Ajax Downtown Ignites LoDo

Ajax Downtown Ignites LoDo: Aspen’s Culinary Fire Blazes into Denver

Denver’s Union Station is about to feel the heat with the opening of Ajax Downtown, the red-hot new spot from the masterminds behind Aspen’s iconic Ajax Tavern. But this isn’t just a place to grab a bite—It’s a live-fire spectacle where every dish sizzles with smoky, flame-kissed goodness.

Imagine the vibrant energy of the Rockies blending with the bold flavors of Colorado, all wrapped up in the warm embrace of a crackling fire. Now that’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

At Ajax Downtown, the Josper grill isn’t just for cooking—It’s a magician, turning fresh ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces. Picture salads with that perfect hint of char, meats that are kissed by fire until they’re golden and juicy, and even desserts with a whisper of smoke.

The Josper, a Spanish beauty that blends grill and oven, transforms every dish with a touch of fiery magic. Whether you’re tearing into smoky sourdough or savoring a ribeye seared to perfection, the fire’s warmth is at the heart of every bite.

Locally Sourced Goodness, Flamed to Perfection

Of course, it’s not all about the fire—The ingredients are just as important. Chef Jared Becker’s menu is a tribute to Colorado’s bounty, where every sun-ripened tomato, grass-fed beef, and crisp farm-fresh vegetable is chosen with care.

Think of it as a love letter to the land, with every ingredient hand-picked and enhanced by the gentle caress of open flames.

Leading this fiery kitchen is Executive Chef Jared Becker, who sees the grill as his canvas and flame as his paintbrush. His philosophy is simple: Let nature’s finest ingredients shine with just the right amount of fire to unlock their deepest, most delicious flavors.

Whether it’s tender Rocky Mountain-raised meats or crisp seasonal veggies, everything gets the fire treatment, coaxing out rich, complex flavors that will have you craving more with every bite.

The menu at Ajax Downtown reads like a symphony of flavors—each dish a smoky, mouthwatering composition. Start with the Coal Oven Baked Sourdough, made with heirloom grains from Dry Storage. Its crust snaps and crackles under your fingers like a campfire, while the interior is impossibly soft and subtly smoky, begging for a swipe of creamy butter. Or dive into the Mesquite Smoked Chicken, where the Josper grill works its magic, giving the golden skin a caramelized finish that’s both sweet and savory.

Vegetarians and vegans? Don’t you worry darlings—you’re not forgotten. The Ember Roasted Beets pair their earthy sweetness with flamed goat cheese, creating a perfect harmony of smoky, creamy, and tangy. And the Fire-Baked Cauliflower, drizzled with spicy harissa yogurt, delivers a satisfying crunch with a fiery kick that lingers on your palate, leaving you reaching for another bite.

But the true showstopper? The 100-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye. This marvel of marbling is seared to a crust so perfect; it traps the buttery richness inside. Each slice melts on your tongue, with the deep, smoky flavor of the grill coming through in every delicious bite. It’s a communal dish that promises to leave no plate untouched.
Even lunch is an adventure at Ajax Downtown.

The House Made English Muffin BLT takes crispy bacon, ripe, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce and sandwiches them between a perfectly toasted muffin that’s smoky, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. And the Smoked Pork Sandwich? It’s an indulgent affair—juicy, tender pork layered with just the right touch of the grill’s smoky magic. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you rethink lunch altogether.

Pastry Chef Gaby Navas takes desserts to a new level of indulgence with creations that are as innovative as they are irresistible. The Baked Alaska with Prickly Pear and Calamansi Sorbet reimagines the classic, with torched meringue that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, balancing tangy and sweet in every bite. It’s the perfect finale to a meal full of fire and flavor.

Over at the bar, the creativity doesn’t stop. The Beast of Bourbon—bourbon infused with dry-aged ribeye fat—delivers a smoky richness that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before, while BIG FEELINGS, with its blend of Jamaican rum, peach, cinnamon, and lime, brings a tropical, spicy zing that dances on your tongue.

Local craft beers and spirits, like Ajax Pilsner from Aspen Brewing Company and selections from Family Jones and Leopold Bros., round out the menu, ensuring that each sip is perfectly paired with the food’s bold, flame-kissed flavors.

Designed by Nina Gotlieb of Otherworld Creative, Ajax Downtown combines Aspen’s rustic charm with Denver’s cool, modern vibe. Rich woods, warm tones, and contemporary art create an atmosphere that feels both cozy and chic—like sitting by the fire in a stylish mountain lodge. It’s the perfect place for an intimate dinner or a lively night out.

More Than Just a Meal: A Gastronomic Destination
Located on the ground level of the beautiful Limelight Hotel, Ajax Downtown isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a hotel guest, a local foodie, or just passing through Denver, this is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. From the first crackle of the Josper grill to the final, smoky bite, Ajax Downtown offers a dining experience that will linger in your memory long after the flames die down.

Photos courtesy of Ajax Downtown