The Best Places to Brunch in Denver

Local culinary pros have made this weekend ritual more fun—and delicious—than ever before. From the tastiest fried chicken to the fluffiest pancakes, here, in no particular order, are our picks for the best brunch fare in the Denver metro area.

Editor’s Note: This is a living list that was last updated on February 12, 2024. Did we miss your favorite? Email us at dining@5280.com.

New Best Brunch Additions

Wilde | LoHi

Despite Wilde’s moniker, this beach-chic, light-drenched hangout in the quiet northwest corner of LoHi generally isn’t filled with rowdy brunchers (although it does offer bottomless mimosas). Instead, pink and aqua decor sets a serene scene for eats inspired by chef-owner Lydie Lovett’s native San Diego. Pull up a velvet-covered chair—and, if you’re working, pull out your laptop—to enjoy her french-fry-stuffed Baja breakfast burrito or the Caliquiles, a take on chilaquiles with house-made corn chips. Both pair delightfully with the Champagne Coast’s blend of blood orange juice, bubbly, tequila, and lime juice. Fans of Lovett’s Chicken Rebel concept, which formerly occupied the space, will be happy to see its signature sous vide, shatteringly crisp fried bird in a few menu items, too. 3618 Tejon St. 

Yardbird | RiNo

Yardbird, a James Beard–nominated chain that debuted a RiNo location this past July, specializes in indulgence, and the brunch offerings are no exception. Build your feast around an entrée featuring the upscale brand’s signature fried bird, such as the biscuit and gravy, a buttery biscuit layered with a juicy-crunchy chicken thigh, thick bacon, a fried egg, and decadent country gravy. Then complement your savory pick with a couple selections from the bakery like crème brûlée waffles finished with strawberries and whipped cream or mini beignets stuffed with Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Yardbird is also known for its bourbon cocktails, so be sure to add an old fashioned with bacon-infused Wild Turkey or a Jim Beam–spiked Bloody Mary to your meal. 2743 Blake St.

Denver Biscuit Company | Multiple locations

Atomic Cowboy, the Denver-born day-to-night concept that brunch goers will encounter as Denver Biscuit Company, opened its first outpost in Golden late last year, further expanding the reach of its house-made signature biscuits. Regardless of which of the seven Colorado locations you visit, we recommend centering your meal around the biscuit sandwich section of the menu. Fans of bold flavors should try the recently introduced K-Mack, which has Korean fried chicken tossed in a ginger-forward sauce, pickled daikon, sesame mayo, and shredded cabbage. Pair it with a side of the crispy McHashbrowns inspired by the spuds at the famous Golden Arches. 

Cucina Bella | Windsor

Since 2022, Cucina Bella has offered Denverites delectable Italian-American favorites in a cozy ambience. On weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can still order classics like Margherita pizza and fettuccine Bolognese, but the menu expands to include brunch offerings like fluffy pancakes with strawberry coulis, eggs in a fiery arrabbiata sauce, and french toast with peach budino and amaretto-mascarpone cream. We also recommend the breakfast burrito, a dish that honors the Mexican roots of owners (and brothers) Luis and Heriberto Gutierrez. It comes stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and potatoes and is topped with green chile, sour cream, lettuce, and chopped tomatoes. 9660 E. Alameda Ave., Suite 104

BurnDown | Washington Park West

Discover a new side of BurnDown, a nine-month-old gastropub on South Broadway, beyond its renowned happy hour and appetizer-centric evening menu. Every weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this three-story venue serves up a diverse selection of brunch bites, such as the Captain’s French Toast, which features a Cap’n Crunch crust, berry cream cheese filling, and a drizzle of berry compote. If savory is more your style, try the Old Broadway Scramble—a hearty blend of crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, avocado purée, and your preferred protein (bacon, sausage, pulled pork, or skirt steak). Complete your meal with an espresso martini, which is half off during brunch hours. 476 S. Broadway

Coperta | Uptown

The pasta pros at seven-year-old Coperta, which include owner-culinary director Paul C. Reilly and chef de cuisine Kenny Minton III, are proving they can dish out more than classic Italian cuisine. In late 2023, Coperta launched weekend brunch, which features an “Italian-ish” menu. That includes specialties such as supplì al telefono, a crave-worthy fritter made with rice, mozzarella, and prosciutto; brunch rigatoni carbonara laced with black pepper and hunks of cured pork; and creamy polenta accompanied by mushroom ragu and sunny-side-up eggs. For a sweet finale, get the potato grispelle, sugar-dusted doughnuts served with marsala caramel, or the Sicilian gelato sandwich. 400 E. 20th Ave.

My Neighbor Félix | Multiple locations

This Colorado-owned restaurant, which has four locations across the Front Range, offers fusion fare that’s injected with Mexican and American flavors. Pop into any of the colorful, neon-accented outposts for weekend brunch, when the lineup includes open-faced egg quesadillas, horchata-crema-drizzled churro french toast, ancient grain breakfast bowls, and other crowd-pleasing bites. Don’t forget to commence your meal with guacamole and chips made by Denver’s Raquelitas Tortillas and a boozy beverage from the drink menu. The mimosa tower is a favorite for groups of three or more, while the RumChata- and whiskey-forward Cabana coffee is an eye-opening treat. 

Star Kitchen | Valverde

Star Kitchen on Mississippi Avenue has some of the best dim sum in town. You’ll wait for a table on weekend mornings (brunch is served every day but Wednesday), but the pan-fried turnip cake with XO sauce, shrimp-stuffed eggplant, and congee with pork and preserved egg are worth it. Plus, Star Kitchen has a liquor license should you need something stronger than tea. Too hungry to wait? The Chinese restaurant’s menu is also available for takeout, so you can pick up barbecue-pork-stuffed buns, egg custard tarts, and other popular dishes to enjoy at home. 2917 W. Mississippi Ave.

Stella’s Cucina | Boulder

A speakeasy, an upscale Italian restaurant, a late-night bar with music—and a brunch spot? You got it. Stella’s Cucina in downtown Boulder added a fourth trick to its repertoire when it introduced its Sunday brunch program last May. The menu contains a tight list of egg dishes (think: two poached eggs with guanciale, asparagus, and mascarpone) and pastries, but many other offerings offer an exciting change of pace. Try the ciccia al tartufo, Colorado beef tartare with crostini, or the pasta alla Norma, which combines house-made zucchette pasta, roasted eggplant, fresh tomato sauce, and ricotta salata. 1123 Walnut St., Boulder

Yuan Wonton | Park Hill

While you can get Yuan Wonton’s dumplings, noodles, and other popular dishes for dinner three nights a week, chef-owner Penelope Wong only serves breakfast and brunch on Friday mornings. That’s the time to savor Wong’s renditions of jok, a Chiang Mai–style rice porridge spiced with ginger, pickled Thai chiles, fried shallots, and other aromatics, and a  Chinese-inspired breakfast sando, a creamy egg and tomato scramble on ciabatta infused with chile oil and spread with fermented black bean butter. Also don’t miss the pastries, cookies, bagels, and breads on sale from Sweets and Sourdough, the artisan bakery that shares the space with Yuan Wonton (open Thursday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.). 2878 Fairfax St. 

Santos Cafe & Mexican Grill | East Colfax

We love this diner near the Denver-Aurora border for its rib-sticking Mexican fare and its reasonable prices. Everything from the tamales to the pancakes to the chilaquiles (which you should order with carnitas and a combination of red and green chile) hits the spot without breaking the bank. The specialty lattes—think: dulce de leche or strawberries and cream—are also worth a try. If you’ve gathered a crowd, tackle the giant concha and hot cocoa you might’ve seen on local foodies’ social media feeds, but be warned: It easily serves more than 10 people. 1141 Syracuse St.

Fox and the Hen | LoHi

When Carrie Baird, a former Top Chef contestant known for her “fancy toasts,” and Michael Fox, owner of the Denver breakfast burrito empire Dis Burrito, came together last June to build a brunch restaurant in LoHi, there was no question that it’d be the stuff of champions. In fact, in October, Fox and the Hen became the first dedicated breakfast-lunch eatery to ever make our 25 Best Restaurants list. And though we’ve sung its praises before, it bears repeating: The dishes here embrace all the best parts of American diner fare but elevate them with a whole lot of technical finesse. Get the animal-style hash brown and an egg dish—simple as that. 2257 W. 32nd Ave.

Dos Santos | City Park West

Dos Santos has made a name for itself with its fun Mexican-inspired cuisine, but if you’re coming in for brunch, we advise you to order what’s perhaps the least Mexican item on the menu: the sweet potato pancakes. Light and fluffy with a divinely crisp edge, these suckers stacked with pumpkin spice butter, candied walnuts, and maple syrup will satisfy even the most savory-leaning of breakfast patrons. Bring back the south-of-the-border flair with a salsa flight and a michelada, a Bloody Mary–like drink that Dos Santos makes with a house lager brewed by Denver’s Station 26 instead of hard liquor. 1475 E. 17th Ave.

Hashtag | Multiple locations

Whichever location of Hashtag you’re visiting—the original Central Park eatery, the Highlands Ranch outpost that opened November 2023, or the one in downtown Denver slated to debut later this year—you’ll be treated to a wide-ranging selection of creative brunch fare from prolific Denver chef Troy Guard. Highlights of the food menu include the pork hash featuring tender adobo-seasoned pork shoulder and the mini hot cake trio, a decadent display of blueberry, caramel-chocolate, and caramel-apple riffs on the breakfast classic. Boozy libations, such as the kombucha-spiked Fruity Cougar, are also must-orders. 

Our Old Favorites

The Bindery | LoHi

Cradling a porcelain mug of steaming joe inside the Bindery’s bright, bustling space on Central Street is a beautiful way to greet the day. The beans come from Denver’s Queen City Coffee Collective, which has been seducing local java lovers with its artisan, direct-trade coffees since 2007. The lattes, cortados, and house chais play well with chef-owner Linda Hampsten Fox’s roster of weekend brunch specialties. Get the aptly named You’ll Never Want Another Pancake Dutch Baby with vanilla bean, rum, and Chantilly cream and a side of straw potatoes (elevated hash browns) with horseradish creme. Or try the breakfast carbonara, an eye-opener studded with bacon, pork belly, a sunny-side duck egg, and Parmesan. 1817 Central St.

City, O’ City | Capitol Hill

Vegetarian and vegan Denverites need not suffer through bland tofu scrambles and butter-free toast, thanks to Cap Hill’s hipster institution, City, O’ City, where the entire a.m. menu (served daily, not just on weekends) is plant-based-diet friendly. A meatless morning meal here looks like waffles with bourbon-brined chicken-fried cauliflower. Or a sardou, a rendition of the Louisiana-style breakfast dish presented with two eggs or tofu, grilled artichoke hearts, creamed spinach, and toasted almonds. There’s even a full bar to sate all of your kombucha mimosa needs. 206 E. 13th Ave.

Lucile’s Creole Cafe | Multiple locations

Outposts of this iconic Big Easy–inspired restaurant reach from Fort Collins to Littleton, with its newest location opening last May in downtown Erie. Regardless of which storefront you enter, though, you’ll always feel at home. Pair New Orleans classics like beignets and chicory coffee (a caffeine-free alternative to regular coffee with a similar but lighter aroma) for a quick and easy brunch. Or dive into the heartier shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage and red pepper, and upgrade to the jalapeño cheese grits for an extra kick.

Urban Egg | Cherry Creek & Southmoor Park

Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (and 2:30 p.m. on the weekends), this daytime eatery offers a sunny atmosphere for early birds. The sweet-and-savory corned beef hash made with shredded potatoes, peppers, and a jalapeño bacon chutney is the perfect canvas for a runny yolk. Larger appetites can take on the massive avocado and cheddar chicken melt, stacked high with avocado, cheese, bacon, tomato, onion, and basil pesto aïoli. Wash it all down with a glass of the Cure juice: Depending on your hangover preferences, enjoy the vitamins from the pineapple, orange juice, and coconut water straight up, or add a shot of in-house pineapple-infused vodka for some hair of the dog, rightfully dubbed “the Cause.” 3033 E. First Ave.; 6991 E. Belleview Ave.

Nurture | West Highland

Whether you’re battling a cold or a hangover, Nest Cafe’s lineup of beverages will cure whatever ails you. Choose from options such as the Root to Rise with carrots, fresh turmeric root, raw honey, coconut cream, banana, and other immunity- and digestion-supporting ingredients, and the Superfood Steamer with collagen, blue spirulina, butterfly pea powder, vanilla bean, and monk fruit. If you’re hankering for something heartier, though, turn your attention to the food menu, which sports bites such as the Eggy Mess, a soft egg scramble, arugula, roasted garlic tomato aïoli, and microgreens on top of fresh sourdough from RiNo’s Hearth bakery. 2949 Federal Blvd.

Split Lip | RiNo

When nothing but the crispiest, juiciest fried bird in town will do, mosey to RiNo’s Number Thirty Eight, where Split Lip has been slinging sandwiches and regionally inspired burgers since 2021. Grab a drink from one of the warehouse’s many drink portals and nosh on finger-licking specialties like the fiery-as-you-like hot chicken sandwich, which comes in your choice of sauce (if you’re a heat-seeker, go for the XXX) and layered with slaw and pickles. For those with a sweet tooth, the brunch-centric plate of fried chicken over a house-crafted funnel cake is an absolute must-try. Number Thirty Eight, 3560 Chestnut Place

Stowaway Kitchen | RiNo

Stowaway Kitchen’s rotating menu is always a thoughtful nod to the best of the seasons and the creativity of its chefs. Our past favorite dishes include the Japanese asa-gohan (traditional breakfast), grilled salted salmon served with rice, a poached egg, avocado, toasted nori, and a carrot and ginger slaw, and a freshly milled wild grain waffle with salted caramel apples and an oat and almond crisp. Don’t forget to grab a gluten-free cookie or brownie on your way out the door. 2528 Walnut St., Suite 104

Sullivan Scrap Kitchen | City Park West

Even though brunching at Sullivan Scrap Kitchen means technically eating leftovers—the underutilized ingredients from chef-owner Terence Rogers’ catering service, TBD Foods—the team’s commitment to sustainability and seasonal flavors make the dishes some of the best in town. Look for the smoked-trout-topped eggs Benedict, which are composed of toasted house bread, cured fish filets, local mixed greens, sous vide eggs, and fennel pollen Hollandaise sauce, and the green chile migas, crispy corn tortilla chips and two eggs smothered in New Mexico–style green chile, pinto beans, roasted chile pico de gallo, onions,, house hot sauce, lime Cotija cheese, and red chile crema. 1740 E. 17th Ave.

The Bagel Deli and Restaurant | Hampden

Kick off a weekend of relaxation with the Bagel Deli’s unfussy food, casual ambience, and warm hospitality. Open since 1967, the restaurant boasts a menu chock full of Jewish deli delights, from the requisite bagels with a schmear to potato latkes and mile high pastrami sandwiches. Even simple preparations like the matzo brei, similar to scrambled eggs but with the unleavened flatbread mixed in, sing with a side of applesauce and honey. It’s fare that will warm you from the belly up. 6439 E. Hampden Ave.

Snooze A.M. Eatery | Multiple locations

From stacked Bennys and decadent pancakes to boozy cocktails, this Denver-born chain has all of the greatest hits of early day fare. Plus, because Snooze is also committed to sustainability practices like earth-friendly packaging, carbon sequestering, and waste reduction, diners can indulge in the house-mascarpone-laden OMG French Toast and breakfast tacos with green chile hollandaise while feeling a little less guilty about their impact on the planet.

Jelly | Capitol Hill & University

This charming breakfast-all-day restaurant is a local brunch classic for myriad reasons: from-scratch jams and jellies, strong coffee, and vintage-cereal-box-chic decor. But if we’re being very honest, it’s Jelly’s doughnut bites we love the most. Made to order and available in eight flavors—including crème anglaise, lemon-filled, maple bacon, and cinnamon sugar—each morsel is an ode to the glorious duo of carbs and sweetness. Bonus: Gluten-free doughnut bites are also available. 600 E. 13th Ave.; 1700 E. Evans Ave.

HiRa Patisserie | Aurora

Ethiopian native Hiwot Solomon debuted HiRa Cafe & Patisserie in 2019, introducing Denverites to the cake-and-coffee culture—and tasty breakfast dishes—of her homeland. At the small, light-filled, strip-mall spot, patrons can pair Solomon’s house-baked cakes with single-origin Ethiopian coffee, a tradition in cafes Solomon frequented in Addis Ababa, the country’s capital. But for a heartier early-day meal, we recommend the breakfast combo. The entrée comes with enkulal firfir, scrambled eggs cooked with diced jalapeño, tomato, and onion; chechebsa, pieces of flatbread seasoned with fragrant berbere, garlic, and fenugreek and drizzled with honey; and quanta firfir, morsels of torn injera soaked in a berbere-zinged sauce and mixed with bits of beef. The shareable dish is a symphony of flavors and textures worth driving to Aurora for. 10782 E. Iliff Ave, Aurora

Onefold | Uptown & Downtown

Until Onefold debuted its first location in the Uptown area seven years ago, fried rice wasn’t the first, or even second, thing we thought about when we contemplated a big, brunch-y bowl of carbs. But then we devoured a heaping serving of Onefold’s spectacular fried rice with lap cheong (Chinese sausage), and everything changed. The rice is toasted in duck fat—which the kitchen also uses to cook eggs and crispy hash browns—then seasoned with garlic, scallions, soy sauce, and a touch of chile oil. Garnished with sautéed slices of sweet, meaty lap cheong (or duck, ham, or bacon) and two fried eggs, it’s a satisfying surprise that we intend to eat on repeat. 1420 E. 18th Ave.; 1919 19th St.

Tamayo | Downtown

Brunch at Tamayo is an epic affair, thanks to the 21-year-old modern Mexican restaurant’s legendary bottomless menu. For just $42, you can indulge in unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails, including margs, Bloody Marys and marias (a rendition of the classic with tequila instead of vodka), and mimosas, for two hours. Curate your own feast with shareable dishes such as pulled-chicken-stuffed flautas with crema fresca; crispy chipotle-zinged bacon; sweet and savory caramelized plantains; and Tajín-dusted seasonal fruit. The tres leches cake with raspberry sauce and toasted coconut is also worth saving room for. 1400 Larimer St.

Noisette Restaurant & Bakery | LoHi

Chefs Tim and Lillian Lu are masters at preparing elegant, yet approachable French cuisine. On Sundays at Noisette, the husband-and-wife team extends their talents to brunch, when they offer freshly baked pastries and exquisitely plated breakfast specialties. We love the brouillade aux truffes, ultra-creamy soft scrambled eggs drizzled with chicken jus and showered with shaved Périgord truffles (it pairs perfectly with the crusty house-made baguette). Or go for the paleron de bouef au poivre, a flatiron steak presented on a bed of pepper cream with a side of crispy fries. 3254 Navajo St., Suite 100

Tangerine | Multiple locations

Since chef Alec Schuler opened Tangerine in north Boulder in 2011, the restaurant has expanded its breakfast empire to Lafayette and Longmont. The generously portioned corned beef hash—peppered with giant chunks of the tangy brisket, bacon bits, strands of caramelized onion, and crispy, gently charred potatoes—is a staple at all three locations. Brimming with salty, fatty, and starchy flavors, it’s rib-sticking sustenance at its best. Multiple locations

Zaidy’s Deli & Bakery | Washington Virginia Vale

When 35-year-old Zaidy’s closed in October 2020, it left a void in the Jewish restaurant scene. But in 2021, father-and-son duo Max and Joel Appel and local bakery pro Beth Ginsberg resurrected the popular a.m. joint, which the trio purchased from original owner Gerard Rudofsky. The new Zaidy’s is located on South Holly Street, where regulars gather once more for bottomless coffee, potato latkes, and of course, bagels. Our go-to order is the smoked fish platter with house-cured salmon, served with a bagel of your choice (go for an everything) accompanied by airy cream cheese, capers, tomato, onion, and coleslaw. This January, the new proprietors expanded the space to include more take-home options, so be sure to pick up a loaf of challah or container of matzo ball soup for later. 600 S. Holly St., Suite 114

Le French | Southmoor Park

At this four-year-old, Parisian-inspired bakery and cafe, Senegalese-French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia dish out brunch comforts like perfect omelets, quiches, and tartines, and the can’t-miss fried chicken with yassa sauce (a Senegalese preparation of slow-cooked onion and lemon) over French toast. But when only a melt-in-your-mouth folded pancake will do, turn to the array of sweet and savory crêpes, which are naturally gluten-free. We like the Poulet Pistou, a bright, springy rendition stuffed with tarragon roasted chicken, plump cherry tomatoes, wilted baby spinach, basil pistou (a French pesto), and gooey Gruyère cheese. 4901 S. Newport St.

Brunch for Every Occasion

We considered all the reasons Denverites go out for brunch in order to find the ideal spot for your occasion.

Hungry for Meat

Carnivores can revel in a menu full of meat at Bacon Social House, which serves flights of its signature slices, as well as bacon-laced Bloody Marys, BLTs, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. Multiple locations

Treating the Kids

Acova’s on-site playground is the ultimate kid-pleaser while the Highland eatery’s commitment to gluten-free fare gives all gluten-averse Denverites—and those who love them—reason to celebrate. 3651 Navajo St.

Entertaining the In-Laws

There’s an elevated bite that’ll please even the pickiest bruncher in your family at downtown’s Edge Restaurant & Bar inside the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. Go for the fancy croque madame made with rosemary rotisserie ham and melted Gruyère sandwiched in house-made ciabatta with a sunny-side-up egg on top. 1111 14th St.

Hungover and Bleary-Eyed

Head to Uptown’s Steuben’s to shake off what’s left of Saturday night with an order of Steubie Snacks (powdered-sugar-coated hunks of crispy pork) and a fried-chicken-stuffed biscuit smothered in gravy. 523 E. 17th Ave.

Looking for Drinks

Customize your mimosa flight with house-made shrubs (we like the blackberry flavor) to pair with eats like the french toast with pumpkin-spiced custard at Rooted Craft Kitchen in Highland. 3940 W. 32nd Ave.

On a Weekday

Die-hard brunchers can enjoy loaded waffles, open-face omelets, and signature breakfast sandwiches (go for the hot chicken biscuit) every day from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at one of two Early Bird locations. 11940 Bradburn Blvd., Suite 400, Westminster; 1675 W. 67th Ave., Suite 300

Attend 5280’s Brunch Event

Feast on bites from restaurants on our list at our annual brunch event on March 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will feature all-you-can-drink Bloody Marys and mimosas, a DJ, photo booth, and more. Get tickets here.

Additional reporting by Chloe Barrett, Maren Horjus, Jessica LaRusso, Riane Menardi Morrison, Denise Mickelsen, Julia Ruble, Visvajit Sriramrajan, and Callie Sumlin