Thomas Evans’ Colorado Favorites: Seven Denver-based arts organizations and eateries to support
Feb. 20, 2025
Note: Direct quotes were edited for typos, to observe AP style guidelines and to fit the listicle structure.
Thomas “Detour” Evans sees value in supporting and working with organizations that cater to their surrounding communities, especially within Denver’s arts and dining scenes.
For this week’s “Favorites” entry, the Denver-based multimedia artist shared seven Denver-based arts organizations and dining establishments that he thinks Coloradans should engage with more.
1. RedLine Contemporary Art Center
According to their website, RedLine Contemporary Art Center is an arts education and social change-focused nonprofit.
They host events that allow Denverites to engage with Colorado artists and showcase local artwork through artist residencies. Evans is listed as an alumnus resident artist on the nonprofit’s website.
They also offer support for local artists in the form of statewide grants, funds, programs to provide affordable resources and workspaces and more.
Those interested can find more information on all resident alumni, upcoming events and more of the nonprofit’s programs on their website.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Evans has worked with MCA Denver, which is described on their website as a community-inclusive contemporary art forum that features works of art and related events.
The museum’s spring exhibition will open on Feb. 28 with a celebration that begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s Eventbrite page, and each general admission ticket costs $32.77.
Up-to-date information on the museum’s exhibits, hours of operation, policies, parking and more can be found on their website.
3. The Temple Denver
The former temple turned “art haven” serves as a gallery and workshop space. According to their Instagram page, The Temple features contemporary art from more than 20 resident artists and other local creative organizations who work with all types of media.
More information on each artist with work on display can be found on The Temple’s website. Information about The Temple’s upcoming events, which include film screenings and opening receptions, can be found on their Instagram page.
4. Bourbon Grill
According to their Uber Eats description, Bourbon Grill is a Southern comfort food restaurant known for its bourbon chicken. The restaurant used to be a small walk-up establishment before moving into a full location.
According to their website, Bourbon Grill offers pickup and delivery options. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
5. Lunchboxx
According to their website, Lunchboxx is a restaurant that focuses on childhood nostalgia and refreshed world cuisine concepts. They are in the Denver Central Market and offer dishes in a variety of portion sizes.
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, but customers can place online orders or dine-in Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
6. Yazoo BBQ Company
Evans recommended Yazoo BBQ Company, a Southern barbeque restaurant that claims pulled pork is what they “do better than anyone in town” on their “About Us” page.
The restaurant offers ribs, pulled pork, other smoked meat dishes and several sides. They note that they regularly sell out of almost everything daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers can view their menu, and order pickup, delivery and catering through their website.
According to their Facebook page, Yazoo BBQ Company is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7. Pho & Bar
According to their website, Pho & Bar has been serving traditional Vietnamese food with unique additions in Denver since 2020.
The restaurant pairs family Vietnamese recipes with cocktails and local beer options.
Pho & Bar allows customers to order online through their website. According to Yelp, the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays; they are also open on weekends from noon to 9:30 p.m.
