Zocalito Latin Bistro Relocates From Aspen to Downtown Denver | Eater Denver

"After 14 years in Aspen, chef-owner Michael Beary is bringing his Oaxacan restaurant to Denver’s 999 18th Street location in the Denver Place Building, a space that’s been vacant since 2016. The 1,600-square-foot, KD Fikso–designed interior will be rich with colorful textiles, Mexican costumes, Oaxacan art, a floor-to-ceiling mural, and vintage Latin American photographs by Beary’s aunt, and will feature a 100-seat dining room plus a 50-seat patio separated by folding glass doors. The menu, inspired by Beary’s travels and a chile import program that revives nearly extinct varietals, is centered on rare chiles such as chilhuacles and chilcosles and includes dishes like stuffed peppers and a pork tenderloin with red mole sauce and sautéed cactus. The bar spotlights tequilas and mezcals alongside cocktails such as margaritas and mojitos; no official opening date has been announced, though the Denver outpost is expected to debut before the end of the year." - Gigi Sukin