New Highland Cafe Brings Femme Spaghetti Western Vibes

Velvet Lasso, a new Italian-inspired cafe and lounge, celebrates its grand opening on Valentine's Day in Denver's Highland neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Velvet Lasso, a new cafe and lounge concept, is opening in the former Noisette space in Denver's Highland neighborhood. Decorated with luxurious maroon, mauve and lilac tones, plush furniture, and vintage decor, the space is described as a "femme spaghetti western" by owner Bree Licata. The cafe will offer a full lineup of espresso drinks, as well as an array of Italian-inspired baked goods and sandwiches created by head chef and general manager Cole Sinatra. An adjacent lounge space is set to open on 4/20, featuring a dive bar feel with serious cocktails, interactive programming, and community events.

Why it matters

The opening of Velvet Lasso represents the continued evolution of Denver's Highland neighborhood, which has seen a mix of new restaurant and retail concepts move into spaces left vacant by previous businesses. The cafe's unique aesthetic and focus on community engagement aim to set it apart in a competitive local food and beverage market.

The details

Velvet Lasso was decorated by owner Bree Licata with a sultry, Old West-inspired theme featuring luxurious maroon, mauve and lilac tones, plush furniture, glass chandeliers, and vintage decor. The cafe's branding, including horse, heart and cowgirl motifs, was created by graphic designer Brianna Corn. The menu features a full lineup of espresso drinks, as well as an array of Italian-inspired baked goods and sandwiches developed by head chef and general manager Cole Sinatra, who has fine dining experience. An adjacent lounge space is set to open on 4/20, offering a dive bar feel with serious cocktails, interactive programming, and community events.

  • Velvet Lasso will celebrate its grand opening on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026).
  • The lounge space next door is aiming to open on April 20, 2026.

The players

Bree Licata

The owner of Velvet Lasso, who previously operated a bakery called Flour Bloom in Portland, Oregon.

Cole Sinatra

The head chef and general manager of Velvet Lasso, who has fine dining experience and previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco.

Brianna Corn

The graphic designer who created the branding and visual identity for Velvet Lasso, including the horse, heart and cowgirl motifs.

Wynter Sierra

The head pastry chef at Velvet Lasso, who has honed her craft at some of Denver's top bakeries.

Noisette

The former French eatery that occupied the space before Velvet Lasso, which closed in 2025 after three years in business.

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What they’re saying

“Neither of us really believes in marketing in the super traditional restaurant way. If you have good reels on your Instagram and your food looks good, it drives people in.”

— Cole Sinatra, Head Chef and General Manager (westword.com)

“We just want to bring Italian back to the community and be kind of old school.”

— Cole Sinatra, Head Chef and General Manager (westword.com)

“It's a really big community-driven space. We have staple drinks that Cole and I will come up with, but also have people in the front of house who get to be creative as they want with the drinks... [Or] watching the back of house get super excited about learning to cook the sandwiches. It's really incredible to watch people who love what they do work and be excited to create these things.”

— Bree Licata, Owner (westword.com)

“I think more spaces need to be interactive. People need touch points.”

— Bree Licata, Owner (westword.com)

“Wherever you open next, I want to go with you.”

— Cole Sinatra (westword.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The opening of Velvet Lasso represents the continued evolution of Denver's Highland neighborhood, with the cafe's unique aesthetic and focus on community engagement aiming to set it apart in a competitive local food and beverage market.