Bistro Mariposa’s bar

The tequila program stands out for having more than 20 varieties on the menu, from Pueblo Viejo Añejo to Los Arango Reposado to Casa Dragones Blanco. Most of the spirits are meant to be savored and sipped, though there is a Margarita menu and list of other tequila-forward cocktails. Currently there are also eight mezcals at the bar, as well as local craft beer and wine.

Sir Denver

Owner Trey Stewart opened his gay bar in Denver's downtown area on February 2. Stewart also owns Mr Misster in Dallas, and Sir is meant to be a sibling to that posh space. Like his first restaurant, Stewart launched Sir with the idea of creating an upscale spot with good food and craft cocktails in a setting friendly to the LGBTQ+ community.

Sir has brought new life to the space that was once Vesta Dipping Grill, a former staple by the restaurant group Secret Sauce that closed during the pandemic. Because it's in a historic building, Stewart couldn’t change the facade or walls, so instead he has rainbow lights shining on the exposed brick to illuminate parts of the venue while keeping other corners dark and sultry. The dining tables in the middle can be moved around to create an impromptu dance floor or add more space for parties.

Sir Denver’s burger

Created with a modern steakhouse vibe in mind, the menu at Sir features steaks, a double-patty burger, pork ribs and tuna poke. Brunch is huge too, not so much for the food, which includes many items from the dinner menu, as well as a trio of bruschetta, but the talents of a drag queen host and bottomless mimosas. 

Homegrown Tap & Dough, Littleton, Colo.

Adding to his two other locations, co-founder Pete Newlin opened this outpost on March 1. This is the largest of the trio, and the decor inside sports a skiing theme. Not only are skis used as wall art, but guests can dine in a gondola, canvas yurt or in front of a roaring fireplace when it's cold out.

Homegrown Tap & Dough’s pizza

The other founder of the Gastamo Group, which owns Homegrown Tap & Dough, mini-chains Park Burger and Birdcall, Lady Nomada in Arvada, Colo., and Denver's Perdida, is chef Jean-Philippe Failyau. Failyau created the menu of wood-fired pizza, pasta, house-made sausage and Italian classics. Many of the items of the menu are traditional, such as chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, the Italian grinder sandwich and meatball sliders with mozzarella cheese. Each gets made with fresh ingredients that are often locally sourced.

Ferdinand's Restaurante, Livingston, Mont.

On January 7, Lauren Silano, owner of Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery, opened Ferdinand's Restaurante. The name of the place comes from the 1936 children's book, The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, and like the bull in the story, who would rather smell flowers than fight, the restaurant is all about being yourself and spreading kindness. The decor also speaks to the bull theme, and the walls are hung with paintings of the animal done by local artist Kay Potter.

Also like the book, there's a Barcelona flare to the restaurant, and it serves an array of tapas and Spanish-inspired share plates such as paella laden with shrimp and sausage. The salads too are worth a look, with options such as the roasted beet with chèvre, crushed pistachios and honey vinaigrette. For dessert the restaurant serves hand-made ice cream in an array of rotating flavors. 

The Pepper Club, Las Vegas

Chef and restaurateur Todd English has expanded his presence in Las Vegas with The Pepper Club, located inside the English Hotel. The property is also partially owned by English, and is a member of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. Unlike many properties in the city, there isn't any gambling on premises. Just good food and a sleek, New York City vibe.

There's no doubt The Pepper Room is one of English's restaurants. It's artsy and bold, the space is large with high ceilings, and there's a bit of glitz to the decor that also marks the space as a typical Las Vegas venue. The bar features glowing blue lights under the counter, and is the centerpiece of the room. Guests can sit there, at the sushi counter or in one of the comfortable booths lining the wall.

The Pepper Club’s Soba Up Burger

After a lot of anticipation, the restaurant opened on March 2, serving up dishes with Japanese and Mediterranean influences. Think a burger topped with soba noodles, three different fried rice options in lieu of fries, sushi, and tempura darkened with squid ink. Since it's the hotel's main eatery, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served here.