Okinawa’s Colfax location has closed.
Molly Martin
This week, we said goodbye to 2025 — a year that brought over 300 new bars and restaurants to the scene, while over 170 gave up the ghost.
Most weeks, openings outpaced closures — but 2026 is already starting with more losses than gains in the dining scene. Among the five spots that shuttered as we rang in 2026 was Okinawa Japanese Cuisine’s Colfax location, which is under the same ownership as the new Ma’s Kitchen, a dim sum spot next door that was among the best new restaurants of 2025. The owners promise “big news” about the plans for the space coming soon. (If you’re looking for a sushi alternative in the neighborhood, check out Japon, which opened in November.)
Sukoon Neighborhood Indian Flavor in Englewood closed on December 27. “This decision was not made lightly,” it shared in a statement on its website. “Over the years, Sukoon became much more than a restaurant to us. It became a place of connection, comfort, celebration, and community. We are profoundly grateful to every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, and supported us with kind words and encouragement. … While this chapter is coming to a close, we would love to continue serving you at our sister restaurant nearby, Zaika Littleton, where the same passion for Indian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality continues.”
RiNo bar Lustre Pearl poured its last drink on New Year’s Eve, closing after eight years in business. “From the first cheers to the wild nights, this place has been more than just a bar — it’s been a home, a sanctuary, and a gathering spot for so many amazing people,” reads the Instagram announcement. “To all the badass staff throughout the years: your hard work, dedication, and love made this place truly special— we have become family and that will never change. We’re deeply grateful to our loyal patrons, the regulars who became family, the fantastic hospitality workers who made every night special and wild, the DJs, the bands, and every single person who walked through our doors. We’ve shared laughter, stories, drinks, hot dogs, and unforgettable memories that will last on the block forever.”
As anticipated, the Frasca group’s Sunday Vinyl also closed after one last New Year’s Eve. It’s set to become La Casina, a private dining and events space for its next-door sister spot, Tavernetta. Another watering hole, Thirsty Bear Bar & Grill in Lakewood, has also shut its doors.
We reported three openings this week: indoor golf bar Brews N Birdies debuted on New Year’s Eve in Ballpark; boba shop Might Tea Samurai celebrates its grand opening on Broadway on January 3; and pickleball-centric entertainment complex Moodswing is also hosting its long-awaited grand opening on January 3.
In other openings and closings news:
Moodswing is finally ready for its debut.
Here’s the complete list of restaurants and bars that opened and closed this week*:
Openings
Brews N Birdies, 2156 Larimer Street
Might Tea Samurai, 1100 Broadway
Moodswing, 3625 East 48th Avenue
Closures
Lustre Pearl, 1315 26th Street
Okinawa Japanese Cuisine, 2301 East Colfax Avenue
Sukoon Neighborhood Indian Flavor, 101 W Hampden Place, Englewood
Sunday Vinyl, 1803 16th Street Mall
Thirsty Bear Bar & Grill, 2595 South Lewis Way, Lakewood
*Or earlier and not previously reported.
Know of something we missed? Email cafe@westword.com.
AloJapan.com