Boulder's Centro Mexican Kitchen closes Nov. 14 after 20 years
Chef Dave Query is replacing the Pearl Street restaurant with a new concept called Altura in December.
By Martin Reynolds ·
Centro Mexican Kitchen in Boulder will close its doors on Saturday, Nov. 14, after operating for 20 years.
The restaurant at 950 Pearl Street will reopen on Dec. 8 as a new establishment called Altura. Chef and founder Dave Query of Big Red F Restaurant Group is leading the transition. The space has hosted Big Red F concepts since 1999, previously serving as the location for Query’s Rumba before Centro opened.
Query stated that the 75-year-old building required updates to remain competitive in the local dining scene. He noted that the restaurant industry changes frequently and that maintaining relevance requires adapting to new trends. "We’re the old dude at the club," Query said. "There’s a lot of new and shiny, and a lot of it is really smart and shiny. So you’ve got to stay relevant and stay fresh."
The new menu for Altura will shift away from the shredded meats that defined Centro, such as carnitas and chicken tinga. Instead, the restaurant will focus on seasonal Colorado ingredients prepared using traditional Mexican techniques. Query is writing the menu in partnership with Big Red F culinary director Sheila Lucero. The dishes will include large cuts of meat like duck leg and pork chops, as well as roasted vegetables, cooked to order using grilling and charring methods.
Query aimed to distinguish the new concept from the crowded Mexican food market in Boulder. He cited other local establishments such as Cozobi, Bartaco, and Pedro’s as examples of the current culinary landscape. "We’re not trying to reinvent anything," Query said. "Just simple, straightforward, honest Mexican food with a lot of Colorado ingredients."
The physical space is undergoing a major renovation before the Dec. 8 opening. The project includes the installation of a 16-foot folding glass wall on the north side facing Pearl Street. This feature will allow the restaurant to open directly onto the sidewalk. Inside, the venue will receive new floors, chairs, booths, and lighting. Structural updates are also part of the plan to create a quieter and calmer environment for diners.
The rapid turnaround schedule is designed to minimize downtime for the staff and customers. Query explained that every day the restaurant is closed results in lost wages and sales. The timeline also ensures the restaurant is fully operational before the Sundance Film Festival arrives in Boulder in January. "Downtown Boulder is about to have a big moment," Query said. "Altura is us investing in what comes next for this town."
Centro will operate on its final week with specific hours. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday until Nov. 14.
