An Asian bistro and sushi bar, a Mexican-style pub and a Mediterranean grill are the newest restaurants on the doorstep of DU.
The Asian eatery opened its doors in mid-July at 2022 S. University Blvd. in space formerly occupied by Isle of Singapore. The restaurant operates as Jason’s Thai, offering a variety of Asian dishes including Thai curries and Japanese tempura. It also features a sushi/sashimi bar.
The restaurant is on the east side of University Boulevard just south of Asbury Avenue. For information, call 303-777-8388.
The Pioneer, a blend of Mexican-style cantina and traditional pub, expects to open by the end of August on the southwest corner of Wesley Avenue and South University Boulevard.
The restaurant and bar is where the Hong Kong Café operated for 14 years until closing in early June. The Pioneer is one of 14 pubs owned and operated by Little Pub Co., a family-owned chain that includes familiar names such as The Spot, Irish Hound, The Elm, Roosters and Don’s Club Tavern.
The major change to the café location will be the addition of a 35- to 50-person covered patio winterized for year-round use, says owner Lisa Ruskaup.
Because The Pioneer aims to serve the neighborhood, Ruskaup says, closing hours will be adjusted to demand.
The Mediterranean-style grill is called Garbanzo and is on the west side of the street at 2045 S. University in space formerly occupied by the Dutch Flower Market.
The restaurant will open in mid-September in a new building attached to the Spicy Pickle. The restaurant will feature falafel, shwarma — which is spiced, marinated beef or chicken — and hummus, with homemade pita bread made daily, says owner Alon Mor.
The restaurant replicates a Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill in Greenwood Village. The DU area store will have an outdoor front patio.
Garbanzo is the Old Spanish name for the chickpea, a high-fiber, low-fat vegetable that has been cultivated as a food source for more than 7,000 years.