Golden is typically known for the brainiacs who attend Colorado School of Mines, explorers who venture up Lookout Mountain or those just passing through. However, with the addition of its new food hall and brewery, it has become a place to stay for a while and enjoy company. Activities are abundant, ranging from lounging on the rooftop patio, finding a favorite beer on their self-serve beer wall, or exploring the diverse range of foods housed at the Golden Mill.
This revamped building represents the growth of Golden and the strengthening of its community. It is located just off the main road and beside the river that runs through town, making it a mountain oasis and creating the perfect Colorado backdrop.
The town has been excitedly waiting for this spot to open up after the property was bought four years ago. After a relaxed and private soft open, the public is now welcome as of April 9.
At the front patio, families, dates and even dogs can get some fresh air as spring transitions to summer. It emulates a neighborhood cookout, with garland lights, a gas grill, and koozies for drinks. The landmark sign out back highlights the Mill’s rich history and the prospects of building a long-standing legacy.
Large garage doors stand in for windows on the main floor where live music is played and local art is displayed. Off to the side, there is a row of taps where patrons can find the beverage of their choice.
The Golden Mill is even easier to enjoy when you get one of their cards. It acts like a credit card for the entire place—one tap, and it’s on the tab.
Their drink options are as extensive as the food that is housed in the hall. Jesusio Silva, a Denver chef that has curated stands at the Broadway Market, brings his expertise to Golden to build out the food scene. He hosts a taco stand, Asian-style fried chicken and a delicate sushi bar.
While each provides a unique atmosphere to the Mill, they are all rooted in detailed technique and bold flavors that tie them together. Republik of Chiken brings in both types of KFC with Korean and Kentucky influencing their fried birds. A classic sandwich comes with pickles while his South K sandwich has an extra sourness from kimchi.
Silva brings Mexican flavors into the mix with street-style tacos and gorditas, thick tortillas similar to a Venezuela arepa. Either option contains soulful spices and chiles. The aroma of this stand sticks out because most of the proteins are cooked with onions, garlic and dried chiles. The birria taco has notes of guajillo peppers which perfume the dish. The braised chicken tinga has cumin, paprika and cinnamon to name a few spices.
Upstairs, Silva shows his artistic craft as he plates rolls of nigiri and house special rolls. He makes sure to expand on the combinations that can be found elsewhere and bring his own ingenuity to this spot. Instead of automatically picking shrimp tempura, his tropical coconut roll is paired with tempura salmon, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado and spicy mayo that has toasted coconut rice offering sweet and crunchy undertones.
Not many sushi restaurants boast the sweet and simple butteriness of scallop in rolls, but Silva honored the Mill by combining scallops, asparagus and yellowtail in a tribute to the Golden name for one of his signature rolls.
While Silva has definitely been a major contribution to the Mill, he welcomed dear friends to share the space with him. This includes a true country cook-out with Rolling Smoke BBQ. The burnt ends are exceptional. The fatty cap of the brisket has a flavorful crust while remaining immensely juicy.
Their final vendor is sure to leave a smile on your face from the surreal swirls coming from Happy Cones. The experts of New Zealand-style ice cream have expanded from their truck and Edgewater location to ensure more Coloradans can experience a short trip to New Zealand. The chocolate and vanilla swirl is common, but at Happy Cones, their ice cream has a beautiful magenta color from the berries that make up their flavors.
It’s refreshing for hot days after a hike, but when a bit more sugar is needed, their hokey-pokey does the trick. Homemade honeycomb has air bubbles that give the caramel a slight crunch when it decorates its sweet cream base. This unique sweet can be added to any cone.
While local dairy is the primary ingredient for many of their offers, their vegan scoops maintain the same velvety texture. Their chocolate coconut has richness, while the passion fruit coconut seems like a cross between gelato and sorbet in the best way.
Golden Mill is a place to stop in for a lunch break or treat at the end of a long day. With all the amenities and atmosphere, it’s hard not to want to meet up with friends to spend all afternoon and explore what it has to offer.
