Whether you are in the mood for sweet or savory or just a killer bloody Mary, we have combed through Denver's breakfast dishes to find your match. Here's where to go for breakfast for each particular craving.
Read More/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46497534/onefold.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Ultimate Guide to Denver's Best Breakfast Dishes
Not all breakfast foods are created equal.
View as Map

Bloody Mary: Atomic Cowboy
With locations in some of the hippest neighborhoods in town on South Broadway and East Colfax, you can easily get your hungover self to one of the locations. The bloody Mary is made with Left Hand milk stout for a slightly more viscous, full-bodied take on the breakfast classic. Topped with house made pickles and a salty, spicy rim, this is a simple yet innovative approach to one of our favorite cocktails.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468208/ATOMICCOWBOY_1036eb.0.0.0.0.0.jpeg)
Cajun/Creole: Lucile's Creole Cafe
Breakfast at Lucile's is always a vibrant Southern treat. Start the morning off right with a serving of Lucile's famous beignets, served warm and dusted in powdered sugar. Any of the seafood dishes are guaranteed to be a hit as well. Try the blackened salmon cooked Cajun style and served with eggs, grits, and a giant buttermilk biscuit. Eggs Rockefeller, shrimp and grits, Creole omelette, and eggs New Orleans are some of the other Creole style dishes on Lucile's well-crafted menu.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468209/denver_logan_Luciles_med.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.gif)
Bagels N' Lox: The Bagel Deli
Tucked away in a strip mall on Hampden Avenue is the one and only Bagel Deli. Visitors who happen upon the authentic Jewish deli are in for a treat. Bagels and lox are served fresh and with house made cream cheeses, onions, tomatoes, pickles, greek olives, and capers. If Benedicts are more your speed, check out the Bagel Deli's "Bagel-Dict" menu. Try the Lox N' Bagel-Dict or the Bagel-Dict with pastrami. Oy vey.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468210/IMG_2242.0.0.0.jpeg)
Breakfast Sammy: Masterpiece Delicatessen
Masterpiece Deli's breakfast sandwich menu is fairly straightforward but absolutely delightful. Quick and convenient, all sandwiches are served on your choice of bagel or English muffin with an heirloom egg and cheese. Taylor pork roll, Denver Bacon Co. Bacon, corned beef, and pastrami are some of the meatier options. For veggie-lovers, try the sautéed wild mushroom breakfast sandwich or sautéed spinach or arugula.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468211/masterpiece.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Skillet: Olive & Finch
There are few better ways to start your day in Denver than sitting at the window bar of Olive & Finch watching the world rush by on 17th Avenue while sipping coffee and eating one of the uptown eatery's sizzling skillet dishes. Most of the breakfast options can be made as a hash served in a skillet or wrapped in a tortilla as a burrito. We recommend going hash-style. The Sonoma is a healthy way to start your day with two eggs, roasted vegetables, arugula, goat cheese, and potatoes.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468212/olive_and_finch.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Breakfast Congee: OneFold
Elegant and simple yet cozy and detailed, Onefold is quickly establishing itself as one of Denver's best breakfast spots. The menu is concise and the ingredients are simple and straightforward. Try the congee, a savory rice pudding served with Tender Belly smoked ham, poached egg, green onions, soy sauce, salted ginger, and chili oil for a breakfast that is at once comfort food and Asian inspired. Pairs well with a Vietnamese coffee brewed up with CommonWealth coffee.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468213/541659_797238780350330_1590675243251923876_n.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Biscuit: Denver Biscuit Company
Next time you're sipping one of Atomic Cowboy's signature bloodies, be sure to check out the menu for Denver Biscuit Company, served at Atomic Cowboy locations. The Franklin is a fat kid favorite, served with buttermilk fried chicken, Tender Belly bacon, cheddar cheese, and smothered in sausage gravy. This place is always packed on weekends so consider stopping by on a weekday morning for a more mellow experience. Plus, this summer Denver Biscuit and Atomic Cowboy will be opening a new location on Tennyson.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468214/ATOMICCOWBOY_0989e_JPG.0.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Diner: Sam's No. 3
Colossal servings, a menu the size of a short novel, breakfast all day, decor circa 1927, and conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Denver, Sam's No. 3 is the quintessential diner. The pork green chile alone is worth the visit. On weekdays Sam's runs an earlybird special from open until 10 a.m. featuring comfort food breakfast classics for the downtown Denver business crowd.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468215/samsno3.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Breakfast Burrito: El Taco De Mexico
El Taco De Mexico tends to make it to the top of everybody's "Best Of" lists, and for good reason. The Santa Fe spot is authentic, quick, and reasonably priced. If you can't make it in early, don't fret; breakfast is served all day. Whatever you order, have it smothered in green chile.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468216/upload.0.0.0-4.0.0.0.jpg)
All Around Breakfast: The Universal
A Highlands favorite, the Universal is a go-to spot for some of the best grits in town. Ask about the daily grits special or for a sweeter approach to breakfast, order the custard French toast. The interior decor is quirky and cozy and the patio provides for a great spot to have breakfast outside this summer.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468217/upload.0-3.0.0.0.jpg)
Benedict: Four Friends Kitchen
Before Four Friends Kitchen fired up its skillets earlier this year, Stapleton was experiencing a particular dearth of breakfast spots. Now this neighborhood restaurant is the ideal a.m. eatery in the area, and a great place for kids.. A winner here is the Bluegrass Benedict, made with buttermilk biscuits, pecan-smoked pork belly, poached eggs, collard greens, Hollandaise, and green tomato chow chow relish.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468218/Four_Friends_Kitchen.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Sweet Breakfast: Devil's Food
Devil's Food is undoubtedly a Denver institution. The South Gaylord spot serves seasonal breakfast, exquisite desserts, and wonderful coffee to patrons. While everything on the menu is worth trying, the sweeter side of breakfast offerings keeps us coming back time and again. Try the strawberry almond crepes served with strawberry mascarpone, marcona almonds, Grand Marnier fresh strawberries, and a dark chocolate drizzle.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62468219/Devil_s_Food.0.0.0.0.0.0.jpg)
© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.