Dip into Denver’s Emergency Reserves

The Denver Police Department is requesting $11 million from the city’s contingency fund — nearly 10 times what other departments are allotted. DPD claims at least $7.5 million of that money is needed to cover overtime racked up by officers during protests and added patrols downtown this year. The other $3.5 million would cover payouts for officers who left the department. [Axios Denver]

⚖️ Colorado Wins in Rent-Setting Lawsuit

Colorado is set to receive $1 million for its share of a $7 million settlement in a multi-state lawsuit against corporate landlord giant Greystar. The company has been accused of using illegal rent-setting algorithms to jack up prices for renters. A separate lawsuit between Greystar and the state of Colorado over hidden fees and misleading advertising is still ongoing. [Denver Post 🔒]

Five Colorado restaurants (four of which are in Denver) just made OpenTable’s 2025 list for 100 best restaurants in America, validating the Mile High dining scene as one to watch. Here are six more new local eateries we have our eyes on 😋

New to the Scene

Boombots Pasta Shop | 2647 W 38th Ave. (Sunnyside)

Opened Nov. 8

This new venture from the owners of Odie B’s — a local cult-favorite — promises to be “stupid good,” with off-the-wall takes on pasta, like a Red Chili and Butternut Squash Risotto or a Smoked Duck and Green Chili Lumache.

Ma’s Kitchen | 1514 York St. (City Park)

Opened Nov. 1

Chinese dim sum and noodle dishes are the star of the show at this new neighborhood joint off East Colfax Ave. The spot is co-owned by Xi Yong Zheng who also operates Okinawa Japanese next door, a 15-year-old Colfax fave. Westword reports the twice-cooked pork stir-fried noodles and the Singapore butter prawns are both solid orders 👌

Anna’s Donuts & Burritos | 2120 S Broadway (Rosedale)

Opened Nov. 11

A delicious Greenwood Village secret is out of the bag — and opening a brand new location on South Broadway. With perfectly glazed donuts and generously loaded breakfast burritos, Anna’s hits all your sweet and savory breakfast needs.

Insee Father Noodles House | 1700 Platte St. (Highland)

Opened Nov. 9

This new Platte Street noodle house is the fast-casual venture from popular local favorite Daughter Thai Kitchen & Bar located right next door. Decorated with family portraits and tokens from Thailand, the space evokes cozy nostalgia vibes, complemented by Thai comfort food.

Returning Favorites

The Bakehouse | 2550 East Colfax Ave. (Congress Park)

Reopened Oct. 25

Following a two-year hiatus, Sắp Sửa’s ultra-popular Saturday morning bakery is back and bringing in the crowds. Owner Anna Nguyen originally opened the bakery in 2023 following the restaurant’s debut, but she put the project on pause to focus on Sắp Sửa’s rising claim to fame. Now, with new pastry chef Korinna Mahan onboard, Denverites can once again get their fix of creative baked goods, including the likes of dirty chai sticky buns, banana coconut rum cakes, and sesame chocolate babka 🤤

Biker Jim’s | 3200 Pecos St. (Highland)

Opened Nov. 9

Denver’s favorite vendor of exotic sausages is back … again! (Don’t call it a comeback though.) “Biker Jim” Pittenger is taking his famed jalapeño elk dogs and unique brunch bites to Avanti Food & Beverage. “Jim’s food has always embodied the creative, independent spirit of Denver dining, and we couldn’t be more excited to give him a platform for his next chapter,” said Avanti’s director of operations.

RIP

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. | 1437 California St. (Central Business District)
• Jax Fish House | 650 S Colorado Blvd. (Glendale)
• Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q | 9393 East Dry Creek Rd. (Centennial)
• Smashburger | 1201 16th St. (Union Station)