Whether you call it breakfast or brunch doesn’t matter when referring to the weekend’s best meal.
Imagine it’s the weekend. Your kids let you sleep in after helping themselves to a bowl of cereal at 8 a.m., and you decide to treat the family to an afternoon brunch — or if you’re a parent, it can be referred to as “second breakfast.”
Whether this particular day you need a strong cup of joe and a bagel sandwich or a sparkly mimosa and a stack of fluffy hotcakes next to a plate of eggs and bacon, this list has a little bit for the entire crew. Parents, babysitters, or nannies are sure to find a favorite place to take the family in these 10 kid-friendly brunch spots.
Denver Biscuit Co.
Address: 3237 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206 | 141 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 303-377-7900
Since 2009, the Denver Biscuit Co. has exceeded the expectations of its owners. With several locations and a “biscuit bus,” it’s no wonder where the success stems from with its flaky, fluffy, southern biscuits smothered in all the things that foodie dreams are made of. Whether you’re craving a savory or sweet rendition, there’s a little bit of everything on the menu for every family member. Parent’s will love this spot for their quick, fast-casual menu, so going out to eat is less of an event and more of a treat. Try the the Franklin, with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, Tender Belly bacon, and cheddar cheese drenched in sausage gravy. When you’re given the option to add an egg, we recommend over easy.
DJ’s Berkeley Cafe
Address: 3838 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 303-482-1841
Located in the Berkeley neighborhood, this little “hidden” gem is one of the tastiest breakfast joints on this side of town. The atmosphere is equally approachable for families with young kids, with outdoor seating for the tots who just can’t seem to sit still yet and an altogether friendly and welcoming staff and environment. The menu boasts classics like two eggs and toast, omelettes, and eggs Benedict. Make sure you order a stack to share, such as the PB&J French toast served with fresh fruit, maple syrup, and butter.
Address: 2434 W. 44th Ave., Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 720-550-7065
With the word “bacon” in the name, it’s no surprise that Bacon Social House made the list. And although several dishes display bacon in some shape or form, there are still many options for those plant-eating family members. Kids will love the bright space and walls adorned with large format comics. Try the Costa Rica Benedict with smoked pork belly, poached eggs, pineapple salsa, and chipotle hollandaise over jalapeño cornbread with a side of bacon tots. Finish off a meal with the family with something sweet, like the Sunshine flapjack — a lemon-ricotta poppy seed pancake topped with blueberries, candied almonds, and honey ginger whip.
The Universal
Address: 2911 W. 38th Ave., Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 303-955-0815
When it comes to breakfast, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the creative and extensive menu that the chefs at the Universal thought up. Whether your family comprises meat-loving fiends, vegans, vegetarians, or even flexitarians, there’s definitely something on the menu for everyone. One thing is for sure: It’s highly recommended to order a blueberry pancake while you’re here. Unlike a standard stack, this pancake comes with one massive cake that loosely covers a large dinner plate and tastes a bit like a carnival favorite (hint: funnel cake). And what kid doesn’t love a griddled blueberry pancake?
Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen
Address: 725 E. 26th Ave., Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 720-440-9880
Everyone has that friend from New York who can’t stop talking about how great the bagels are where they’re from, and your friend isn’t wrong. But if you’re looking for a great New York-style bagel without having to cover the entire family’s airfare, check out Denver’s favorite bagel joint: Rosenberg’s. Not only do they replicate “NYC water” for the perfect soft and chewy bagel, but they also smoke and slice their own fish. If the kids are more adventurous, try the standard with cream cheese, tomato, onions, capers, and savory gravlax. Be sure to get there early or anticipate waiting up to 45 minutes for the best bagel in town.
Jelly Cafe
Address: 600 E. 13th Ave., Denver, CO 80209
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 303-831-6301
If you’re looking for a playful atmosphere with equally fun food, look no further than CapHill. Jelly Cafe is known not only for the doughnut bites that can be ordered and devoured while you wait but also for their cereal-box décor. Try the eggs Benedict with two perfectly poached eggs drenched in hollandaise over ham and thick slices of artisan sourdough for a creative take on the traditional English muffin.
Snooze Eatery
Locations:
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700 N. Colorado Blvd., Ste. A, Denver, CO 80206 | P: 303-736-6200
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2262 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205 | P: 303-297-0700
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1701 Wynkoop St., Ste. 150, Denver, CO 80202 | P: 303-825-3536
Hours: Open daily, 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Even out-of-towners have heard of the Mile High’s most well-known breakfast spot: Snooze. From playful pancake flights to the breakfast pot pie and huevos rancheros, there’s not one dish less delicious than the last. Luckily for families, if you get there early enough there won’t be too long of a wait and there’s something on the menu for even the pickiest little ones. Try the pancake flight with your choice of three pancakes, including pineapple upside down pancakes, blueberry Danish pancakes, blackberry sublime pancakes, or sweet potato pancakes.
The Rolling Pin
Address: 2716 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 720-708-3026
If the family decided to sleep in and the line at Rosenberg’s is intimidating, stop by the French pastry shop directly next door. The pastry chef behind the Rolling Pin is actually the same man behind the crave-worthy rainbow cookies and rugelach served at the next-door bagel shop. Not only will you find cookies and cakes at the Rolling Pin, but for morning fare, you’ll find superb coffee drinks and pastries ranging from sweet or savory croissants to Danish pastries and bear claws. While you’re there enjoying a quick and delicious breakfast, perhaps you’ll pick up a special treat for dessert.
Hi*Rise Bakery
Address: 2162 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: 303-296-3656
If you find yourself with the crew downtown looking for a great breakfast sandwich or a hot coffee and fresh bread for dinner, look no further than Hi*Rise. Located on Larimer Street, this bakery/eatery boasts a full breakfast and lunch menu. Its quick and bustling atmosphere is the perfect spot for a bite with the little ones. (No linens here!) We recommend ordering a breakfast sandwich on your bagel choice stuffed with eggs, cheddar, and peppered bacon, then taking half of it to-go for the perfect family outing or mid-hike bite. Another favorite to try is the jalapeño sandwich made with sausage, egg, jalapeño cream cheese, and salsa fresca on a green chile bagel.
Voodoo Doughnut Mile High
Address: 1520 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 303-597-3666
There’s a little bit of nostalgia surrounding doughnuts on the weekend, whether your grandparents took you to get a sprinkled doughnut after Mass, or dad would wake up early to get a fresh dozen for the entire family, doughnuts will always be a staple of American breakfast treats. It’s not possible to live in or visit Denver without grabbing a dozen from Voodoo Doughnut. And although some of their names are crude, the doughnuts are not. Try the bacon maple bar, the Memphis Mafia, and Ain’t That a Peach.