Oak at Fourteenth

The story

Oak at Fourteenth, Boulder – Michelin Recommended Contemporary American Restaurant

Oak at Fourteenth: Where Woodfire and Seasonality Meet on Pearl Street

On Boulder’s pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, Oak at Fourteenth has been a fixture for more than a decade. It is a stylish neighborhood restaurant that brings together the best of contemporary American cuisine: woodfired, seasonal, and rooted in the flavors of Colorado. The oak-fired oven and French Rotisol rotisserie are the heart of the kitchen, producing dishes that are both simple and artisanal.

Chef Steve Redzikowski’s path to Oak began in New York City, working at a local pizzeria at age 15. That early love of the industry led him to culinary school and then to kitchens at Le Cirque, Jean Georges, and the Little Nell. In 2004, he helped open Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, where he met Bryan Dayton, then the bar manager. The two discovered a shared passion for wood burning ovens and the flavors that come from cooking high-quality ingredients over an open fire. After years of honing their skills—Redzikowski at two-Michelin-starred Cyrus and Little Nell, Dayton founding the Colorado chapter of the U.S. Bartenders Guild—they opened Oak at Fourteenth in 2010.

The menu changes constantly, reflecting what is locally grown and available. Because Oak is a truly American restaurant, it draws on the multitude of cultures that have lived in Colorado for generations, blending traditional American comfort food with new and beloved flavors. The oak oven and rotisserie give meats and vegetables a depth that cannot be replicated.

Bryan Dayton’s award-winning cocktail program is equally driven by seasonality, using unique spirits and fresh ingredients to create drinks that are innovative yet accessible. The bar has earned recognition for its approach, and it complements the food seamlessly.

Oak at Fourteenth was honored with a Michelin Recommended designation in 2026, a nod to its consistent quality, the skill of its kitchen, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the dining experience. It is a place where the fire is always burning, the menu is always evolving, and the hospitality is rooted in respect for both the ingredients and the people who serve them.