This September, Denver’s dining scene lost several local favorites, from longtime breweries to neighborhood diners, as restaurants across the city announced permanent closures.
Denver’s Dining Scene Saw Multiple Closures in September
Denver restaurants are facing tough times with many longtime favorites shutting down their doors. September brought a fresh wave of closures that left both locals and loyal regulars feeling nostalgic.
1. Mono Mono
Mono Mono Hot Korean Fried Chicken has closed its Downtown Denver location after four years. The restaurant was known for its Korean-style fried chicken and lively atmosphere.
The owner of Mono Mono, J.W. Lee, who operates more than 20 restaurants in Colorado and New York, cited increasing costs and slowing foot traffic as the main reasons for closing. Mono Mono’s departure marks Lee’s fifth restaurant closure this year.
The Mono Mono team thanked customers for their support and noted that rising costs and reduced foot traffic led to the decision to close the Downtown location.
- Closing Date: September 8, 2025
- Where: 1550 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
2. For[a]ged Restaurant
After six years near Union Station, Foraged Restaurant has also announced its closure. The restaurant expressed gratitude to its diners on Instagram, highlighting six years of creative dishes and community connections, and apologized to any guests with unfulfilled reservations.
- Closing Date: September 12, 2025
- Where: 1825 Blake Street Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80202
3. Wendell’s
Berkeley’s beloved breakfast spot, Wendell, closed permanently in September. Owners Roy and Casey thanked customers for years of support and loyalty.
With a combined 40 years of experience, the owners built Wendell’s into a local favorite, known for fresh, delicious breakfasts in a warm, welcoming setting. The diner reopened in 2020 and ran for nearly five years on Historic Tennyson Street.
- Closing Date: September 21, 2025
- Where: 3838 Tennyson st., Denver, Colorado 80212
4. Banded Oak Brewing Co.
Founded in 2016, Banded Oak Brewing earned a reputation for approachable, seasonal beers suited for every occasion, from sunny afternoons to snowy evenings.
Owner Will Curtin reflected on the brewery’s history and community support, noting that events like the 2018 GABF medal celebration remain a highlight of his time at Banded Oak.
- Closing Date: September 23, 2025
- Where: 470 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80203
5. Sushi Kuro
Sushi Kuro, located inside Zeppelin Station, has also wrapped up its service this September after two and a half years of operations. In a farewell post, the team thanked guests for their loyalty and promised this was not the end, hinting at something exciting.
Sushi Kuro thanked customers for their support over the past two and a half years and hinted at a new concept launching this December at Zeppelin Station.
- Closing Date: September 30, 2025
- Where: 3501 Wazee St, Denver, Colorado 80216
The closures in September highlight shifts in Denver’s restaurant scene, marking the end of local favorites while reflecting the city’s evolving dining landscape.
