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City Cast Denver

Since our launch over two and a half years ago, our local team has been exploring and explaining all things Denver, and so far, we've published over 650 editions of both our podcast and newsletter. It's a true labor of love.

It's no secret that local journalism in Denver has struggled significantly over the past two decades, and while we're off to a great start, the only way we'll be here for years to come is through the support of our readers and listeners.

That’s why we’re inviting you to become a founding member of City Cast Denver today.

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This suburban enclave in southwest Denver is known for its quiet streets and proximity to the Loretto Heights campus currently under redevelopment. But did you know that Harvey Park is also home to dozens of mid-century modern homes 

designed by famed California architect Cliff May?

 The community is really worth a wander for contemporary design buffs looking to soak in those clean lines and sleek home designs — but it also offers great food, expansive greenspace, and so much more. Check it out:

 — league bowlers, kids’ birthday parties, and folks looking for a fun Friday night out are all welcome at Crown Lanes. The bar inside offers stiff drinks and go-to greasy bowling alley grub. 

A quintessential neighborhood park, this expansive greenspace offers a great paved walking trail, tennis courts, 

, and of course, Harvey Park Lake, a fan-favorite for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Conchas, donuts, orejas, fruit-filled empanadas, and chocolate flan (!!) — any pastry imaginable lines the shelves at this delectable, 

. Along with grab-n-go sweets, San Antonio also takes orders for everything from Rosca de Reyes cakes to multi-tiered wedding delights.

, a restaurant-shaped hole was left in the community. But some good news is on the horizon: 

 is moving in! This brand new concept from the folks behind beloved brunch locale Jelly Cafe promises a refreshed interior, a yet-to-be-revealed lunch and dinner menu, and if all goes well, a full bar.

📧 What Do You Love About Harvey Park?

This suburban enclave in southwest Denver is known for its quiet streets and proximity to the Loretto Heights campus currently under redevelopment — but it also offers great food, expansive greenspace, and so much more. Check it out.

Where to Hang in Harvey Park

Neighborhood Guides

This week on Denver’s dining scene: It’s Pueblo Chile season … so where are all the roasters? Plus, more national dining accolades and why robots will never replace real, human restaurant workers. Let’s dig in.

? A late harvest this year due to inclement weather means that Metro Denver’s roadside stands are 

🏆 Michelin Guide, “Bon Appétit,” James Beard — the Denver dining scene is without a doubt having its moment. Now we can add the New York Times’ 2023 list of 

 to that tally of growing accomplishments after it 

, dining and technology experts at Denver’s Startup Week said 

automation will never replace chefs and waitstaff

🥕 Now through October 15, certain local restaurants are participating in Denver’s inaugural 

🍔 For reasons this particular food writer will never understand, Metro Denver might soon get its ninth 

🎟️ Nonprofits EatDenver and GrowHaus are teaming up for the 16th annual 

elevated, family-style, multi-course dinners

 featuring local, independent restaurants. Some of the nights have already sold out, so 

 is slated to open next week on West Colfax, courtesy of 

, who has most notably saved My Brother’s Bar, the Mercury Cafe, and the top of the Denver clocktower. [BusinessDen]

🥃 It’s National Negroni Week. Here are 

 in Denver pouring something extra special for the occasion. Bonus: These cocktail bars are 

Where Are All the Pueblo Chiles?

Food & Drink

Last week, Mayor Mike Johnston released his 

 — which is kind of a big deal, since it’s Denver’s first spending plan coming from someone other than Michael Hancock in 12 years. In his budget letter to the city, Johnston listed his priorities as affordability, safety, downtown revitalization, climate protection, and housing for all. Out of the 770-page, $4 billion plan, here are some of the big numbers you should know:

$242 million for transitional housing and support services

$100 million to build permanent affordable housing

$39.2 million to get another 1,000 unhoused Denverites off the streets in 2024

$14.6 million for rental assistance and legal defense for people facing eviction

$58 million to finish renovations on the 16th Street Mall and the Convention Center, plus creating incentives for attracting local businesses

$15 million for bike lanes, transit projects, and new traffic infrastructure

$9 million to expand staff and operating hours for police alternative programs (like 

$8.2 million to recruit new police officers

$7.6 million for electric vehicles, e-bikes, and charging stations

City Council is conducting hearings all week to discuss the budget. After council gives its recommendations next month, the mayor is expected to release his final draft by Oct. 16. Council plans to hold a public hearing where community members can comment on Oct. 23. Council should pass a final budget Nov. 13.

Last week, Mayor Mike Johnston released his 2024 budget proposal — which is kind of a big deal, since it is Denver’s first spending plan coming from someone other than Michael Hancock in 12 years.

Breaking Down Johnston’s 2024 Budget Plan

Denver, Explained

For centuries, beavers have been seen as little more than a nuisance to farmers and ranchers, with their dams causing flooding and unwanted changes to local vegetation. But in recent years, wildlife experts have begun trying to raise awareness about the critical role that beavers actually play in the local ecosystem. Earlier this summer, the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers program kicked off new research on Colorado beaver populations in an effort to restore the animal to areas where they’ve been eradicated. County officials have also launched this 

 to teach landowners how to peacefully coexist with the critters.

Here are just some of the ecological benefits that beavers have on their surrounding habitats:

Beavers typically prefer slow-moving streams surrounded by willows, aspens, cottonwoods, and alders for food and building materials.

In the wild, beavers tend to live up to 10-12 years and grow to weigh anywhere from 35-65 pounds.

Beavers are herbivores, eating bark, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.

Beavers’ teeth are as strong as metal and never stop growing (they can grow up to 4 feet per year!). A thick coating of iron makes their teeth appear orange.

Contrary to popular belief, beavers don’t use their tails to pat down mud. Rather, beavers use their long, flat tails as rudders while swimming in the water, a prop for balancing when carrying large loads of sticks, and to slap the water in communication with other beavers.

Beavers are monogamous. They live and work in family colonies of 2-12 members.

For centuries, beavers have been seen as little more than a nuisance to farmers and ranchers, with their dams causing flooding and unwanted changes to local vegetation. But in recent years, wildlife experts have begun trying to raise awareness about the critical role that beavers actually play in the local ecosystem. 

Why Colorado Needs Its Beavers

Urban Almanac

The Twister III: Storm Chaser debuted this year at Elitch Gardens — a bigger, better, and faster version of its previous roller coaster iteration. 

 this third take on the OG Mister Twister thrill ride “has the same track as Twister II, which is longer, taller and faster than the original Mr. Twister. Elitch Gardens upgraded the ride to Twister II after moving the park from Tennyson Street to downtown Denver in 1995.” The photo above shows remnants of the original ride on the grounds of “Old Elitches” — the park on 38th and Tennyson before Elitch Gardens was moved to its current downtown location. This image of a derelict coaster entrance was taken in 1998, four years after the Northside park closed. Most rides went with the move, but many of the park’s original structures did not, left to rot among the gorgeous, mature trees that also couldn’t make the trek.

As the park embarks on a possible move to a third location since its grand opening in 1890, we’re excited to see what an 

 might bring 😊Were you a visitor (or an employee) of “Old” old Elitch’s? 

Share your memories and photographs with us

The photo above shows remnants of the original ride on the grounds of “Old Elitches” — the park on 38th and Tennyson before Elitch Gardens was moved to its current downtown location. 

A Denver Roller Coaster History

A Day In Denver History

In today’s age, online reviews can be a godsend. How’s the food at that new restaurant you want to check out? Is that latest museum exhibit worth the hype? What are people saying about that buzzy new music venue? And while online reviews are not 

 helpful, sometimes they’re downright entertaining 😂

We recently scoured the internet for the best 1-star reviews of Denver landmarks and had some fun with them on the City Cast Denver podcast. Can you guess which institutions these reviewers are complaining about just using context clues from their 1-star reviews? Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answers.

“If [this restaurant] is a museum, close the kitchen, and charge admission, so the taxidermy collection doesn't have to look over the flesh of their descendents that have died in vain. If it's a steakhouse, hire a chef.”

“Pros: it's blue; it's fun to make fun of; allows me to better my Photoshop skills

Cons: completely hideous; $650,000 to build; have you seen the genitals on this sucker?; horrible pose with ridiculous proportions (it's like a T-rex mixed with an elephant, mixed with a donkey).”

“Don't even think about standing in one spot for too long, trying to use the bathroom, using an electrical outlet or sitting on any furniture. Unless of course you're dropping like $500 a night for the hotel that was gifted the beautiful space of a historic old train station.”

In today’s age, online reviews can be a godsend. How’s the food at that new restaurant you want to check out? Is that latest museum exhibit worth the hype? What are people saying about that buzzy new music venue? And while online reviews are not always helpful, sometimes they’re downright entertaining 😂

Denver's Best 1-Star Reviews

Denver's Best

This week on Denver’s dining scene: Who got a coveted Michelin star … and who didn’t?? Plus, Oktoberfest parties, Great American Beer Festival, and fast food in the forest. Let’s dig in.

🌟 Drumroll please … And Colorado’s 

You may not be able to buy a Michelin star, but that 

🚫 It looks like the Grateful Dead-themed bar 

 after failing multiple police stings. [Denver Post 🔒]

, his downtown food hall featuring Bonanno concepts in all 16 vendor stalls. Sage Hospitality, the new owner and longtime friend of Bonanno, says it plans to keep operating things “business as usual.” [BusinessDen 🔒]

 parties where you can celebrate. [Denver Post 🔒]

 is almost here. Our friends at Westword have the lowdown on how to 

🍔 Would you hike four miles to eat … 

? To debut its brand new elk-and-venison burger, the fast-food company is holding a one-day pop-up at an undisclosed, remote, high-elevation location in the mountains. If you’re willing to 

, you can try the burger for free. [Denver Post 🔒]

5 Colorado Restaurant Receive a Michelin Star

5 Colorado Restaurants Receive a Michelin Star

Washington Virginia Vale is one of southeast Denver’s most overlooked neighborhoods. Developer Marcus Bogue built the 550-home neighborhood in the area after WWII, and he 

 for his wife Virginia — just like he named nearby Virginia Village for her when he built that neighborhood a few years prior. As for the “Washington” part, your guess is as good as ours. Comprising mostly subdivisions built in the 50s and 60s, WVV is hiding plenty of secrets behind that mouthful of a name. 

 parked in a lot outside George Washington High School serves up the best falafel in town — you just have to nail down their constantly shifting hours of operation. 

, kids and adults alike will enjoy running around 

. The city even recently rebuilt a whole section of the shore, so there’s some nice big rocks to sit on and take in a sunset.

You won’t find this on any map, but some generous disc golfer set up a few baskets in the green space behind the condos off 

This is not the best dispensary in town, but it’s definitely among 

. They typically also have shake available, if you’re making homemade edibles.

Just a few blocks down from the Jewish Community Center (another major WVV landmark), this 

 is dedicated to addressing social justice issues through the lens of Jewish history and culture.

📧 What Do You Love About Washington Virginia Vale?

Today’s Neighborhood Guide was written by City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi.

Washington Virginia Vale is one of southeast Denver’s most overlooked neighborhoods. Comprising mostly subdivisions built in the 50s and 60s, WVV is hiding plenty of secrets behind that mouthful of a name. 

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