Globeville, the tiny hamlet just northwest of the National Western Complex, recently received a much-needed revival after the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver built 11 new homes and refurbished 15 more in the heart of the neighborhood. Now, more than ever, the spruced-up main street is open for business, including a bar and restaurant known as Crash 45. With a cool, gritty vibe, antique bar, good food, great staff, and a gallery of eclectic metalwork, it’s a spot that feels like a best-kept secret.

When Crash 45 took over the space (which once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition) in 2011, owner Shane Evans originally recruited chef Wade Kirwin (of Beast & Bottle, Vesta Dipping Grill, and Adrift) to help him man the place. The current toque, Patrick Karbon, still pays tribute to Kirwin’s creations with the Crash Burger, a grass-fed beef burger with roasted poblanos, jalapeño cream cheese, and caramelized onions on a griddled onion bun.

Also tops on the current menu are the handmade, steamed and fried potato-and-cheese pierogies, served with caramelized onions, sour cream, and a secret dipping sauce. The dish, like many on the menu, pays tribute to the Eastern European heritage of the original Globeville inhabitants who came to the area in 1885 to work at the Globe Smelter Company.

321 E. 45th St.,, 303-955-2835

—Photo via Shutterstock