Denver

Denver Alerts

Alert

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters John Frank, Alayna Alvarez and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Denver with Alayna Alvarez, John Frank, and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver

Standard

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Partners

Denver Members

Membership

Colorado's drought sparks lawn wars

Denver Water has a message for anyone mourning their emerald green yard: "Brown lawns are a badge of honor right now."

News

Coloradans are keeping tabs on their neighbors&#x27; sprinklers as cities like Denver crack down on water use during one of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most punishing droughts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/exceptional-drought-denver-worst-categories-colorado/" data-vars-content-id="45eac834-ffbe-47a3-abf6-cd2d6d1569cd" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s drought sparks lawn wars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/exceptional-drought-denver-worst-categories-colorado/" target="_blank">most punishing droughts</a> in decades.Why it matters: Extreme heat and scant precipitation are straining water supplies, turning neighborhood lawns into a public test of who&#x27;s naughty or nice.

Melat Kiros sits on a Democratic island in Colorado

The 29-year-old democratic socialist has spent most of the campaign alone on the trail.

Election

Two days after her upset in the Democratic primary for Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Melat Kiros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="0bb490e3-96aa-4cbb-b3a3-cc8cf07fc2bd" data-vars-headline="Melat Kiros sits on a Democratic island in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">Melat Kiros</a> stood with party leaders behind a banner that read: &quot;Together We Win.&quot;<ul><li>Yes, but: Now she appears quite lonely.</li></ul>

Denver Public Schools starts year with sweeping phone ban

The personal communication device ban is one of the strictest in the state.

Denver Public School students return to class next Monday with a new rule: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No mobile phones in class" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/05/colorado-school-districts-crackdown-cellphones-classrooms" data-vars-content-id="ebb9c759-56b7-4203-8e92-2cd5b3894758" data-vars-headline="Denver Public Schools starts year with sweeping phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/05/colorado-school-districts-crackdown-cellphones-classrooms" target="_self">No mobile phones in class</a> — at least not until the final bell rings. Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s largest school district is adopting one of the state&#x27;s strictest personal device bans — part of a broader push by educators to keep students focused on whiteboards instead of pocket-size screens.

Colorado homeowners are breaking up with grass

More people are trading thirsty turf for water-wise lawns.

The traditional green lawn is losing ground across the Front Range as homeowners trade thirsty turf for water-wise plants — and cities are paying them to do it.Why it matters: It&#x27;s expensive to keep a manicured lawn alive, and Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tightening water supplies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="7cac51a9-8ff3-45a0-af5b-0b715f89f441" data-vars-headline="Colorado homeowners are breaking up with grass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" target="_self">tightening water supplies</a> are making it harder to justify.

Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites

The deal gives business-class flyers out of DIA a chance to sample her acclaimed cuisine.

Food and Drink

Celebrated Denver chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penelope Wong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" data-vars-content-id="ee5eb98e-855e-420e-851a-149632d4ac8a" data-vars-headline="Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" target="_self">Penelope Wong</a> is taking her talents to the skies through a new partnership with United Airlines.Why it matters: The deal gives business-class flyers out of DIA a chance to sample her acclaimed cuisine, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including her famous dumplings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/24/colorado-restaurants-new-york-times-50-best" data-vars-content-id="ee5eb98e-855e-420e-851a-149632d4ac8a" data-vars-headline="Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/24/colorado-restaurants-new-york-times-50-best" target="_self">including her famous dumplings</a>.

New cafe opens on the edge of Denver's Cheesman Park

Welcome to one of the city's most scenic spots to sip coffee and cocktails.

The former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Secret Garden Bar &amp; Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/03/secret-garden-cafe-cheesman-park-open" data-vars-content-id="28ff9540-5382-4c68-a8f5-40a1591944f4" data-vars-headline="New cafe opens on the edge of Denver&#x27;s Cheesman Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/03/secret-garden-cafe-cheesman-park-open" target="_self">Secret Garden Bar &amp; Cafe</a> overlooking Cheesman Park reopens Thursday under new ownership and a new name.Why it matters: Its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abrupt closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/denvers-secret-garden-cafe-closes-abruptly-amid-unionization-dispute" data-vars-content-id="28ff9540-5382-4c68-a8f5-40a1591944f4" data-vars-headline="New cafe opens on the edge of Denver&#x27;s Cheesman Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/denvers-secret-garden-cafe-closes-abruptly-amid-unionization-dispute" target="_blank">abrupt closure</a> last fall left Denverites <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mourning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/1o385yc/secret_garden_cafe_at_cheesman_park_has_shut_its/" data-vars-content-id="28ff9540-5382-4c68-a8f5-40a1591944f4" data-vars-headline="New cafe opens on the edge of Denver&#x27;s Cheesman Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/1o385yc/secret_garden_cafe_at_cheesman_park_has_shut_its/" target="_blank">mourning</a> one of the city&#x27;s most scenic spots to sip coffee and cocktails. But now, less than a year later, the historic space is coming back to life.

Inside Denver's Sadboy Creamery ice cream frenzy

Scoring a scoop from Denver's cult-favorite creamery feels less like ordering dessert and more like competing in the Hunger Games.

The odds were ever in my favor last week when I finally got my hands on a pint of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sadboy Creamery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sadboycreamery.com/" data-vars-content-id="22862976-07c7-4a20-a259-34e7e6c9ffa7" data-vars-headline="Inside Denver&#x27;s Sadboy Creamery ice cream frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sadboycreamery.com/" target="_blank">Sadboy Creamery</a> ice cream.Why it matters: Scoring a scoop from Denver&#x27;s cult-favorite creamery feels less like ordering dessert and more like competing in the Hunger Games.

Reunion Bakery rises on South Pearl Street

Fresh bread, Portuguese pastries and brunch now fill the expanded café.

Platt Park is home to a new bakery from one of Denver&#x27;s most acclaimed pastry chefs, bringing its signature Portuguese treats, an expanded menu and the smell of fresh bread that drifts down the block before you reach the front door.State of play: James Beard-nominated baker Ismael de Sousa opened Reunion Bakery&#x27;s new home at 1240 S. Pearl St. in early May after first launching inside The Source market hall in 2018. The bakery draws on his Portuguese family&#x27;s roots in Caracas, Venezuela.

Tequilería Alteño offers small bites with big flavor

Chef Johnny Curiel's pop-up opened this week at Clayton Hotel & Members Club.

Chef Johnny Curiel returned to Denver empty-handed from the recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" data-vars-content-id="182ceac6-2fba-4ada-acb0-c453d2b2ac71" data-vars-headline="Tequilería Alteño offers small bites with big flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" target="_self">James Beard Awards ceremony</a>, but his latest project proves why he was there in the first place.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tequilería Alteño" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/tequileriaalteno/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="182ceac6-2fba-4ada-acb0-c453d2b2ac71" data-vars-headline="Tequilería Alteño offers small bites with big flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/tequileriaalteno/?hl=en" target="_blank">Tequilería Alteño</a> opened as a pop-up this week in the space formerly occupied by his Spanish-style bistro Mar Bella Wine Bar inside the Clayton Hotel &amp; Members Club in Cherry Creek.

BARna opens as soccer mecca on Colfax

One of Denver's newest bars caters to the soccer-obsessed, just in time for the FIFA World Cup.

Things to Do

One of Denver&#x27;s newest bars caters to the soccer-obsessed, just in time for the sport&#x27;s biggest international tournament.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BARna&#x27;s opening on Colfax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/06/30/denver-colfax-barna-tapas-soccor-bar/?utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-denverpost&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;mrfcid=202606306a443a4453df58001071f961" data-vars-content-id="80df3f13-7970-472f-b441-48d17e737e7e" data-vars-headline="BARna opens as soccer mecca on Colfax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/06/30/denver-colfax-barna-tapas-soccor-bar/?utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-denverpost&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;mrfcid=202606306a443a4453df58001071f961" target="_blank">BARna&#x27;s opening on Colfax</a> last month coincided with the start of the FIFA World Cup.

The duo behind The Easy Vegan has a new restaurant

Mother Other is bringing plant-based comfort food to the Baker neighborhood.

After years of building a cult following through farmers markets, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Food Network win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/01/the-easy-vegan-denver-wins-great-food-truck-race-food-network" data-vars-content-id="1a616ddd-fec6-4c93-bede-1c6ce483789d" data-vars-headline="The duo behind The Easy Vegan has a new restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/01/the-easy-vegan-denver-wins-great-food-truck-race-food-network" target="_self">a Food Network win</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="veggie hot dog concept" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/04/the-easy-vegan-veggie-hot-dogs" data-vars-content-id="1a616ddd-fec6-4c93-bede-1c6ce483789d" data-vars-headline="The duo behind The Easy Vegan has a new restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/04/the-easy-vegan-veggie-hot-dogs" target="_self">veggie hot dog concept</a>, The Easy Vegan team is opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Denver this weekend.Dig in: Chef Alexi Mandolini and her partner Taylor Herbert are launching <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mother Other" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherother.com/" data-vars-content-id="1a616ddd-fec6-4c93-bede-1c6ce483789d" data-vars-headline="The duo behind The Easy Vegan has a new restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherother.com/" target="_blank">Mother Other</a>, a vegan bar and restaurant in Baker.

Denver scoops up 3 spots on Yelp's top ice cream list

A new Yelp ranking suggests some of the country's most sought-after scoop shops are right here at home.

Three Denver ice cream institutions are among America&#x27;s most-bookmarked, according to Yelp&#x27;s 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-saved scoop shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/most-saved-ice-cream-2026" data-vars-content-id="3083dfe6-75d0-4c56-87cd-a4ab31c73fb7" data-vars-headline="Denver scoops up 3 spots on Yelp&#x27;s top ice cream list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/most-saved-ice-cream-2026" target="_blank">most-saved scoop shops</a> list out Wednesday.Why it matters: The ranking suggests some of the country&#x27;s most sought-after sweets are right here at home.

Denver's most-hyped new bagel is in Wash Park

This bagel sells out before lunch. We found out why.

The hardest Denver bagel to get your hands on right now may be at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milly&#x27;s Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://millysbagels.com/" data-vars-content-id="da32d5ed-a70c-4ff5-937e-8cbd08453bea" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s most-hyped new bagel is in Wash Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://millysbagels.com/" target="_blank">Milly&#x27;s Bagels</a>, a tiny new shop on Pearl Street in West Wash Park.Why it matters: There are few bad days a great bagel can&#x27;t make at least a little better.

Denver chef Penelope Wong wins James Beard Award

Her journey from street-food sensation to award-winning restaurateur culminated Monday.

The chef who built a cult following for the dumplings she served from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver food truck" data-vars-click-url="https://303magazine.com/2019/09/yuan-wonton-dumplings-denver/" data-vars-content-id="6832da55-2050-402f-8ce9-7f4d16d1a177" data-vars-headline="Denver chef Penelope Wong wins James Beard Award" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://303magazine.com/2019/09/yuan-wonton-dumplings-denver/" target="_blank">Denver food truck</a> is now a James Beard winner.Why it matters: Penelope Wong&#x27;s journey from street-food sensation to award-winning restaurateur culminated Monday with a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain.

Food and Drink 🍽

Solo dining is rising in Denver

Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites

New cafe opens on the edge of Denver's Cheesman Park

Inside Denver's Sadboy Creamery ice cream frenzy

Reunion Bakery rises on South Pearl Street