These Five 'Top Chef' Contestants Have Restaurants in Colorado

Top Chef is an intense cooking competition that’s been going strong since 2010. Throughout its time, many contestants have come and gone from the show, but many of them have started their own successful restaurants.

A couple of them come from Colorado, and have opened their own places that serve up some incredible fine dining experiences.

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Food & Wine, who sings the praises of Colorado’s culinary scene, created a list of restaurants and contestants that are from the state of Colorado.

In honor of the show’s 14th season that is set to premiere this year, let's take a look at five Colorado contestants and check out their restaurants.

Four by Brother Luck, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Facebook // Four by Brother Luck

Brother Luck is from Colorado Springs, and has become quite the celebrity not just in the Colorado culinary scene, but across the United States as well.

He appeared on Top Chef: Colorado back in 2017. He’s actually been on quite a few different cooking shows, winning the show Beat Bobby Flay.

One of his restaurants, Four by Brother Luck, lives right in the heart of the Springs.You can get a four course meal that is truly something to marvel at.

Fox and the Hen, Denver, Colorado

Facebook // Fox and the Hen

Carrie Baird also appeared on Season 15 of Top Chef: Colorado, where she placed as a finalist. She also has been a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award, particularly for Best Chef Mountain in 2019.

Her new restaurant, Fox and the Hen, just opened in Denver early in 2023. It’s a breakfast spot, and has gained quite a bit of acclaim. According to Baird, it was always a dream of her’s to open a breakfast restaurant.

Rioja, Denver, Colorado

Facebook // Rioja

Rioja is owned by Jen Jasinski, who not only appeared on Top Chef’s Master series and as a guest on season 15, but has become one of the most respected chefs in the country. She has won the James Beard Award for Best Southwest Chef in the past.

Not only has Rioja been voted as the most romantic restaurant in Colorado, but it also has a fantastic menu and a great story as well.

Blackbelly, Boulder, Colorado

Facebook // Blackbelly

Blackbelly was started up by Season 5 competitor, Hosea Rosenberg. He launched it back in 2014 with the goal of being one of the premiere spots for steak and meat in the state. He wanted to make the transition from catering to opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

While you can get a wide selection on the menu, Blackbelly has some of the finest cuts of meat you can find anywhere in Colorado, so meat lovers will find happiness here.

221 South Oak, Telluride, Colorado

Facebook // 221 South Oak Bistro

221 South Oak was started by Eliza Gavin, who competed on Top Chef during Season 10. She says the experience was not only great for her career, but she also was able to take a step back from her business ventures and rekindle her passion for cooking.

221 South Oak offers a wide selection on their menu, ranging from poultry, seafood, beef, and game, along with a full vegetarian menu.

20 Colorado Restaurants That Would Be Perfect for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

We know how much Guy Fieri loves visiting Colorado from all of the trips he’s made in the past, but we think it’s time he comes back to see the other options the state has to offer.

We’ve compiled a list of 20 restaurants that have yet to be featured on Food Network’s hit show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Not only are these local favorites Guy Fieri would certainly love, but its places you should go out of your way to support as well.

If we missed your favorite local spot, make sure to let us know.

Gallery Credit: David Damuth