The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
These days, there’s a holiday for just about everything: January 7 is National Fruitcake Toss Day (not kidding) and September 3 is National Welsh Rabbit Day (who thinks of these?). Although we won’t be tossing fruitcake anytime soon, National Pancake Day on September 26 is one date that’s circled on the calendar. Here, our picks for Denver’s best pancakes on Saturday—or any day.
The Universal: Blueberry Pancake
The Universal on 38th Avenue offers an unbeatable pancake value. For just about $3, you’ll have yourself a gooey-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside marvel that’s the size of a large dinner plate. The cake itself is light, classic, and not exceedingly sweet with fat, juicy blueberries scattered throughout. You could get the pancake plate for $7, but one side cake is enough to satisfy even large morning appetites. Spend the extra few bucks on a sparkly mimosa or a Bloody Mary with all the fixings. Tuesday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2911 W. 38th Ave., 303-955-0815
Revelry Kitchen: Rum Raisin & Banana Pancakes
Revelry’s pancakes eat a bit like a large dessert. The stack of two is deliciously dense, topped with a chocolate-walnut gremolata and lemon whipped cream that melts quickly into the warm, bready surface. Rum raisins offer a fruity respite every couple of bites. These cakes are filling, so bring backup or prepare a landing spot for the post-brunch food coma. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, 4140 W. 38th Ave., 303-455-3132
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox: Greek Yogurt Pancakes
These gluten-free pancakes are a delight, even for those who usually steer away from the treat. The cakes, which taste creamier thanks to the Greek yogurt, are topped with lemon crema, crunchy almond granola, balsamic blueberries, and chocolate pearls. The flavors can be enjoyed separately, but we recommend coaxing everything onto the fork at once and dipping into the orange blossom syrup. Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 1215 20th St., 303-993-8023
Snooze A.M. Eatery: Blueberry Danish Pancake
It was difficult to choose a winning pancake from Snooze but we’re partial to the blueberry Danish pancake. The small cake is slathered with blueberry compote and a lemony, cream cheese drizzle. Much like a Danish, the center offers a large dollop of the lemony, creamy goodness, which is buried under a tempting mound of walnut crumbles. Bonus: Make it a flight by adding a sweet potato and a pineapple upside-down pancake to your order. 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, 1701 Wynkoop St., #150, 303-825-3536
Four Friends Kitchen: Bacon and Praline Pancake
The bacon praline pancake from Four Friends Kitchen is like candy—sweet and sticky with subtle notes of bacon. The caramel-ly sauce and butter melt quickly, making the timing of your bites essential. Wait too long and your breakfast could be soaked through (for some this could be a selling point). Weekends are packed, so plan for a wait. Better yet, order your pancake to go and enjoy it at one of the shaded picnic tables in the nearby plaza. Don’t forget napkins. 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, 2893 Roslyn St., 303-388-8299
