Boulder bites: Centro revamp, pizzeria closure, bagels and bakeries
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Crews work to erect a sign at the new PopUp Bagels on University Hill. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios Boulder
Boulder County's restaurant scene is cooking up some changes, with an old favorite getting a makeover, chains expanding and fresh flavors.
Here's what's on the menu:
🌮 Centro's getting a facelift. The longtime Mexican restaurant at 950 Pearl St. will close Saturday and reopen Dec. 8 as Altura, a new "Mountain Mexican" concept under the same owner, Big Red F founder Dave Query.
- The renovation will include new floors, seating and lighting, plus a 16-foot folding glass wall that opens the dining room to Pearl Street.
🥯 PopUp Bagels, a Connecticut chain, opens its first Colorado location Friday on University Hill.
- The grand opening at 1247 Pleasant St. runs from 7–11am with a DJ, merch giveaways and a Boulder-exclusive Justin's Peanut Butter Cup schmear.
- The big picture: It's the latest entry into a crowded Boulder bagel market.
🌮 Arepas are out — tacos are in. Costa Brisa, a new Baja-inspired Mexican eatery, opened Nov. 2 at Avanti Boulder.
- Costa Brisa replaces Quiero Arepas on the first floor of the downtown food hall.
- The concept comes from chef Bill Espiricueta, owner of Denver's Michelin-recommended SMŌK.
- The menu features shrimp tostadas, fish tacos, California-style burritos stuffed with carne asada and French fries, and SMŌK's popular breakfast burritos on weekends only.
🏆 Meanwhile, Casa Juani earned another national honor, landing on The Infatuation's list of America's 25 best new restaurants of 2026.
- The Spanish restaurant also earned a spot in the Michelin Guide and on Bon Appétit's list of America's 19 best new restaurants.
🍕 Parry's Pizzeria closed its Longmont location at Village at the Peaks in late October after 10 years in business.
- The New York-style chain didn't give a reason and directed customers to its remaining Colorado restaurants, including locations in Johnstown and Northglenn.
☕ Pegasus Coffeehouse softly opened a Lafayette location at 1280 Centaur Village Dr., taking over the former MECO Coffee space.
- The menu includes espresso drinks, nitro cold brew, cakes and croissants.
🥐 Wheat Ridge's GetRight's Bakery is opening a new location inside Louisville's Relish Food Hall & Pickleball development.
- Known for its pastries, breads and sandwiches, the business also operated at the Lafayette Farmers Market this year.
- An opening date hasn't been announced, but the bakery's holding pop-up sales at the location on weekends until the official opening.
🍺 A historic downtown Louisville spot is getting a new life, with Empire Public House Taphouse & Kitchen set to open in 2027 at 816 Main St.
- The space previously housed Jim Cohen's Empire Lounge and Colacci's Restaurant.
- The menu remains under wraps.
🍗 El Pollo Loco is opening at 1743 Main St. in Longmont, according to Hoodline, part of the California-based chain's expansion in northern Colorado.
- No opening date has been announced.
🇵🇪 Pollo Lima is preparing to open in Boulder at 2525 Arapahoe Ave., the former home of Dave Query's Zolo Grill.
- The Peruvian restaurant's first location in the Denver suburbs serves rotisserie chicken, ceviche, lomo saltado and fried rice.