Denver loves brunch. Each Wednesday, we dish out the latest and greatest brunch spots around town, highlighting our favorite haunts and the dishes you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to dive in.
Enjoy patio weather while it lasts at these five places. From really good breakfast burritos to Southern staples, this weekend, and in some cases this week, has you covered.
Fox and the Hen
When looking for a brunch spot as lively as the weekend plans, head to Fox and the Hen, where the patio scene is always buzzing. With wooden picnic tables shaded by vibrant orange umbrellas, this spot offers a welcoming and energetic setting perfect for a casual brunch.
As for what you’re eating, it’s all about chef Carrie Baird’s Fancy Toasts ($18), which come in a rotating variety of flavors. Other delicious options include the Green Peas and Ham Benedict ($18) and the chef’s famous Bobby Flavos ($18), her take on pork green chili huevos rancheros. This dish helped the Top Chef alumni clinch victory over chef Bobby Flay in an episode of Beat Bobby Flay. 2257 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, foxandthehen.com
Mimosas
The patio at this Five Points hot spot is a delightful extension of its vibrant indoor space, adorned with playful orange accents and lush greenery. It also provides the perfect backdrop for savory Southern starters like Fried Green Tomatoes ($9) and Fried Okra ($8). For the main meal, you can’t go wrong with the Shrimp and Grits ($22), which gets a kick of spice thanks to the Cajun beurre blanc and choice of andouille pork or chicken sausage.
Of course, the star of the show is the restaurant’s namesake beverage, available in a variety of creative flavors. For example, the Boujee ($10), featuring sparkling rosé and Natalie’s grapefruit juice with a brown sugar rim. Of course you can’t be boujee without a little ratchet, which is the name of another mimosa ($11) with cognac to glam it up. 2752 Welton St., Denver, mimosasdenver.com
Sassafras American Eatery
Sassafras in Highland offers a brunch experience that feels like dining in a secret garden. Tucked into intimate pockets amidst lush greenery, the patios are surrounded by leafy plants and trees. Yes, that’s patios plural, which includes an intimate one off the bar and a larger one out back.
Once seated, start with the New Orleans classic, Beignets ($8.50), and pretend your dining in the South. Next, order the Bison Hash With Chicken Fried Eggs ($18) served with jalapeño cornbread and a creamy hollandaise. How the cooks manage to batter and fry two soft-boiled eggs is an act of kitchen magic and it’s amazing. Wash it down with the Queen Mary ($12), which swaps out regular red tomatoes for tangy green and lightens up the mix with pineapple, orange, bell pepper, spinach, and lime juices. 3927 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, sassafrasamericaneatery.com
Cozy Cottage
If you’re looking for a charming breakfast or lunch spot in Denver, Cozy Cottage should be high on the list. For 12 years this chill, homey eatery has served American and Mexican fare in the Berkeley neighborhood. Though the main restaurant resides in an old house-turned-cafe, the dog-friendly patio is a hidden gem that’s open year-round but doubles in size during the summer months so you can dine among the greenery. Grab a seat at one of the mix-and-match tables, shaded by colorful umbrellas, and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
On the food side, order the Cozy Blintz ($13.89) for the table. It’s made with crème fraîche tucked inside two crepes with fresh fruit. Next, The Huevos Escondidos ($14.99) comes with chorizo sausage, black beans, and cheddar cheese tucked between two corn tortillas, smothered with ranchero salsa and topped with two eggs, salsa fresca, and sour cream to help cool down the otherwise spicy plate. Overall the menu proves simple, comforting, affordable, and vast, so there’s a little something for everyone, including gluten-free pancakes. 4363 Tennyson St., Denver, cozyupdenver.com
Bonfire Burritos
Bonfire Burritos in Golden is the go-to spot for the best burritos in Denver. Nearly all seating here is prime patio real estate, making it the ultimate indoor-outdoor brunch spot. The shaded outdoor area, complete with canopies, keeps you cool while you enjoy your burrito with a side of mountain views. Plus, the communal seating ensures you’ll never dine alone, and dogs are practically part of the crowd, so bring your best friend for a little weekend fun.
A favorite burrito is the Javelina ($9.25 for a little giant, $13.75 for an original), which combines a base of eggs and hashbrowns with chorizo, grilled pineapple, cotija cheese, jalapeño-pineapple crema, and green chili. On the cocktails side, the Pink Lady ($6) comes with tequila, orange liqueur, raspberry syrup, grapefruit, and soda. Bonus, weekends also bring a festive flair with a merch tent offering cool Bonfire Burritos gear while keeping up with the brisk takeout demand. 2221 Ford St., Golden, bonfireburritos.com
