The former Secret Garden Bar & Cafe overlooking Cheesman Park reopens Thursday under new ownership and a new name.
Why it matters: Its abrupt closure last fall left Denverites mourning one of the city’s most scenic spots to sip coffee and cocktails. But now, less than a year later, the historic space is coming back to life.
The big picture: The Carriage House is a European-inspired neighborhood cafe from Denver entrepreneur John Goscha, who lives nearby, and hospitality veteran Jake Riederer, whose résumé includes Work & Class and Congress Park Market.
- It occupies the annex of the iconic Tears-McFarlane House, an 1899 mansion on the edge of Cheesman Park that became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Zoom in: The cafe will serve coffee, wine, beer, sandwiches, salads, pastries from Black Box Bakery and other all-day fare.
- James Beard semifinalist and baker Melissa Yanc helped develop the menu, which includes a French onion grilled cheese served with onion consommé for dipping and a $10 trio of focaccia toastettes, topped with combos like whipped ricotta and pepper jam or garlic-pistachio butter with balsamic reduction.
- The interior’s also been completely refreshed with white marble counters, checkerboard floors, vintage mirrors, glass light fixtures and wainscoted walls inspired by European cafés.
What’s next: A second phase is slated for September, when the Carriage House plans to debut a full cocktail bar, expanded indoor seating and a heartier menu…