If you thought food businesses were put on pause during the shutdown, think again. Before reopening at the end of May or later, these restaurant owners and out-of-work chefs have gotten creative with mobile operations, walk-up windows and delivery services. They’re thinking niche, making everything from East Coast subs to fancy hot dogs, ice cream and Hawaiian shave ice. Here are eight to try in the next month.
Jabroni & Sons sandwiches
Highland
This East Coast-style sandwich shop sells giant eggplant parm hoagies, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, classic Italian hoagies and more from outside Bar Dough in Lower Highland. Sandwiches cost $12-$16 and crab chips with “American whiz” come on the side ($6). After several days of selling out almost instantly, Jabroni & Sons is now . Take advantage of Bar Dough’s full bar while you’re there with Genesee, Aperol spritzes and a few house wine bottles.
2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506, 11 a.m. until sell-out Tuesday-Saturday,
Dill & Dough pierogis
East Colfax
Misfit Snackbar is a decadent little food counter in its own right, but the chef’s new pierogi menu is an easy take-home treat for the shutdown. Try potato and gruyere ($15) or pepperoni pizza ($18), and then go for Russian pelmeni in varieties like lamb and feta ($20) or spinach and quark ($18). Tip: Order negronis to-go from Middleman Bar when you pick up your food.
3401 E. Colfax Ave., 201-679-7079, 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday,
Kitsune Bento
River North
For the prettiest fresh bento boxes, head to Kitsune at American Bonded’s bar (or order delivery). Choose from four weekly boxes ($12-$17) and find yours chock-full of curries, fried shrimp, noodle salads and more alongside veggies pickled, fresh and grilled, plus tempura, sashimi and a matcha dessert.
2706 Larimer St., 303-868-3703, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday,
Burro Rito burritos
River North
Burritos are on the menu through May 21 from the restaurant Fish N Beer on Larimer Street. The special combines Fish N Beer’s seafood focus with sister restaurant Tacos Tequila Whiskey’s Mexican street food. Try fish-filled twists like the guajillo-crusted seared ahi tuna with ponzu sauce, lime and herb rice, black beans, chipotle mayo and tobiko ($10). On weekends, go for breakfast burritos like the walnut-chorizo with potatoes, scrambled eggs, Monterey Jack cheese and chipotle-tomato sauce ($6). For dessert, try the horchata rice crispies ($2.25).
3510 Larimer St., walk-up only, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, breakfast from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday,
Pintap Peak Ice Cream
Delivers around Denver
An “underground” ice cream startup by local pastry chef Caitlin Howington, Pintap Peak delivers small-batch ice creams to your doorstep twice weekly during the shutdown. Current flavors are espresso vanilla bean, hibiscus margarita sorbet, mint chip cookie and lemon meringue pie (all $10).
Order at , delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays
Fancy Hot Dogs
Highland
At the Truffle Table’s back window in Lower Highland, you’ll find 10 different hot dog variations. The namesake Fancy Dog comes topped in peanut butter miso, mayo and cilantro ($6.50). The Completo comes with avocado, tomato, mayo, sauerkraut and special sauce ($7). Also find meatless, gluten-free and “double down” options if you’re especially hungry.
2556 15th St., 303-455-9463, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday,
A Reuben from Steuben’s
Uptown
For one day only, on Friday, May 15, Steuben’s is bringing back its lunch service to-go with a Reuben special. Diners will get the house-cured pastrami sandwich with chips and sour pickles, a black and white cookie and Boylan soda, all for $15.
523 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-1001, 11 a.m. to sold out Friday, May 15,
Punch Buggy Shave Ice
Louisville
Kicking off for the season on Friday, May 15, this Hawaiian-style shave ice should be a welcome relief. Try summery classic flavors like strawberry, cherry and lemon or spring for yuzu citrus, lilikoi and mango bowls. Layer them with vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut and haupia whipped cream.
640 Main St., Louisville, 720-998-5817, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Thursday,1 1 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday,