Denver's Five Points neighborhood has a vibrant new addition that's quickly becoming the city's hottest reservation. Pig and Tiger, the modern Taiwanese restaurant opened by chefs and co-owners Darren Chang and Travis Masar, combines deep respect for tradition with a freewheeling approach to execution that has diners raving.
The industrial-chic space on California Street sets the mood immediately—dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere where innovative flavors take center stage. From the refreshing jellyfish salad to the vibrant, springy jade noodles to the umami-rich duo of beef shank and tongue with escabeche and charred scallion tortillas, every dish tells a story of cultural heritage reimagined.
Chang and Masar have crafted a menu that honors Taiwanese culinary traditions while pushing boundaries in exciting new directions. The results are eye-opening and exhilarating across the board, surprising even seasoned diners who thought they knew what to expect from Taiwanese cuisine.
The cocktail program matches the kitchen's creativity. Drinks like the May Mei, a salted plum spritz, or the Baobing Sour—a shaved ice-inspired margarita with pineapple and pandan—demonstrate the same thoughtful fusion philosophy that defines the food.
"Here's Denverites' new happy place," declared Eater Denver's Ruth Tobias in naming Pig and Tiger one of the best new restaurants of Fall 2025.
For Denver's Asian food scene, Pig and Tiger represents an exciting evolution. It's a place where tradition and innovation dance together, creating experiences that feel both familiar and thrillingly new. The restaurant proves that Five Points continues to be one of Denver's most dynamic dining destinations.