Restaurant Rumblings

The Hot Spot Downtown
Dare we say downtown Louisville is becoming chic? Walking along the quaint Main Street, it’s hard to argue that there’s a more hip Old Town in the North Metro area. The latest addition, The Empire Restaurant, is set to open in the space formerly occupied by Main Street mainstay Pasquini’s. Brendan McManus, who was director of operations for the entire Big Red F group, opens the upscale yet affordable neighborhood American grill in mid-December. It’ll feature a local, organic menu created by chef Jim Cohen, who’s worked Tante Louise in Denver, Phoenician in Phoenix, Caesar’s Palace in Vegas and has been a James Beard nominee. For more on Empire, 816 Main St., Louisville, call 303.665.2521.

High Steaks
Hunter’s Restaurant & Pub used to have one of those menus that had a little bit of everything. With a new chef and manager joining the staff last month, it has focused its menu, transitioning into a classic Colorado chophouse. Chef John Duran comes from Sullivan’s Steakhouse downtown, and manager and sommelier Eric Mohn, who most recently worked at Treppeda’s in Niwot, has revamped the wine list, too. For more on Hunter’s Restaurant & Pub, 600 S. Airport Road, Longmont, call 303.485.9980.

One Year Old And Growing
Most restaurants are just happy to make it to birthday No. 1. Sugarbeet celebrated one year in business on Dec. 6 as Longmont’s seasonal American eatery where it was nearly impossible to get a table on a weekend night. The birthday came knowing relief was near as a renovation that will double seating to more than 80 was nearly finished (it’l be wrapped up by early January). For more on Sugarbeet, 101 Pratt St. Unit A, Longmont, call 303.651.3330