Metro Denver added 20 new eateries in February 2026, highlighted by the anticipated opening of Casa Juani in Boulder. The month also saw the debut of a Puerto Rican social club in Denver, while Parker lost the Wild Goose Saloon due to financial struggles and the owner's cancer diagnosis. Other closures included several longstanding spots.
February brought a wave of culinary additions to the Denver metropolitan area, with 20 new restaurants and bars opening across the region. Among the most notable was Casa Juani, which debuted on February 26 in Boulder at 801 Pearl Street. The restaurant, created by chefs Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun—former alumni of the acclaimed Frasca—honors Lobo's mother and his Spanish heritage, promising "an elevated yet soulful dining experience," as stated on its menu. Bon Appétit had earlier included it on a list of seven spots nationwide generating excitement.
Adding international flair, Aguanile opened on February 27 at 415 South Cherokee Street in Denver, establishing the city's first Puerto Rican social club focused on food, music, and community. Other openings included Agave Blue in Arvada, Convivio Cafe in downtown Denver, Dave’s Hot Chicken in Aurora, and Uchiko on Fillmore Street, expanding Japanese fare with fire elements.
On the closure side, the Wild Goose Saloon in Parker, a restaurant and live music venue since 2021, shut its doors permanently. Co-owner Chris Dellinger announced the news on February 23 via social media, citing months of financial difficulties and his recent cancer diagnosis. "The Goose is closed. We have been struggling for months financially and haven’t been able to catch up on any of our bills. That, along with my cancer diagnosis have brought us to where we are. I apologize to all of the bands," Dellinger wrote. He and his wife Lola committed to supporting their employees, while a GoFundMe campaign was launched to aid the family.
Permanent closures also affected 100% de Agave at 975 Lincoln Street, Goldspot Brewing Company at 4970 Lowell Boulevard, Slater’s 50/50 at 3600 Blake Street, and Wild Sky Brewery in Centennial. Odyssey Italian Restaurant at 603 East Sixth Avenue remains temporarily closed following a fire, similar to an incident at Jack’s in Lone Tree the prior month.
