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If you haven’t driven west on Colfax recently, you’re missing out. Sloan’s Lake is poised to become Denver’s next big ‘hood. Proof: Tap & Burger opened a second outpost there last year; in May, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chose the neighborhood for its second Colorado location; the 40 West Arts District continues to grow; and the Inventing Room Dessert Shop and Little Man Ice Cream are both poised to enter the area in the coming months.
Even with all that growth, residents were sorely missing grab-and-go food options. That began to change when Even Stevens—a three-year-old Salt Lake City-based casual sandwich chain—opened its first Colorado location in August. Though sandwiches are the focus, the fast-casual eatery also serves a creative selection of salads, breakfast and brunch eats, and sides—yes, you can order tater tots topped with beer cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. As far as the between bread options go, we’re fans of the banh mi and the Turkey Day, which ditches the turkey sandwich’s expected mayo and mustard for a sweet-and-spicy punch of slow-roasted tomato spread and cran-peño jelly. Dress up your order by pairing it with a can of the Infinite Monkey Theorem wine or a craft beer, like Renegade Brewing Company’s 1916 Colorado Lager.
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Nothing on the menu tops $9, but that’s not even the best news. The best thing about Even Stevens is its philanthropy: For every sandwich sold, the company donates a sandwich to neighborhood nonprofits. “We saw Denver as a place where we know we can do good and do well, not only [when it comes to] achieving our goals/aspirations/missions, but [through] getting directly involved in helping achieve the goals and aspirations of our neighborhood at the same time,” says Michael McHenry, co-founder and president of Even Stevens. To that end, the Sloan’s Lake location—like all Even Stevens’ venues—has four local nonprofit partners: Action Center, Bienvenidos Food Bank, Grant Street Reach, and Sun Valley Youth Center. “Every time a customer comes in and purchases, it turns that customer into a benefactor,” McHenry says.
Knowing that our hunger pangs are helping local organizations makes the unlimited French toast brunch (plus $3 mimosas) so much sweeter.
Head Up: If you don’t live near Sloan’s Lake, don’t sweat it. McHenry says the company expects to eventually have five to six Even Stevens in the Centennial State. The RiNo location should open in early 2018, and there are negotiations underway for a Capitol Hill space too.
(Check out our guide to Sloan’s Lake.)
4245 W. Colfax Ave., 720-251-2467
