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 dig in to this week’s spot, STK.
Just how far can one go with brunch? At STK in downtown Denver, the answer is limitless, as the party-forward steakhouse literally serves sparkling dishes, bottomless drinks, and spreads big enough to feed an army.
In 2017 Denver got its first taste of STK, and the almost 20-year-old brand has remained strong. The original STK launched in New York City in 2006. At the time the concept focused on being a steakhouse for the ladies, all pink, neon, and glasses of bubbly to go with fine cuts of beef. Almost 20 years later, the company has gone public and expanded to 28 locations throughout the world. One thing they all have in common is brunch service, which remains constant at each spot.
The consistency means diners know what to expect when it comes to making a reservation, though the personal options prove boundless. Go for a girls’ boozy brunch, bring your elderly parents for a really good Lobster Benedict ($48), or even drag the family along for a taste of a killer chocolate cake ($16). There are no wrong answers, only good food served with a good time.
Eat the Menu
During weekend brunch there’s something on the menu for everyone, even those who don’t love breakfast foods. Start with the refreshing Jalapeno Pickled Shrimp Cocktail ($35), a tangy taste on the classic steakhouse appetizer. The shrimp prove firm and fresh, and large enough it’s best to eat the crustacean with a knife and fork.
Use the same knife to slice into one of three rich eggs Benedicts. The aforementioned lobster version comes with caviar-laced hollandaise, a try luxurious treat on any weekend morning. The other two feature smoked Scottish salmon ($37) or baked pork belly with a bourbon-maple glaze and shishito peppers ($32). Up the decadence by adding an six-ounce fillet ($59) on the side (or any of the available steaks), and get extra hollandaise or a truffle butter ($13) for dipping.
For those looking to skip the meat, try the hearty Egg & Avocado on Toast ($37). It’s big enough to fill anyone up, and if you’re vegan you can get it sans the egg. Macaroni and cheese also hits with lunchtime notes, and a regular order ($19) is vegetarian. Diners can also spruce up the steakhouse classic with bacon ($22) or lobster ($32).
A side of sesame-honey bacon ($12) toys with all the sweet and savory senses, as does the corn pudding ($19), which tastes like a cross between creamed corn and cheese cake in the best possible way. For those who can’t do brunch without something truly sweet, order the Cinnamon French Toast ($27) with berries and cream cheese frosting. Of course there’s desserts too, and the chocolate cake made one of our top bites for the month of July. Bonus, if it’s your birthday or a special occasion the staff will throw a sparkler on it.
Drink Up
Drinking at STK could be looked at as a sport, a really fun event with all your friends involved. Yes, we’re talking about bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys ($30). The only catch, you have to buy an entree in order to take advantage of the boozy deal.
For those who may not want to dive into heavy day drinking, one of the three spritz choices ($22 each) is in order. There’s a classic Aperol version, the Rosé with sparkling pink wine and St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and Stiletto featuring cucumber, mint, Prosecco, Gray Goose Le Citron Vodka, and St-Germain.
On the caffeinated side, a cup of bottomless coffee always wins brunch. Or, get the best of both of the boozy and caffeine worlds with an Espresso Martini ($22).
Don’t Miss This STK Specialty
Yes, the steak at STK rightly should be on any carnivore’s list, but so should the Wagyu Burger BFKT (9.99). It’s a great deal for a seven-ounce patty topped with a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house secret sauce. The dish also comes with some of the best fries around. Pro tip, order a plate of steak dipping sauces $16) for the fries and up your brunch game.
Visit STK for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1550 Market St., Denver, stksteakhouse.com
