Spice Room Indian restaurant opens second spot in former Annie’s Cafe

The former home of Annie’s Cafe and Bar just got a bit spicier. Spice Room, a local Indian restaurant, opened its second location at 3100 E. Colfax Ave. on Oct. 22.

Spice Room’s new location is triple the size of its original spot at 3157 W. 38th Ave, but co-owner Kal Pant said he’s not planning to expand much more, if at all. “I believe in quality more than quantity. I don’t want to make 15 mediocre restaurants. I just want one or two to support my family and take care of my neighbors, and be the best wherever I am.”

Pant, along with executive chef Ashok Joshi, chef Chhabi Pokharel and manager Raj Nyaupane purchased the 5,600-square-foot building from a trust in April for nearly $2 million, according to property records. They lease their original location, which opened in 2017.

“I wanted to be my own landlord, so I know that we can be here for a long time, serving Denver and serving great food,” Pant said. The Nepalese owners have created a spice-forward menu with traditional Indian cuisine, including Aachari, chicken Pathia and honey chicken curry.

Annie’s Cafe, a much-beloved Denver institution, closed at the end of July when its lease was up. The diner had been open since 1981, and in its Colfax location since 2008. Owner Peggy Anderson wanted to buy the property, but told The Denver Post in April that she couldn’t afford it.

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