Castle Rock Crew #039

Hope you’ve been enjoying this beautiful weather as much as I have. Sunday was already a perfect fall day, made even better with The Gilmore and a slice of pumpkin coffee cake from COFF33. The Gilmore did not disappoint (as expected), and I’d definitely recommend grabbing one and then heading to the Festival Park Farmer’s Market like I did (Sundays only). The last market is October 12th, so make sure to catch it while you still can (the Saturday one at the Fairgrounds last day is October 4th)! If I’m downtown again, I’ve got my eye on their Carrot Cake Drink next…

A New Restaurant Opening, Restaurant Week, and Michelin Stars

After years of construction (and plenty of buzz), The Brinkerhoff is finally open. It’s the latest concept from William and Mark Brinkerhoff, the team behind Savina’s (formerly La Loma) and Sierra. Next door, Bar Hummingbird is slated to open this winter as a 9,000+ square foot event space, while The Brinkerhoff itself is a more intimate restaurant with 2,600-square-feet of eating space.

We didn’t wait—went the first Monday after opening and snagged a 5:30pm reservation. The view hits first: the Front Range fills the windows. The design leans on Mexico City steakhouse style — cantera stone, stadium-style booths, and an open kitchen pulling it all together.

The menu hits a wide range: prime steaks, wood-fired mains, seafood, and sushi flown in daily. We started with sushi (very solid) and shareables like the burrata — an easy 10/10 recommend — you can tell they really focus on sourcing quality ingredients. Me, I’m a sucker for French Dips, so I always order them to compare across town, and The Brinkerhoff’s stacked up. The glazed Wagyu short ribs and jumbo crab cakes are next on my hit list.

A side of the royal creamed spinach rounded things out. And because I have no self-control, the table split the Blue Ribbon Carrot Cake — huge and worth every bite.

Drinks deserve their own mention. The cocktail list is loaded, including a Barrel Aged Maverick they literally cap at two per person. What’s in it? Jet fuel? Guess I’ll have to go back and find out. The wine list runs deep across the usual suspects: France, Italy, California, and New Zealand with Oregon, Washington, and Argentina each sneaking on with one. Beer, sake, and mocktails are also in the mix.

The Brinkerhoff is designed as both a tribute and a gathering place. Photos of the Brinkerhoff family, nods to their hospitality legacy, and the open kitchen setup all reinforce that this isn’t just another steakhouse — it’s a destination.

Links: Menu. Instagram. Facebook. Website.

I took more videos than photos so if you want to see more, check out our Instagram post.

Castle Rock’s Restaurant Week is back October 5th–11th. Participating restaurants will each offer a special menu item, though as of now, I haven’t seen any posted online. If those details drop, we’ll include them in the October 7th issue.

Participating spots include: Angie’s, Arayes, B’s Deli, B&B Cafe, BAGL, Bien Y Tu, Block & Bottle, Castle Cafe, Courtyard Social, Dos Santos, Gluttony & Glaze, Granelli’s, Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse, Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church, The Office Co. Bar & Kitchen, Union American Bistro, Wide Awake Eatery, Wild Blue Yonder, and Z’Abbracci.

Even without preview menus, it’s still a chance to support independent local restaurants and maybe discover a new favorite. Here’s a sneak preview from Downtown Castle Rock.

The MICHELIN Guide Colorado 2025 brought some big news. For the first time, a Colorado restaurant has earned Two Stars: The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver leveled up from its previous one-star rating.

Three new restaurants earned their first star this year:

• Kizaki (Denver) — elevated omakase sushi from Chef Toshi Kizaki.

• Margot (Denver) — contemporary seasonal tasting menu at an intimate eight-seat counter.

• Mezcaleria Alma (Denver) — mezcal-focused spot with Mexico City–inspired flavors.

Several familiar names retained their stars, including Alma Fonda Fina, Beckon, Bosq, Brutø, and Frasca Food & Wine.

You can see the full list and details here: Michelin Guide official announcement

Pet Adoptions

Jack and Frosty sound like winter, but they’re looking for a cozy home this fall.

Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]

Sports

Broncos - The Broncos bounced back with a big win (28-3) over a leaderless team in the Bengals without Joe Burrow (so sad, I have Ja’Marr Chase on my fantasy team)…we’re now sitting at 2-2…J.K. Dobbins is looking great and is the first 100-yard rusher for the Broncos in the last 38 games…as it relates to our division rivals, Kansas City handled the Ravens decisively, the Chargers got upset by the Giants somehow, and the Raiders lost a close one to the Bears…we now face the Eagles, this Sunday at 11:00am.

Nuggets - we’ve got preseason games starting this Saturday, October 4th at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Looking forward to seeing how all the new pieces fit, but I’m very optimistic…if you were worried that Jokić didn’t sign an extension this offseason, you can rest assured after he stated on Media Day that he wants to be with the Nuggets forever — he must just be waiting to sign an even bigger extension…preseason will continue away against the Raptors on Monday, October 6th. Regular season begins with a game on the road against the Warriors on Thursday, October 23rd.

Avalanche - got a solid W against the Stars in preseason (4-1) this past weekend…we take on the Golden Knights tonight — Tuesday, September 30th in a preseason game. We’ll face them and the Stars one more time in preseason before we’re fully into the regular season (schedule here), which we’ll start on the road against the Kings on Tuesday, October 7th.

Rockies - Rockies wrap up the year getting swept by the Giants…they managed to avoid finishing with the most losses of the last 125 years, even though they tried their best by going 4-21 in September…they finished at 43-119, which is tied for the third-worst record since 1901, by getting swept by the Giants. However, the Rockies not only secured a record, but they blew the previous one out of the water, by having the worst run differential in history at 424…the second worst run differential was 345 — held by the 1934 Boston Red Sox.…now we get to watch our divisional brethren tear up the playoffs. Anyone joining me in rooting for the Padres?

Rapids - remain at 8th in the Western conference after a draw against Minnesota (1-1). They face Real Salt Lake (11th in the West) this Saturday, October 4th. Their record of 11-14-7 and 40 points keeps them 2 points in front of both San Jose and Dallas. It’d be nice to see them get at least one more win here as the season winds down (Decision Day is October 18th)..

Sabercats Football - the Sabercats are now 2-3 after a pretty big loss to Legend (55-13). They’ve got their first league matchup on the road against Fruita Monument this Thursday, October 2nd at 6:00pm. Check out their schedule here.

Huskies Football - the Huskies are 4-1 after a solid win against Chatfield this past week (44-20). They kick off league play this week when they host Fountain-Fort Carson on Friday, October 3rd at 7:00pm. Check out their schedule here.

The Bulletin

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Reach out for a spot on the bulletin!

Events:

Tuesday, 9/30:

The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm–7:00pm

Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

Bien y Tu (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - 50¢ Wings - 3:00pm–10:00pm

Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Cantril School - 2025 State of the Town - 6:00pm–7:00pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Circus of Horror - 6:00pm & 8:30pm - tickets

I.C. Brewhouse - Trivia - 6:30pm

Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm

Wednesday, 10/1:

McDonald’s–Factory Shops - Coffee with a Cop - 9:00am–10:30am

CALF’s Lowell Ranch - Community Planting Day - 9:00am–12:00pm- tickets 

Castlewood Canyon - Free Hike - 9:30am–12:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)

105 West Brewing - Trails N’ Ales (Mountain Bike) - 6:00pm–7:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Musical Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - “Painting with Wool” Workshop - 6:00pm–9:00pm - tickets 

Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales of Castle Rock - 7:00pm–8:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday, 10/2:

CALF’s Lowell Ranch - Community Planting Day - 9:00am–12:00pm - tickets

Douglas County Libraries | Castle Pines - A Taste of Autumn - 2:00pm–3:30pm

Station 153 - District 5 Open House with Councilmember Max Brooks - 4:00pm–6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm

Hideaway Bar and Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:00pm–12:00am

Friday, 10/3:

Gilly’s Pumpkin Patch – Gilly's Pumpkin Patch - 10:00am (Fri-Sat) - tickets

Spray Castle Rock - Spray Turns Two - 5:00pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder Mystery ~ Ultimate 80’s Party - 6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: Winchester Road - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds - Paranormal Cirque - 7:30pm - tickets

Sinners & Saints - Live at the Altar: Tyler Stanfield - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 10/4:

Miller Park - Castle Rock Trail Festival - 6:00am–3:30pm

Fairgrounds – Castle Rock Farmer’s Market – 8:00am–12:00pm

Castle Rock Fit Body Boot Camp - Grand Opening - 10:00am–12:00pm

Outlets at Castle Rock - Shopping Extravaganza - 10:00am–6:00pm

Happy Dog Ranch - Fall Festival - 11:00am–3:00pm

105 West Brewing - Oktoberfest - All Day

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - Knights of Columbus Charity Wine Tasting Event - 12:00pm–3:30pm - tickets

Garner and Gather - Cozy Cowgirl Soiree - 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets

CALF’s Lowell Ranch - Mile Hi Cattlewomen Banquet - 5:00pm–9:00pm - tickets

105 West Brewing - Live Music: Jax Jordening - 6:30pm–9:30pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds - Paranormal Cirque - 6:30pm & 9:30pm - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Off Ramp - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Sinners & Saints Cocktail Lounge - Live DJ in the Lounge with ‘DJ Max’ - 9:00pm–close

Sunday, 10/5:

Downtown - Restaurant Week - October 5th-11th

Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm

Lost Canyon Ranch - Fall Colors Guided Hike - 9:30am–12:00pm - tickets

Monday, 10/6:

Downtown Castle Rock - Restaurant Week - All Day 

105 West Brewing - Trails N’ Ales (Run Club) - 6:00pm–7:00pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds - Paranormal Cirque - 7:30pm - tickets

Heads up on events that are further out:

Downtown - Restaurant Week - October 5th-11th

LaLa's - Fall Wreath Workshop - Oct 10th, 11:00am–1:00pm

Fairgrounds - Castle Rock Homeshow - Oct 10th, 12:00pm–6:00pm - Oct 11th, 10:00am–5:00pm - Oct 12th, 11:00am–4:00pm

Castle Rock, CO - Gilly's Pumpkin Patch - Oct 10th & 11th - 10:00am (Fri-Sat) - tickets

Cantril School (TAP) - Canvas & Coffee: Ghoulish Merrymaking - Oct 11th, 9:30am–12:00pm

Emporium - No Tricks, Just Treats - Oct 16th, 4:00pm–7:00pm

Miller Park - Spooktacular - Oct 18th, 1:00pm–4:00pm

Festival Park - Fall Festival Featuring Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock - Oct 19th, 10:00am–3:00pm

Festival Park - Fangtastic Festival - Oct 24th, 12:00pm–3:00pm

Village Square Shopping Center - Bonfire, BBQ, and Brews - Oct 24th, 5:00pm–7:00pm

Clear Sky Elementary - Fall Festival - Oct 24th, 5:00pm–7:00pm

Gateway Classic Cars - Caffeine & Chrome - Oct 25th, 9:00am–12:00pm - tickets

Village Square Shopping Center - Fall Festival, Trick or Treat Street, and Pumpkin Race - October 25th - 10:00am-2:00pm

Main Street Elizabeth - Harvest Festival Chamber Boo Bash - October 25th - 10:00am–3:30pm

Mile High Equestrian & Rescue - Hallowhinny Pony Rides & Trunk-or-Treat! - Oct 25th, 2:00pm–5:00pm - tickets 

Lost Canyon Ranch - Wild Rumpus Halloween Bash 21+ - Oct 25th, 4:00pm–8:00pm

Lone Creek Farms (Franktown) - Fall Festival - Wednesdays-Sundays until Nov 2nd, 10:00am–5:00pm (Wed/Thur) and 10:00am–7:00pm (Fri-Sun)

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Nov 21st, 6:00pm - tickets (ALWAYS SELL OUT, SO BUY AHEAD OF TIME)

Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop - subscribe below

Red Rocks - Bert Kreischer World Tour - Oct 1th, 7:30pm - tickets 

Colorado Convention Center - Great American Beer Festival - October 9th-11th - tickets

Various Breweries (one in Parker) - Cult of Cthulhu - An Immersive Horror Comedy by the Colorado Theatre Guild - October 10th-November 1st

Red Rocks - Run the Rocks: Supporting the American Lung Association - Oct 12th, 7:30am - sponsorship opportunities are available

Tagawa Gardens (Centennial) - Boo Hollow - October 17th-19th - 11:00am-4:00pm

⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.

Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]

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