There’s really no brunch like a Creole brunch, and Lucile’s is proof of that. Lucile’s has been around for over 30 years, and it shows. The classic Southern and Creole plates have been perfected. Yes, it’s one of those places that always has a line out the door — but it’s also one of the few places where the wait is 100% worth it, so just order yourself a delicious Bloody Mary and hang out.
Must try: The beignets (they’re fluffier than in NoLa). Also get some of their enormous, flaky buttermilk biscuits — if they don’t come with your dish (add sausage gravy, of course). And anything smothered in crawfish sauce of course!
Location: Lucile’s has 2 locations in Denver — as well as locations in Littleton, Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins.
I almost didn’t include Snooze on this list, because a lot of people might tell you it’s overrated. Yes, they have so many locations now, and their food is pretty typical, and the lines and wait times are ridiculous. However, they’re still the best option for those of us who are gluten-free. Brunch is really hard for the GF crowd, and Snooze does an amazing job making almost any dish GF (including pancakes and french toast).
Pro tip: Go for breakfast during the week if you can, not Sunday brunch. The line for Sunday brunch can be 2+ hours. Get in line on Yelp in advance if you can, or send a sacrificial lamb to wait.
Location: There’s a Snooze everywhere, and not just Colorado. My go-to is the one at Union Station, but there’s also Ballpark (not the best neighborhood), Colorado Blvd, Tech Center, Fort Collins, Lone Tree, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and two in Westminster.
There is no spot trendier or more unique for brunch right now than Happy Camper in LoHi. It’s a Chicago-based restaurant and bar known for its fun décor and atmosphere that recently opened a location in Denver. It’s perfect for a big group brunch with friends, especially on a nice day when the sun is shining down on the enormous patio (although there’s covered space, too). It’s basically one big party all day (the “Big Ass Lemonade” and champagne gravity bongs are a testament to that). The décor is basically an Instagrammer’s paradise — from the flamingos, to the disco balls, to the fire pits, to the fairy lights, to the bathtub seating. The food is actually surprisingly good, too, and includes dishes like jalapeño poppers, mini potato boats, and a variety of pizzas.
Pro Tip: Reservations are pretty much a must, as this place gets packed, especially in good weather.
Location: 3211 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
Briar Common is a great brunch go-to (and also for any other meal). I’m a big fan of their rooftop patio overlooking Jefferson Park, bottomless mimosas, unique beers, and seasonal menus. Some brunch favorites of mine include the Chicken & Waffles, the Monte Cristo, the Steak & Eggs, the Fried Chicken Sandwich, and the Briar Burger. That burger has pork belly and a runny egg — making it the perfect brunch burger. And try their buffalo cauliflower, which is available during other meals, too. And don’t forget that this is a brewery, so you can try some unique house beers made with chili, watermelon, hibiscus, and other seasonal fun flavors (in addition to the classics, of course).
Pro tip: There are $18 bottomless mimosas, but not on Stadium event days. Expect a different kind of crowd and limited options during Broncos games.
Location: 2298 Clay St, Denver, CO 80211
Steuben’s is essentially what happens when a classic, old-school diner meets modern hipster brunch mania — in the best and worst sense of the idea. I say “worst” only because there’s always a line out the door for brunch and the drinks aren’t cheap. I also say “best” because the food is delicious and the retro atmosphere is awesome. The famous dish to try is the gravy cheese fries, which is exactly what it sounds like: an enormous plate of fries topped with gravy and perfectly melted cheese that you’ll need a fork to eat (pictured). Show up right before they open to avoid the brunch line.
Must try: Gravy Cheese Fries, Monte Cristo Sandwich, Cast Iron French Toast
Location: 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
I’m so excited The Post opened a location near me in LoHi in 2022. Not only is their fried chicken perfectly crispy on the outside and brined and juicy on the inside — but it’s also gluten-free! Their 1/2 fried chicken can also be ordered in “bottom half” — or dark meat only. And that’s just better. For brunch, you can also get a bottle of bubbles for $22 (and a choice of juices on the side to make your own mimosas). I’m a fried chicken & champagne for brunch kind of gal!
Must try: the fried chicken (duh)
Location: 1575 Boulder St in LoHi, but also Rosedale, Lafayette, Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins, and Estes Park
It’s hard to beat Woodie Fisher in terms of atmosphere. The refurbished historic fire station has been beautifully decorated in a retro-modern feel. With large garage doors and a glass ceiling, it’s always bright and full of light. And the olive tree in the middle of the room adds a great outdoors-while-indoors feel. The Alaskan King Crab Benedict is a brunch favorite, but I also love the Fried Rice with Longganisa sausage.
Pro tip: complimentary valet is available at the Hilton next door
Location: 1999 Chestnut Pl #100, Denver, CO 80202
Onefold is really known for their fried rice — or more accurately, for frying everything (including the fried rice) in bacon or duck fat. And you can’t go wrong with that. For lunch, you can get actual duck in your fried rice, too. My recommendation: get the Bacon Fried Rice breakfast dish, and add duck — or get the Duck Fried Rice lunch dish, and add eggs and bacon (or Chinese sausage). Also available for breakfast is a traditional Asian dish: Congee — a rice porridge cooked in chicken & duck stock, served with duck confit, poached egg, green onions, tamari soy sauce, salted ginger, and chili oil.
Location: There are now two locations since they opened a 2nd one downtown.
The breakfast sandwiches at Denver Biscuit Co are absolutely incomparable (and rightfully famous). The biscuits here are always perfectly soft and fluffy — but no, they’re not gluten-free. You can order them stuffed with seemingly any combination of sausage patties, buttermilk-fried chicken, bacon, gravy, runny egg, apple butter, maple syrup, and a multitude of other amazing ingredients. These bad boys have been known to stand half a foot tall.
Must try: The Dahlia (with sausage patties), The Franklin (with fried chicken)
Location: There are now several locations all around Denver where you can have these amazing piles of goodness (or order delivery):
Sam’s No. 3 is that classic, down-to-earth diner that’s been around forever and fills you with a sense of nostalgia — and also huge plates of breakfast food. The menu is almost ridiculously extensive and offers an eclectic combination of American diner classics, as well as Greek and Mexican dishes.
Must try: One of the breakfast burritos. There’s an entire page of these to choose from, they’re absolutely enormous, and they’re smothered in green chile and cheese. If you’re not from Colorado, green chile in itself is an absolute must-try around here.
Location: Currently, there are three Sam’s locations around Denver. The downtown location also boasts a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Bacon Social House describes its restaurant as a “retro-cool, mid century-modern space” — and I personally love the architecture. The menu is — you guessed it — bacon-forward. Try the OMFG Bacon Flight of 6 slices of pecanwood + bbq + candied + french toast + chile lime + bacon of the month — or the Baller Bacon (the “ultimate bacon experience of thick-cut, sweet & spicy, unforgettable”). They also have a wide variety of amazing french toast, pancake, sandwich, and burger options — but unfortunately none of those are gluten-free.
Pro tip: This place opens at 8am, so get here before the brunch rush.
Location: The original is in Sunnyside, but there have been 2 more since then.
This place is known for their French crêpes — available gluten-free for a small $2 up-charge. A variety of savory and sweet options are all must-tries. They also serve French classics like mussels, escargot, french onion soup, french toast, croque monsieur, steak frites, and more. Bottomless mimosas are available for $19. And the outside patio is also adorable — for when the weather is nice.
Location: 295 S Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80209
Saturdays (not Sundays) are the day to do brunch at Le Bilboquet, as that’s when they do Champagne Brunch with a live DJ and champagne specials 11am – 3pm. (Although if you prefer a quieter experience, Sunday may be the better option for you.) The indoor space is a little more on the white-tablecloth, dress-up side — but the covered outdoor patio space is a little more casual and my favorite place to sit. The “Cajun Chicken” is the most famous dish here and a must-try. While I’m not sure it’s entirely Cajun in its flavors, it’s definitely some of the most succulent, flavorful chicken I’ve ever had. They also have the best beef tartar in town, in my opinion. Other French classics on the brunch menu include foie gras, crêpes suzette, crêpes with Nutella, brioche french toast, duck confit, and steamed mussels.
Location: 299 St Paul St, Denver, CO 80206
Bunch Bowl can certainly host a fun brunch — whether it’s just for scratch-made food and boozy punch bowls — or if you also want to reserve some bowling lanes for a party. Their gluten-free burger bun is one of my favorites in town, and the burger itself (with 2 tender patties smothered with cheese) is fantastic. Pro tip: add a runny egg during brunch. The carnitas tacos are also surprisingly good and loaded with tender meat. The non-alcoholic cocktail menu is super creative and delicious, which is good if you plan to stay awhile. And yes, there are Punch Bowl locations all over the United States, but just the one in Denver at the moment (since Stapleton’s closed).
Location: 65 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Sunday brunch is becoming increasingly popular at Denver Milk Market thanks to a rotating list of wonderful drag queens hosting Drag Queen Bingo Brunch! There’s music, bottomless mimosas, a plethora of food options from all the Dairy Block restaurants, and of course, prizes! This is always a super positive, upbeat atmosphere — without going over the top crazy or risqué. I’d even call it family-friendly.
Location: Denver Milk Market / Dairy Block (sometimes in the alley, sometimes on the patio out front on 18th & Wazee)