Five Denver dining spots where restaurants keep closing
From Congress Park to Hale, specific addresses have seen multiple food concepts fail within short timeframes, with some locations changing tenants every few months.
By Amanda Valdez ·
More than 170 restaurants and bars closed in Denver in 2025, but certain addresses have become particularly unstable. Five specific locations in the city have cycled through multiple dining concepts in recent years, often with short lifespans that suggest underlying operational challenges or market difficulties.
At 1222 Madison Street in Congress Park, the site has housed at least five different restaurants since 2012. Chef Troy Guard operated TAG Burger Bar there until October 2021. Since then, the space has seen a succession of short-lived tenants. A revival of Billy’s Inn closed in November 2022 after nine months. Crêpes ‘n Crêpes lasted 14 months before shutting down. Most recently, Briar Patch, which opened in July 2025, closed in September 2025 due to mounting losses and rising costs.
In the RiNo neighborhood, 1441 26th Street has also struggled to retain tenants. Biju’s Little Curry Shop closed its original location in 2019. It was followed by Lea Jane’s Hot Chicken, which operated until 2022. Koko Ni, a tasting menu restaurant, ceased operations in late 2024. The space is currently occupied by Heretík, which opened in May 2026 and has received a Michelin recommendation and a Sommelier Award four months later.
The Clayton Hotel & Members Club at 233 Clayton Street in Cherry Creek has hosted nearly a dozen different dining concepts since opening in 2021. The main dining room has seen concepts like Of a Kind and Kini’s. The lobby bar has cycled through Oak Market, Cretans, Bar Amorina, and Mar Bella Wine Bar. The hidden lounge has hosted Five Nines and Chez Roc. Currently, Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel operates Alteño in the main room, while the rooftop hosts Sheep through December 2026.
On 2403 Champa Street in Curtis Park, the building previously served as a printing press before transitioning to food and drink. Liberati Restaurant & Brewery closed in March 2020 after about 18 months. MobCraft Beer operated for less than eight months, closing in April 2023. Duets Tap & Grill opened in October 2024 and closed a year later. The location is currently vacant.
At 5410 East Colfax Avenue in Hale, the building was home to Solera for 16 years until chef Goose Sorensen closed it in 2018. Since then, the space has housed Hank’s Texas Barbecue for about two and a half years and Street Feud, which closed on New Year’s Day 2023. Supreme Chicken opened in March 2024 and remains open, having outlived its immediate predecessor.
Source: Westword
