5 Best Brunch In Denver in 2024 – A Foodie’s Guide

Since Denver is located in one of the most gorgeous regions in the US, it attracts a high number of tourists, both American and foreign. For instance, we can see that it had more than 36 million visitors in 2022.

Providing tourists with the best possible offer is not possible without putting ourselves in their shoes, right?

With that in mind, I would like to provide visitors with the best brunch options in my opinion.

Before the start, I made an interesting guide for tourists. The best part is that you can check out some interesting places while visiting these great eateries. Download the guide here.

Let’s go for it.

5. Denver Biscuit Company

Denver Biscuit Company was one such place that caught our attention, primarily because it had been featured on Food Network, and I have a friend who loves it very much. I decided to gave it a try and we went for a brunch.

On our visit, I decided to order The Lola, priced at $11, which is a concoction of fried chicken, bacon, honey butter, and syrup nestled between a biscuit. The idea of it sounded delightful, and I was eager to dive in.

 While it was certainly filling, a few aspects left me wanting. The chicken, for instance, was on the smaller side and lacked the juiciness I had anticipated. The biscuit, though a crucial component of the dish, was denser than I prefer. And the honey butter, which I was particularly excited about, seemed to have vanished into thin air.

My husband, on the other hand, opted for the Dahlia, a $10 dish featuring an egg, sausage patty, apple butter, and maple syrup on a biscuit. He enjoyed his meal without any complaints and even added a single portion of French Toast Biscuit to his order. After trying a bite of his French toast biscuit, I found myself favoring it over my Lola.

The service at Denver Biscuit Company was notably efficient and speedy, a positive aspect that shouldn’t go unmentioned. However, when it comes to my overall experience, I’d give it a 3 star rating. If I were dining alone, I might be inclined to round down, but considering my husband’s more positive experience, I’ll round up to 3 3 1/2 stars.

That said, would I return to Denver Biscuit Company? I would because of the food. You should give it a try.

4. Sassafras American Eatery

 

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Sassafras American Eatery is a place we used to drive near several times before we went it.  We didn’t hear much about it before, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Upon our arrival, filled with anticipation for a warm meal and a fresh start to our day, we encountered an unexpected hiccup. Approaching one of the staff members to inquire about an outdoor table where we could comfortably dine with our dogs, we were met with a response that was less than friendly.

The staff member, rather abruptly, informed us that dogs were not allowed, her voice raised, devoid of any eye contact, before she turned on her heel and walked away. Moving past this unwelcoming greeting, we decided to give Sassafras a chance, sans our canine companions.

Sitting at the counter, the experience took a turn for the better. The service was great, and the food here seemed to shine brighter. My husband hasn’t stopped talking about the BBQ Benedict with potato casserole on the side—a dish that clearly left an impression.

As for me, the chicken mushroom hash with eggs and jalapeño cornbread was delightful. Learning that the chef hails from Louisiana and brings his expertise to the kitchen explained the burst of flavors we experienced.

Our visit to Sassafras American Eatery was a mixed bag. The initial rudeness we encountered was unfortunate and could easily deter patrons looking for a friendly, inclusive dining experience. However, the quality of the food and the service at the counter did manage to save our outing.

3. The Universal

One of the busiest places in the city, The Universal, is something I was hesitant about, for a simple reason I do not enjoy the crowd. To be frank, I usually go out to eat when I super hungry, and I do not like to wait. Still, we visited the place a couple of times.

From the moment we checked out the menu, it became clear to me we are about to get a high quality food. The Huevos were literally insane—a masterpiece we still talk about. To complement my meal, I opted for the Bacon/Bourbon Highball, a choice that did not disappoint. The blend of flavors was impeccable, making it a memorable drink.

The Universal is, without a doubt, super good. I appreciate every aspect of it—from the diverse and delicious menu to the excellent service. The staff were incredibly nice, adding to the overall positive experience.

It’s worth noting, however, that the place does get slammed on weekends. But even with the wait, which can be long, especially on weekends, the food comes out fast and is absolutely worth it.

On one particular visit, the wait was longer than usual. I dutifully put my name on the wait list and made my way to the bar, merely 4 feet away from the greeters. After about 45 minutes, I checked in with the hostess, only to be told we were next. After seeing several parties seated before us and talking to the hostess about it, her response was not satisfactory.

While the breakfast was fantastic as always, the service hiccup was a bit of a letdown. Nonetheless, I believe in constructive feedback and left a 20% tip, along with my number on the receipt, hoping to discuss the matter with the manager. Unfortunately, I haven’t received a response yet.

I hold The Universal in high regard.  A more efficient system for managing the waitlist and seating, perhaps utilizing technology like mobile texts or buzzers, could enhance the dining experience.

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy at these must-visit spots in Denver, where the culinary delights transport you to the 10 best Italian restaurants in the city.

2. Jelly Café

From the outside, you wouldn’t guess the treasure that awaits within Jelly Café. It’s one of those places that, upon entering, transports you straight back to the early ’80s, with a retro vibe that’s both unexpected and delightful.

We’ve learned the hard way that early Saturday mornings are the sweet spot for visiting. It’s not too crowded if you get there early enough, but by 8:30 a.m., it starts to fill up quickly. This past Saturday, we decided to swing by at 11:15 a.m. Opting for takeout allowed us to enjoy our breakfast without the hassle of waiting for a table amidst the late morning rush.

The food at Jelly Caffe never disappoints. Everything we’ve tried has been delicious, from the pancakes to the sweet potato hash and the Haco Chili biscuits.

They’re the perfect start to any meal, and though we only had four, I could easily have enjoyed a few more if we hadn’t ordered other items. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, especially the salted caramel and Mexican chocolate flavors, which are my personal favorites.

The Chili Benedict, priced at $12, was a spicy and original take on breakfast that we both loved. The Pueblo Scramble, at $11.50, was another hit, offering a generous portion of well-flavored, Colorado-style breakfast. And when I asked to substitute the menu-listed potatoes with a fruit cup, they did so cheerfully, which was much appreciated.

One thing I particularly love about Jelly Caffe is their flexibility with the waitlist. Being able to put your name down ahead of time is a huge plus, saving us from standing around waiting for a table. And did I mention they serve cocktails? It’s just another reason to love this place.

1. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

My husband and I have made it somewhat of a tradition to visit Snooze, an A.M. Eatery on weekends. You can find the place at:

This place, with its relaxed atmosphere adorned with Art Deco decor, has become our go-to spot for starting our day on a delicious note.

Despite its popularity, we’ve found that breakfast spots like this tend to have faster turnover times, making the wait more bearable. Christina, the waitress who serves us often, is an exceptional host.

We usually order two types of eggs Benedict and a breakfast taco ala carte on a whim. The taco, filled with flavors that danced on our taste buds, was so deliciously messy that we opted to eat it with a fork, savoring the rich taste of the corn tortilla over the usual flour one.

Some months ago, we received a text informing us that we had missed our reservation and that our table was being given away, despite us literally sitting at the restaurant. This oversight was quickly overshadowed by our excellent meal.

Final Words

Finding the best place in Denver to grab a bite might a challenge since there are so many places that offer high-quality food and service.

Here, I outlined my personal favorites that are, at the same time, highly popular among locals.

So next time you’re in the Mile High City, be sure to check out these top 5 brunch spots – your taste buds will thank you!