After almost thirty years, the Hornet has taken off from the corner of First and Broadway.
matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.For decades, the Hornet has amused patrons and passersby alike with the messages on the sign outside the restaurant at 76 Broadway.
But the sign that went up last week was not so amusing:"Thanks Denver! Come & Say Bye."; the building it had called home for almost thirty years was sold this spring, and the restaurant itself had been put up for sale. But instead, the owners opted to close, putting this message on social media:"While many things have changed and become more complicated over the years at 1st & Broadway, we would prefer to celebrate all of the amazing times that you shared with us." The owners still have Acova at 3651 Navajo Street, in a neighborhood that's changing but doesn't face the same challenges of street construction and crime thatThe Hornet was one of the best places in Denver and will be greatly missed. We’re going to be lost without it.I had a love-hate relationship with The Hornet. I've had some good times and some equally irritating and downright heartbreaking moments there. Nonetheless, the Hornet was always there, on that one corner, on Broadway. As I recall, there were multiple crashes into its picture windows, and it came back every time. It survived COVId, a time where several better restaurants crashed. Despite all that, I would see it on my way home every weekend, reminding me I am in Denver. Until now.I live right around the corner. This neighborhood has changed so much over the past few years, and not for the better. This is the last straw. Such a great Broadway institution with an awesome owner and staff.That area is getting gentrified and no one is stopping it. First it's a Punch Bowl, then it's a Snooze. Suddenly what made that area special and unique is fried off. And not a mention of this in the article.Now it will be upscale condos and other businesses you can ignore, then tell everyone about it when those businesses don't succeed, either.I remember when it was Mary and Lou's...open real late; we would go after a night out at Herman Hidaway with the Aviators. They had grits!Did you ever visit Mary and Lou's? How about the Hornet? It almost made it to its thirtieth birthday before closing for good on August 9. What will be your go-to on Broadway now? Post a comment or share your thoughts at. Westword may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. ©2025 Denver Westword, LLC. All rights reserved.
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