Picture yourself browsing through a 16-page menu packed with more than two dozen breakfast burrito options at one of Denver’s most popular brunch spots. This experience captures the essence of Denver’s special brunch scene.
Denver’s brunch spots blend an amazing mix of cuisines that range from American classics to Eastern Mediterranean feasts and authentic dim sum. The MICHELIN Guide recognizes this excellence and features several local establishments that highlight our city’s culinary mastery.
Need proof? Safta’s $50 all-you-can-eat Mediterranean buffet comes with fresh wood-fired pita. Linger, a former mortuary that transformed into a global fusion hotspot, has delighted customers with stellar brunch for 15 years. Local favorites include Southern comfort food at Mimosas and The Bindery’s Dutch baby pancakes. We’ll guide you to the best brunch spots in Denver, including places that serve amazing meals on weekdays too.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Denver’s Beloved Brunch Institution
Denver locals know their breakfast spots, and Snooze, an A.M. Eatery tops their list. This breakfast-centric spot has become one of the city’s best brunch destinations since it opened its first location in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood.
Signature Pancake Flights That Locals Rave About
The Signature Pancake Flight steals the show at Snooze. You can sample three different pancake flavors on one plate, which turns your breakfast into a delightful tasting experience. The classic flight comes with Pineapple Upside Down, Cinnamon Roll, and Strawberry Shortcake pancakes. You can mix and match any available flavors to create your perfect combination.
These pancakes stand out because each one brings something special to the table:
- Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes – A crowd favorite featuring caramelized pineapple chunks
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – Topped with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon butter
- Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes – The current “Pancake of the Moment” with fresh berries
The menu doesn’t stop there. You’ll find protein pancakes, blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, and vegan banana bliss pancakes. People with dietary restrictions can swap the buttermilk batter for a gluten-free option.
Snooze started a “Pancake of the Week” program in 2024. During this week, Snooze donates $0.25 from each specialty pancake to nonprofit partners such as the National Young Farmer’s Coalition. This shows their dedication to giving back while serving creative breakfast dishes.
Creative Eggs Benedict Variations
The benedict menu matches the pancakes in creativity. Denver food critics often praise Snooze’s eggs benedict as some of the best in the city.
The “Benny Duo” lets you try two different benedict styles on one plate – perfect when you can’t pick just one. Here are some crowd favorites:
| Benedict Style | Key Ingredients | Notable Feature |
| Bella! Bella! Benny | Prosciutto, Taleggio cheese | Fan favorite for flavor harmony |
| Ham Benedict III | Smoked cheddar hollandaise | The classic elevated |
| Habanero Pork Belly Benny | Pork belly, habanero | For spice lovers |
| Barbacoa Chile Verde Benny | Beef barbacoa, poblano hollandaise | Tex-Mex inspired |
| Smashed Avocado Benny | Fresh avocado | Vegetarian option |
The Chilaquiles Benedict has earned a special place in regulars’ hearts. It features ranchero-sauced corn tortillas fused like a masa cake, topped with cheese, poached eggs, and poblano hollandaise. Vegetarians can swap the beef barbacoa for avocado.
Every benedict comes with shredded hash browns. You should try their house-made SaSo hot sauce with chile pequin peppers to spice up your potatoes.
Weekend Wait Times and How to Skip the Line
Snooze’s popularity means you might wait up to two hours during busy times. Here’s how you can spend less time waiting and more time eating:
- Use the Snooze app or website: Check live wait times before you leave home.
- Join the waitlist online: Put your name on the digital queue during business hours.
- Arrive early: Beat the weekend crowds by showing up before they open at 7 a.m..
- Try weekday visits: You’ll wait much less Monday through Friday.
- Dine solo or as a small group: Smaller parties usually get seated faster.
The host will confirm your spot when you arrive. Free coffee and WiFi help make the wait more pleasant. The staff works hard to seat everyone quickly, even though joining the waitlist doesn’t guarantee a specific time.
The online waitlist might close when they’re super busy, but keep checking the app. Your persistence might pay off during peak times.
Locations Throughout Denver Metro Area
Snooze has grown from its first spot to several locations across Denver:
Ballpark – The original spot near Coors Field opens at 6:30 a.m. daily. Early birds and baseball fans love this location.
Union Station – This downtown spot fits right into Denver’s historic train station. You can eat inside or enjoy the patio. It’s part of Union Station’s excellent shopping and dining scene.
South Broadway – You’ll find this spot north of Washington Park near Metropolitan State University of Denver in Baker neighborhood, close to North Broadway and East 1st Avenue.
Colorado Boulevard – The northeast corner of Colorado Boulevard and East 7th Avenue gets packed on weekends.
Each location serves the same creative menu with responsibly-sourced ingredients. They cater to all dietary needs – paleo, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. The full bar serves morning cocktails like mimosas, Bloody Marys, and margaritas, making any day feel like the weekend.
Quality extends to their drinks too. Snooze serves Guatemalan coffee, lattes, espresso, and cold brew that perfectly complement their breakfast dishes.
Safta: Mediterranean Brunch Buffet Experience
Safta brings a fresh take on Denver brunch with its Mediterranean buffet experience. Located in The Source Hotel in RiNo, this spot serves up Israeli cuisine that blends influences from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. The menu offers a welcome change from typical eggs and pancakes.
What’s Included in the $50 All-You-Can-Eat Spread
The weekend brunch buffet costs $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity). It spans 50 feet of counter space and features about 100 different Mediterranean dishes. The spread includes these delicious options:
- Dips and Spreads: Babaganoush (charred eggplant, lemon, sour cream), lutenitsa (roasted eggplant, peppers, tomato), muhammara (hazelnut, cilantro, chili oil)
- Proteins: Smoked salmon, smoked whitefish, smoked sable, roasted lamb shoulder, pastrami hash
- Egg Dishes: Shakshuka, soft scrambled eggs
- Pastries: Apricot turmeric scones, baharat coffee cake, babka, carrot muffins, coconut malabi
Kids can enjoy the feast too. The buffet costs $20 for children 13 and under, and those 10 and under eat free.
This isn’t your standard American breakfast buffet with waffle stations and made-to-order omelets. Safta serves bagels, lox, fresh pita, various hummus options, latkes, and many Middle Eastern specialties. The buffet runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Wood-Fired Pita and Hummus Bar
The wood-fired pita bread stands out as Safta’s star attraction. These puffy, charred breads come straight from the oven to your table, hot as coals. The bread releases wheaty steam “like a blessing sent from Mother Earth” when torn open, with a soft yet chewy texture and slight tang.
These amazing pitas pair perfectly with Safta’s signature hummus varieties:
| Hummus Variety | Key Components | Notable Features |
| Tahini Hummus | Aleppo pepper, extra virgin olive oil | Ultra-smooth, tahini-rich base |
| Soft Cooked Egg Hummus | Harissa, red onions, pickles | Popular brunch option |
| Lamb Ragu Hummus | Muttony lamb ragu | Recommended for meat lovers |
| Cauliflower Hummus | Seasonal preparation | Often served with whipped feta |
Each hummus variety comes in a shallow bowl with chickpea purée spread “as if by a master troweler”. The hummus tastes so creamy you’ll want extra pita to finish every last bit.
Shakshuka and Middle Eastern Specialties
Safta’s buffet features traditional Middle Eastern dishes you won’t find at other Denver brunch spots.
Shakshuka shines as their signature dish—eggs poached in tomato sauce with chili peppers, garlic, cumin and paprika. Their version includes Jerusalem artichokes and a bright cilantro-pesto-like Yemeni purée.
The menu highlights these specialties:
- Charred Cabbage: Braised then roasted—served with muhammara (sweet peppers, nuts, tomatoes, and spice mix)
- Malawach: A flaky, croissant-like flatbread with zoug (green Yemeni hot sauce with cilantro) and grated tomatoes
- Labneh: Greek yogurt with olive oil and lemon—sometimes served as cheesecake topped with orange-infused granola and pomegranate caramel
- Latkes: Traditional Jewish potato pancakes available at the buffet
Adventurous eaters will love unique dishes like goat cheese stuffed peppers, lutenitsa (Bulgarian spread of red pepper and tomatoes), and shanklish (spiced cow’s or sheep’s milk cheese served with tomatoes).
Chef Shaya says kids find plenty to enjoy: “Kids love hummus and pita bread. Our food has great flavor, so kids don’t have to worry about bland vegetables”.
Best Times to Visit for Shorter Waits
Safta gets packed during peak weekend hours. Here’s how to minimize your wait:
- Arrive right at opening: The buffet starts at 10:30 a.m.—you’ll get first pick of fresh dishes
- Make reservations ahead: This helps especially for bigger groups
- Try late morning vs. early afternoon: Earlier visits mean shorter lines
- Check for parking options: Park in the garage, on the street, or in The Source Hotel’s small surface lot
The staff keeps dishes fresh and full throughout service, so later arrivals won’t miss out on anything.
Safta creates a unique brunch atmosphere. You can watch chefs prepare dishes right in front of you, making it an interactive experience. Their dedication to food preparation turns a regular buffet into what one reviewer called a “CRAZY AWESOME” culinary adventure.
Fox and the Hen: Chef-Driven Brunch in Highland
Top Chef alumna Carrie Baird brings her culinary passion to LoHi with Fox and the Hen, a breakfast joint that turns morning meals into artistic expressions. The chef-driven brunch spot opened in June 2023 and quickly became a must-visit destination for Denver’s breakfast enthusiasts.
Famous ‘Fancy Toast’ Creations
Fox and the Hen puts Carrie Baird’s “Fancy Toast” creations front and center, which shot to fame during her appearance on Season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef. A dedicated menu section called “Fancy-ish Toasts” shows off her creative take on this breakfast staple.
These toast masterpieces range from $15 to $18 and feature several standout options:
| Toast Variety | Price | Description |
| Avocado Toast | $16.00 | Pickled onions, radishes, poached egg, chili crunch on griddled sourdough |
| Croque Madame | $16-18 | Griddled sourdough with ham, Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, spicy tomato jam, poached egg |
| Stuffed French Toast | $17.00 | Brioche stuffed with ricotta and custard, topped with jam and granola |
| Seasonal Fancy Toast | $18.00 | Currently featuring almond, prosciutto, and corn |
Baird’s dedication to seasonal ingredients and creative combinations sets these toasts apart. To name just one example, see the Spring Thyme Fancy Toast with pea pate, cream cheese, and heirloom tomatoes on homemade sourdough English muffins. Customers often say they “love that they really leaned into” the Fancy Toast concept that made Baird famous.
The Bobby Flavos Huevos Rancheros Story
The menu’s crown jewel is the “Bobby Flavos,” priced at $18. Baird earned this dish’s name after beating celebrity chef Bobby Flay on his show “Beat Bobby Flay” (Season 22, Episode 1).
This signature creation, originally called “Pork Green Chili Huevos Rancheros” during the competition, has:
- Pork green chili
- Two sunny-side-up eggs
- Refried beans
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Flour tortilla base
- Crispy corn tortilla layer
- Pico de gallo
- Crema
Refried beans form the foundation, topped with a flour tortilla, layers of sharp cheddar, crispy corn tortillas, and pork green chili, crowned with two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs. One customer shared, “I was already a little teary-eyed over my huevos rancheros (aka the ‘Beat Bobby Flavos’ bc they did!)”.
Food enthusiasts travel specifically to taste this competition-winning dish. Baird managed to keep the recipe almost exactly as seen on TV, just changing the name to the playful “Bobby Flavos”.
Hot Sauce Wall for Spice Lovers
Fox and the Hen’s grab-your-own hot sauce wall makes it unique. Westword says this feature gives the restaurant “vibes of pure fun”.
Spice lovers can choose from many hot sauce options to customize their heat level. This interactive element lets guests experiment with different flavors throughout their meal.
The restaurant’s playful touches also include:
- Custom wallpaper with what Chef Baird calls “sketchy chicks”
- A wall filled with framed prairie dog images
- A neon sign reading “I Wanna Do Right But Not Right Now”
- Indoor/outdoor bar for enjoyable brunch cocktails
These whimsical elements reflect Baird’s philosophy: “I really love tapping into that American nostalgia”. Her approach appeals to customers—Fox and the Hen boasts a 4.9-star rating from OpenTable diners and a 4.4-star rating on Yelp.
Weekday vs. Weekend Menu Differences
Fox and the Hen welcomes guests seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., perfect for both weekday breakfast needs and weekend brunching. The experience differs between weekdays and weekends.
Weekend warriors should expect longer wait times, similar to other popular Denver brunch spots. Local regulars suggest arriving early since the restaurant uses a first-come, first-served system with no reservations. One customer advises, “Get there early. It’s a popular spot with a lengthy waitlist”.
The restaurant added a grab-n-go window called “The Shed” for quick service. Early birds can grab breakfast burritos and drip coffee, ideal for busy weekday mornings.
Daily menu favorites include:
- Le Big Mac Omelette – Baird’s cheeky take on the famous burger
- Breakfast Tacos – With chorizo, scrambled eggs, cheddar, pico de gallo and crema on flour tortillas (Baird’s personal favorite)
- Hash Browns – Served “Animal-Style” (inspired by In-N-Out) or “Trout Style” with smoked trout roe and creme fraiche
- Sausage Rolls – With spicy maple dipping sauce
Monthly specials like the Pumpkin-less Pumpkin Spice French Toast and seasonal muffin flavors give regular customers fresh options throughout the year.
Fox and the Hen delivers creative food, a playful atmosphere, and an experience that shows why it became one of Denver’s hottest brunch spots since opening in 2023.
Star Kitchen: Denver’s Premier Dim Sum Destination
Star Kitchen buzzes with diners, lively conversations, and steaming carts filled with bamboo steamers on Federal Boulevard. Opened in 2008 by Jong Ng and his wife, this local favorite became Denver’s best dim sum spot after they turned a basic Chinese buffet into a lively authentic Cantonese restaurant.
How to Order from Dim Sum Carts
Star Kitchen’s dim sum experience is different from typical Denver brunch spots because of its traditional cart service. Servers wheel trolleys loaded with small plates and steamer baskets through the dining room while you’re seated. Here’s how it works:
- Flag down carts that catch your eye as they pass your table
- Point to items you want to try (pictures on the menu help you identify dishes)
- Server marks your check with each selection
- Bill gets tallied at the end of your meal
New customers find this setup fun but sometimes puzzling. “This was actually my first time to do dim sum. Had nary a clue as to how it worked,” one visitor said. “The very helpful and friendly staff explained everything and made sure I enjoyed my lunch”.
You can get cart service every day, which makes it perfect for both weekend brunchers and weekday visitors. Your bill depends on what and how many dishes you pick—most small plates cost between $4.85 and $7.55.
Must-Try Dumplings and Specialties
The menu showcases dozens of authentic Cantonese dim sum items. Regulars rave about these standout dishes:
- Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – Translucent dumplings filled with perfectly cooked shrimp ($5.95)
- Steamed Pork Dumplings (Shu Mai) – Open-faced dumplings with pork filling that customers call “one of our favorites”
- BBQ Pork Buns – Fluffy white buns filled with sweet barbecued pork ($4.85)
- Pork Sticky Rice – Savory pork wrapped in glutinous rice ($5.15)
- Chicken Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf – Fragrant rice with chicken and dry scallops steamed in lotus leaf ($6.75)
The menu goes beyond dumplings with pan-fried turnip cake with XO sauce, crispy salt and pepper squid tentacles, and BBQ pork rice crepe. Adventurous eaters should try the pork blood with chives—a traditional dish you rarely find at other Denver brunch spots.
The menu has few options for vegetarians. The restaurant’s stance on vegan dishes is straightforward: “no meat or seafood, no meat or seafood broth, no egg, no dairy, no oyster sauce”.
Early Bird Tips for Weekend Visits
You need to plan ahead for weekend dim sum at Star Kitchen since wait times can reach an hour or more, especially on Sundays. Regular customers share these tips:
“Come early or wait,” a frequent diner warns. “This place serves the best dim sum in Denver. Sunday visitors should arrive at opening time (10 AM) or be ready to wait an hour plus”.
Best ways to enjoy weekend dim sum:
- Get there by 9:30 am on Sundays to grab first seating at 10:00 am opening
- Share a table to cut down your wait time
- Pick Saturday over Sunday for smaller crowds
A customer noted: “We lined up by 9:30 and got in with the first seating”. People who come after opening often wait 60-70 minutes.
Weekday Dim Sum Options
Weekday dim sum gives you a more laid-back experience. Star Kitchen serves dim sum daily during these hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Weekdays bring shorter lines and a calmer atmosphere. “Holiday weekday lines can match weekends, but usually weekday waits are much shorter. The longest I’ve waited on a weekday was 20-30 minutes compared to 60-70 minutes on weekends”.
The menu stays impressive all week, though you might see fewer cart options than on busy weekends. Weekday visits let you chat more with servers about their recommendations and enjoy your meal at a slower pace.
Star Kitchen closes every Wednesday, so plan your mid-week dim sum visits around this schedule.
Sam’s No. 3: Classic Denver Diner Brunch
Sam Armatas, a Greek immigrant, established Sam’s No. 3 back in 1927. This beloved Denver institution serves classic diner brunch that beautifully blends Greek and Southwestern influences. The family’s commitment shows in their all-day breakfast menu that hits the spot any time.
Extra-Tall Mimosas and Breakfast Cocktails
The sort of thing i love about Sam’s No. 3 is their belief that breakfast deserves a proper toast. Their drink menu showcases classic Mimosas ($11) and Bloody Marys ($11). These signature morning cocktails will get your day started right:
- Siberian Stoli Man-Mosa – Sparkling wine, Stolichnaya Vodka, and a splash of OJ ($14)
- Flip Flop Mimosa – Sparkling wine, Smirnoff Pineapple, pineapple juice, and orange juice ($14)
- Lemoni Bellini Mimosa – Sparkling wine, Deep Eddy Lemon, and peach puree ($14)
- Anti-Oxidant Mimosa – Sparkling wine, Absolut Acai Vodka, cranberry, and blueberries ($14)
“Our array of breakfast cocktails, like mimosas and Bloody Marys, is perfect for those who believe breakfast deserves a toast”.
Massive Breakfast Burritos with Green Chile
Sam’s No. 3 stands as Colorado’s only restaurant with New Mexico-certified chilis. Their breakfast burrito selection features over two dozen options:
| Burrito | Description | Price |
| Spero’s Burrito | Eggs and homefries smothered in Pork Green Chili with melted cheddar | $13.99 |
| El Gordo | Four eggs with potatoes, cheese in a flour tortilla | Listed as “Burrito Supreme” $11.99 |
| Chorizo & Onion | Spicy chorizo, eggs, and melted cheddar | $17.99 |
The “Kitchen Sink Burrito” has earned quite a following with 63 mentions on Yelp. Poppa’s “Big as a House Burrito” packs six eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, gyro meat, onion, bell pepper, tomato, mushrooms, and four kinds of melted cheese.
Greek and Mexican Breakfast Specialties
The founder’s Greek heritage shines through the menu’s authentic Mediterranean flavors. Greek breakfast favorites include:
- Gyro and Eggs – Sliced gyro meat with red onion, tomato, and tzatziki
- Greek Omelet – Filled with gyro meat, onions, tomatoes, and feta
- Chicken/Pork Souvlaki and Eggs – Served with tzatziki
Mexican breakfast enthusiasts love the Huevos Rancheros ($14.99) with two eggs, tortillas, green chili, homefries, refried beans, and cotija cheese. The Mexican Breakfast ($16.99) combines chorizo, onion, jalapeño, tomato, and Jack cheese in a delicious scramble.
Downtown and Glendale Locations
Sam’s No. 3 welcomes you at two convenient spots:
- Downtown: 1500 Curtis Street with varying hours – opens as early as 6:00 am on Thursday and Friday
- Glendale: 435 S Cherry St – consistent hours 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (Sun-Thur) and until 9:00 pm (Fri-Sat)
Both locations serve the complete menu, including all-day breakfast. Remember to check online before visiting since hours might vary by location and day.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Price Range | Signature Dishes | Wait Times | Operating Hours | Special Features | Location |
| Snooze, an A.M. Eatery | Not mentioned | Pancake Flight, Bella! Bella! Benny, Chilaquiles Benedict | Up to 2 hours on weekends | Opens 6:30 AM (Ballpark) | Free coffee during wait, Digital waitlist system | Multiple: Ballpark, Union Station, South Broadway, Colorado Boulevard |
| Safta | $50 buffet, Kids under 13: $20 | Wood-fired pita, Multiple hummus varieties, Shakshuka | Shorter at opening (10:30 AM) | 10:30 AM – 2 PM (Sat-Sun) | 50-foot buffet counter, 100+ food options | The Source Hotel, RiNo |
| Fox and the Hen | $15-18 for toasts | Fancy Toast varieties, Bobby Flavos ($18), Hash Browns | Long waitlist on weekends | 7 AM – 3 PM daily | Hot sauce wall, The Shed grab-n-go window | LoHi |
| Star Kitchen | $4.85-7.55 per dish | Har Gow, Shu Mai, BBQ Pork Buns | 60-70 mins weekends, 20-30 mins weekdays | Mon-Fri: 10:30-2:30, Sat-Sun: 10-3 | Traditional cart service, Closed Wednesdays | Federal Boulevard |
| Sam’s No. 3 | $11-18 | Kitchen Sink Burrito, Greek breakfast items, 24+ burrito options | Not mentioned | Varies by location (opens as early as 6 AM) | New Mexico-certified chilis, All-day breakfast | Downtown (Curtis St), Glendale (Cherry St) |
Denver Charter Bus To Explore Denver’s Brunch Scene
Conclusion
Denver’s brunch scene is a reflection of the city’s rich culinary diversity, blending influences from across the globe while staying true to its local roots. Whether you’re indulging in a MICHELIN-recognized Mediterranean buffet, biting into a freshly made breakfast burrito, or enjoying Southern comfort food with a modern twist, there’s no shortage of unforgettable brunch experiences. The city’s restaurants cater to every taste, offering everything from casual, cozy diners to high-end, chef-driven eateries that redefine brunch classics.
Beyond the food, what makes Denver’s brunch culture truly special is its unique atmosphere. Many of these restaurants are housed in historic or unexpected locations, such as Linger—a former mortuary turned global fusion hotspot. Others take advantage of the city’s stunning scenery with rooftop patios and outdoor dining, allowing you to soak in the mountain views while savoring your meal.
And the best part? You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy Denver’s best brunch spots. Many local favorites serve brunch on weekdays, making it easy to satisfy your cravings any day of the week. Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor looking to experience the city’s culinary gems, Denver’s brunch scene promises a meal to remember. So grab your appetite and get ready to explore some of the best breakfast and brunch destinations the Mile High City has to offer!
FAQs
Q1: What are the must-visit brunch spots in Denver?
Some of the best brunch spots in Denver include Safta, Linger, Mimosas, and The Bindery. Each offers a unique experience, from Mediterranean buffets to creative global fusion dishes.
Q2: Are there any MICHELIN-recognized brunch restaurants in Denver?
Yes! The MICHELIN Guide features several Denver establishments that showcase exceptional culinary talent, solidifying the city’s reputation for outstanding brunch experiences.
Q3: Which brunch places in Denver serve food on weekdays?
Many top brunch spots offer weekday options, including Safta and Linger, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals beyond just the weekends.
Q4: Where can I find the best breakfast burritos in Denver?
Several restaurants and brunch spots in Denver are famous for their extensive breakfast burrito menus, offering a variety of fillings and flavors to satisfy any craving.
Q5: What makes Denver’s brunch scene special?
Denver’s brunch culture stands out due to its diverse culinary influences, MICHELIN-recognized establishments, and unique venues, such as a former mortuary-turned-restaurant and all-you-can-eat buffets featuring fresh, wood-fired pita.
