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.
Fans of LoHi’s Mizu Izakaya now have another reason to go-weekend brunch. In line with the restaurant’s cocktail culture and party vibe, each week there’s a Sunday Party Brunch. This includes a live DJ, sparklers, colorful drinks, and more.
Mizu has graced this corner since 2016. The interior has a modern izakaya feel with dark wood furniture, low lighting, and bright murals decorating some walls. The success of restaurateur Li Jianxiong’s place follows other popular concepts he runs in Broomfield, East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi and Tsukki Cocktail Lounge.There’s also the newly opened Krāv Cafe in LoHi, which serves boba, matcha tea, soft serve, and desserts. Later this summer the restaurateur will also bring Mizu to the Denver airport in Concourse B.
Don’t be surprised if a visit to Mizu comes with a side of celebrity spying. The popular spot attracts Denver’s elite, including Broncos and Nuggets players, as well as celebrities like Lance Armstrong when visiting the Mile High City. Grab a table at the bar, dining room, private Omakase room, or outdoor patio, and dive in.
Eat the Menu
While the entire menu is available during the newly added brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday, there are also exciting new dishes to explore. For example, the Crispy Fish and Chips with tempura-fried albacore tuna ($16), Japanese Fried Chicken and Waffles ($18), and a Classic Breakfast with Japanese Sausage ($20). Want to go big? Try the Steak & Eggs featuring a 6-ounce tenderloin with house-made mushroom sauce ($32).
Of course Mizu’s main draw is the sushi. Crafted from fish flown on a direct flight daily from the Toyosu fish auction in Tokyo, brunch includes a sashimi or nigiri combo, as well as the Mini Chirashi with eight pieces of chef’s choice sashimi, sushi rice, and miso soup ($26).
For the complete experience, Mizu’s extensive menu caters to various dietary preferences and cravings. Start brunch with selections from the raw bar. Think a seafood tower laden with prawns, crab legs, lobster tail, oysters, and an assortment of sashimi ($150). Or try the Breakfast Roll with Spam ($14). Other appetizers include the Ichigo Salad topped with a delicious miso dressing ($14), Salmon Avocado Toast ($15), and a Tempura Platter ($24). The menu’s approachability shines in the rice bowls, which offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and meat options, such as the wagyu short ribs ($24).
Drink Up
Mizu’s bar program stands out at any mealtime. Featuring exclusive Japanese whiskey and liquors often unavailable elsewhere in the country, it’s a treat to imbibe and quiz the bartender on the selections. The brunch cocktail menu features the Miso Bloody Mary with MisoHeat chili paste ($18), House-Made Red Sangria ($7), Espresso Martini ($16), and large-format drinks like the Mimosa Pitcher ($20).
The star at brunch turned out to be the Lychee Mimosa. The drink comes in four other flavors, all refreshing and perfect for a late-morning meal. Sake enthusiasts can enjoy the Hot Sake Craft ($7) or choose from the full menu. As a bonus, brunch service occasionally welcomes special visits from liquor brands, adding to the fun.
Don’t Miss This Mizu Brunch Specialty
Make sure to order the Japanese Fried Chicken and Bubble Waffle. This dish delightfully fuses Asian cuisine and American brunch. The base is a Hong Kong style egg waffle, a fluffy-yet-crisp creation. With its light and airy texture, the waffle provides the perfect foundation for glorious fried chicken.
Spiced with South Asian flavors and cooked in a wok, the chicken has a savory-sweet nuance akin to pouring maple syrup over a plate of tendies. The addition of onions and sesame seeds adds to the savory aspect, and plays well with sugary topping and semi-sweet waffles. Certainly it’s a unique dish for Denver, and perfect for soaking up those brunch party cocktails that flow on Sundays.
Visit Mizu Izakaya for brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 1560 Boulder St., Denver. mizudenver.com
