As has become an all-too familiar story, Encore owners and siblings Paul and Aileen Reilly announced on Friday that failed lease negotiations forced the restaurant’s closure. But the Reillys didn’t go silently: They served huge crowds Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with patrons flooding through the doors to show their support. I went for their last service—Sunday brunch—and the Colfax eatery was on a 90-minute wait. The first thing to sell out: The legendary bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers.

The five-year-old Encore (which the Reillys purchased in 2010) has become more than a restaurant, it has become a community gathering spot and a platform for chef Paul’s creative, sometimes tongue-in-cheek seasonal American cuisine.

The good news: The Reillys have been shopping locations (including the former JR’s space on 17th Avenue) for as long as a year and will be back in business. I just hope it’s soon. In the meantime, I had my fill of the fantastic thin-cut fries with hot mustard drizzle (pictured) yesterday.

Follow Encore on Facebook and Twitter for information about the new location.

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.