Walking up to Benzina, you probably wouldn’t assume that it used to be a gas station — other than the fact that “benzina” means gasoline in Italian. The modern-yet-funky restaurant brings a new vibe to the South Park Hill neighborhood with mid-century decor, funky music, ‘60s art, bocce ball courts and Neapolitan-style pizza.

Brad Anderson — Benzina’s owner — has been a partner in many Denver restaurants including the Rocky Mountain Diner, Rick’s Cafe, Castle Cafe, Chopper’s Sports Grill and The Next Door Bar. Benzina, however, is his first solo endeavor and his dream concept.