You may think of the breakfast burrito as an on-the-go meal, something you pick up on your way to work and eat in one hand as you steer your car with the other (driving responsibly, of course). The classic Denver burrito will challenge that assumption, generally too big to eat with one hand and often smothered in green or red chile.
So, consider this a sign to slow down your morning routine, grab a fork and knife, and prepare to dig into some of the Mile High City’s best breakfast burritos.
Odie B’s
Operating in Sunnyside and RiNo, Odie B’s breakfast burrito is named the Hustler. Inside you’ll find chorizo, scrambled eggs, roasted green peppers, tots, and habanero creme. The combination sings, but it’s not for the meat eater alone. Odie B’s also has a vegan Hustler, and either one can be picked up mostly-mess free, or smothered in red chile. 1350 40th St. Ste. 180, Denver; and 2651 W. 38th Ave., Denver, odie-bs.com
Billy’s Burritos (Smōk Barbecue)
Michelin-recommended Smōk Barbecue owner Bill Espiricueta serves breakfast burritos out of his restaurant space in RiNo under the name of Billy’s Burritos. The hefty creations are available from 7:45 a.m. until 10 a.m. every morning, except Mondays. Keep in mind, you’ll need to order online ahead of time in order to score one. Check Smōk Barbecue’s Instagram page for the occasional weekend specials, such as the chilaquiles breakfast burritos. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, denversmok.com
Rodriguez Mexican
You could eat a nice, light breakfast to kickstart your day, or you could start your day with Rodriguez’s one-pound El Fluffyz burrito. Each comes filled with your choice of two meats, eggs, potatoes, cheese, and green chili. God help you if you decide to smother it in additional chili.
On the off chance you can’t spend the rest of your morning focused on digesting, we’d recommend the chicharron breakfast burrito too, it’s smaller but no less mighty. 11190 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, rodriguezmexican.com
Bonfire Burritos
You may recognize Bonfire Burritos from the farmers’ markets and the grocery store, but the local company also has two brick-and-mortar spots in the metro area. Visit either the Golden or Arvada spots for The Deluxor, featuring a carne asada smoked in-house, along with onions, jalapenos, and Anaheim peppers.
Vegetarians and vegans may be interested in the Bon-asaurus, made with sauteed cremini peppers. Bonus: If you’re one of those people who cannot finish a burrito without it completely unraveling, all of the burritos at Bonfire Burritos can be ordered as bowls. 2221 Ford St., Golden; and 5800 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, bonfireburritos.com
Riccos Burritos
Operating two locations in Denver, Riccos Burritos has one of the more expansive breakfast burrito menus on this list, with 13 different options. Order classics like the chorizo burrito, called the Old School at Riccos. Or, aim for something more unique such as the Popper, which is filled with a freshly-fried chile relleno. 1355 Santa Fe Dr. B, Denver; and 7794 Washington St., Denver, burritosriccos.com
Jalapeños Restaurant
Located in Englewood, Jalapeños Restaurant describes itself as an “unassuming” restaurant, but frankly, it is not. Even if you disregarded the restaurant’s fire truck-red exterior, you’d still be left with a very assuming breakfast burrito. After all, it’s called TWP (The Whole Pig), and comes with all the normal fixings in addition to bacon, ham, and sausage. 3120 S. Broadway, Englewood, no website
Wilde and Baja Burrito
In 2023, Chef Lydia Lovett closed down her fried chicken restaurant Chicken Rebel in Highland and opened Wilde, where Lovett serves the San Diego-style Baja food of her hometown. Recently she turned the space into Baja Burrito during the week, keeping the original Wilde brunch intact during the weekends.
On both menus you’ll find Baja breakfast burritos like the Surf n’ Turf, filled with carne asada, wild shrimp, and, in true Baja style, fries. The Cali Bacon is another favorite, combining eggs, bacon, avocado, and Sol Sauce, Lovett’s signature chipotle crema. 3618 Tejon St., Denver, wilderestaurantdenver.com
Blackbelly Market Denver
Blackbelly has two locations, one in Denver and its original location in Boulder, and the latter launched the breakfast burritos that made it the go-to morning stop. You can get the OG Burrito, with eggs, tater tots, cheese, and Hatch green chiles; or try the Butcher’s Burrito, which adds the butcher’s choice of meat to your burrito. Each is easy to grab on the go, and yes, if you forgo the salsa and hot sauce, it’s easy to eat on the road. 4324 W. 41st Ave., Denver; and 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, blackbelly.com
Little Anita’s New Mexican
Little Anita’s is a New Mexico-based chain with a single location in Denver, operating out of Virginia Village. If you’re a late riser, but still want to start your morning (or afternoon) with a breakfast burrito, Little Anita’s serves one all day.
And it’s only one. Dubbed Burrito Grande, this meal is one you’ll want to sit down for. Not only is the large burrito filled with spicy chorizo, refried beans, papitas, and two eggs, but it’s also smothered in your choice of red or green chili, and topped with melted cheese. Want to try both? Make it Christmas style and never look back. 1550 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, littleanitascolorado.com
Las Caras
Las Caras roughly translates to “the faces.” True to its name, Las Caras’ colorful stripmall restaurant space in South Denver, where it’s operated since 1996, is adorned with quite a few portraits. Each stare at you as you attempt to diplomatically devour one of the restaurant’s very large breakfast burritos, which come adequately smothered in homemade green chili. 3333 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, lascaras.com
