Denver may not have invented brunch, but the Mile High City has perfected the midday meal, drawing crowds to sunny patios for stacks of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon and flowing mimosas. From a French brasserie to an iconic brasserie to a gourmet buffet in the southern suburbs, brunch is serious business in and around Denver. But the beauty of this revered meal is that it can go in so many different directions – will it be an indulgent meal worth jamming on a Saturday morning? and afternoon for or is it a quick stop to refuel before hiking (or going back to bed)? It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to splurge or are on a budget, there’s a brunch in Denver that fits the bill.
Methodology: To assign a price per person to each of these meals, we totaled the average cost of a starter, a coffee and a cocktail or beer.
Garden Terrace at the Hilton Denver Inverness: $75 (including bottomless mimosas)
Against the backdrop of live jazz, the Sunday Champagne Brunch is back at Hilton Denver Inverness, a hotel near Park Meadows Mall. Head straight for the raw bar generously garnished with crab legs, shrimp and oysters. After that, you have options (100, in fact) that include tender and juicy slices of prime rib, small waffles, made-to-order omelets, sushi and sashimi, and pastries galore. 200 Inverness Drive W., Englewood
At Maggy’s: $55
Inside the new Thompson Hotel, the brasserie of starred chef Ludo Lefebvre offers a menu that is half-Parisian, half-Denver. Say yes to the Denver French Omelette with peppers, onions, Parisian ham and Gruyere cheese. Other dishes to At Maggy’s include snails, mussels and fries and an avocado croque monsieur. LoDo’s lobby-level restaurant also offers a French-leaning wine list and zero-proof cocktails. 1616 Market Street
Urban Farmer: $35
Bloody Marys are practically a meal for urban farmer. The brunch bar is stocked with more than two dozen accessories like candied bacon with brown sugar and chili flakes, fresh horseradish and pickled vegetables. But save room for the succulent duck hash at this steakhouse or, if you have a sweet tooth, the brioche French toast with chai cream cheese and strawberry jam. 1659 Wazee Street
Wynkoop Brewery: $28
What do you get when a brasserie offers brunch? Beermosas, for starters. But Wynkoop Brewery also puts a tasty stout glaze on her giant, fluffy cinnamon roll that’s topped with cream cheese frosting and makes her sausage sauce with a chili beer for her cookies and gravy dish. 1634 18th street.
Fox Run Coffee: $25
While the menu spins, you’ll find breakfast delights like lemon ricotta pancakes, apple pie French toast, toasted banana bread and sourdough BLTs at this small but bustling Colfax . Cold-brewed whiskey and fortified lemonades are also on the menu Fox Run Cafethe cocktail menu alongside typical brunch drinks. 3550 E. Colfax Ave.
Leven Deli Co.: $18
Next to the Denver Art Museum, Leven Deli Co. is a Jewish deli-meets-Mediterranean cafe with fresh breads, 12-day-old pastrami, and curried potato salads. Order an egg sandwich on a soft pastrami bun and take a seat in the leafy dining room or on the terrace. Leven’s all-day market also sells sourdough breads, whipped feta, charcuterie and more – perfect supplies for any afternoon picnics you might have in the cards . 123 W. 12th Ave.
Rise & Shine Cookies: $15
If your type of breakfast includes Southern cookies washed down with local beers, head to Kitchen Biscuit Rise & Shine. Fluffy breakfast sandwiches like the Asheville, served with havarti, turkey and honey mustard, are under $6 and this welcoming café offers eight local beers on tap and a concise coffee menu . 5126 W. 29th Ave., 76 S. Pennsylvania St.