Best of Denver
The Best Brunch Spots in Denver 🥞🍳
Downtown Denver’s dining scene captures the city’s energy—think acclaimed steakhouses, polished hotel restaurants, and lively neighborhood grills within walking distance of theaters and landmarks. This guide to the best restaurants in Downtown Denver goes beyond the tourist traps, spotlighting diverse menus, inviting patios, and spots with genuine local flair. Expect memorable dishes like hand-cut steaks, green chile breakfast burritos, North Italian specialties, and creative comfort cuisine.
🥩 Best Modern Steakhouse: Guard and Grace — Sleek, airy space for prime steaks and fine wine downtown.
🍝 Best Italian Gathering: Maggiano's Little Italy — Classic Italian favorites for groups and cozy date nights.
🎶 Best Live Music Scene: Appaloosa Grill — Eclectic American fare and live shows nightly on the 16th Street Mall.
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Downtown’s sleek steakhouse, Guard and Grace, is the definition of elevated date night dining. The soaring ceilings, modern design, and glowing wine cellar create an atmosphere that’s both grand and intimate. Perfectly cooked steaks headline the menu, but don’t overlook the raw bar or inventive sides. It’s the kind of spot where dressing up feels right, and every detail — from cocktails to service — sets the stage for a special night together.
🍷 Expert Wine Pairings: Staff are well-versed in the wine list and can expertly pair wines with your meal to enhance flavors.
🥩 Small Portions, Big Flavor: Guests appreciate the option of 4oz cuts, allowing for variety without overwhelming portions.
🍪 Must-Try Desserts: The chocolate chip cookies and sticky toffee cake come highly recommended for a sweet finish.
🌿 Patio Ambiance: The patio offers a stylish and relaxed vibe, perfect for warmer months and enjoying Denver evenings.
🥂 Reserve Brunch for Easter Specials: Corinne hosts delightful seasonal brunch buffets like Easter Sunday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM—reservations recommended.
🍽️ Ask for Server Recommendations: Servers like Payton and Vince provide excellent menu guidance and personalized service enhancing the dining experience.
🚗 Utilize Paid Parking Options: Multiple paid parking options including garages and valet make visits hassle-free in the busy Central Business District.
🐾 Dogs Welcome Outside: Guests can bring dogs to outdoor seating areas, making it a pet-friendly spot to relax and dine.
🍝 Family Style Portions: Come hungry and share dishes to fully experience the generous family-style servings.
🍷 Wine & Cocktails: The wine list and cocktails are highly recommended to complement your meal, especially for dinner occasions.
🚗 Parking Tips: Utilize the paid parking lot within Pavilions Mall or street parking near Welton St for easy access with larger vehicles.
🎶 Ambiance Touches: Enjoy live background music that adds a subtle romantic vibe to your dining experience.
🎶 Live Music Every Night: Enjoy a vibrant soundtrack to your meal with live performances nightly, often evoking Southern vibes.
🍽️ Happy Hour Specials: Daily from 3 PM to 6 PM, guests find great deals on both food and drinks—perfect for a casual afternoon stop.
👥 Great for Solo and Group Dining: The bar seating welcomes solo diners, and spacious tables accommodate groups comfortably.
💳 Automatic Gratuity Notice: A 20% tip is added automatically, so plan accordingly to avoid surprises.
🍸 Happy Hour Highlights: Enjoy discounted drinks and food Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 PM for the best deals and lively crowd.
🎶 Live Music Evenings: Plan visits on evenings with live music to enhance the vibrant atmosphere and social scene.
🚗 Parking Tips: Use nearby paid garages or street parking early to avoid the busy Convention Center rush.
🍽️ Reservation Advice: While walk-ins are welcomed, securing a reservation is recommended during peak brunch and dinner times to guarantee seating.
🍹 Extended Happy Hour: Enjoy early happy hours Monday through Saturday from 4–6 PM featuring great drinks and food specials.
🍳 Breakfast and Brunch Highlights: Breakfast is served daily with a brunch menu on weekends featuring elevated Italian classics.
🍝 Half Portions Available: For those wanting to sample multiple dishes, half portions are offered on select appetizers and entree items.
🎭 Dining Before Shows: Ideal for pre-show dinners at nearby theaters with prompt, attentive service to keep you on schedule.
🥩 Ask for Mike or Tyler: These servers receive frequent praise for knowledgeable, attentive service that elevates your meal.
🍸 Try the Cucumber Martini: A standout cocktail recommended by locals, crafted with care by the bar staff.
🍰 Don’t Miss Crème Brûlée: This dessert is a crowd favorite and highly recommended to finish your meal.
🚗 Parking Tips: Paid parking lots are available but can be tricky; consider arriving early to secure a spot.
🥩 Signature Wagyu Hot Rock: A must-try dish, beloved for its marbled tenderness and interactive dining style.
🍸 Try the "After the Rain" Cocktail: A unique violet syrup and lemon juice concoction with gin, favored by locals.
🎶 Live Music & Cozy Vibes: Enjoy live music by the fireplace on select nights for a romantic, upscale atmosphere.
☀️ Breakfast and Brunch Perks: Brunch reservations are recommended; the Denver omelet and breakfast quesadilla come highly praised.
🍕 Pizza By The Slice: Ordering by the slice is a popular and convenient way to enjoy a variety of pizzas without committing to a whole pie.
⏰ Weekday Lunch Rush: The busiest times tend to be midday on weekdays, so visiting just before or after lunch hours can offer a quicker experience.
🍺 Drink Pairings: The menu includes beer, wine, and cocktails, making it a great stop for a casual drink with your pizza.
🚗 Parking Challenges: Paid street parking is available but usually difficult to find, so plan accordingly or consider public transit for downtown visits.
🌯 Must-Try Breakfast Burritos: Regulars highly recommend the breakfast burritos topped with their famous green chili sauce.
🍹 Happy Hour Deals: Enjoy the bar offerings with happy hour from 2–6 PM Wednesday through Saturday for great cocktails and beer.
🕰 Peak Mornings: Arrive early on weekends before 9 AM to avoid long waits and enjoy natural morning light in the cozy diner setting.
☕ Coffee Lovers' Spot: Don’t miss their excellent coffee, perfect for kickstarting your day or a midday pick-me-up.
Guard and Grace stands out for its modern steakhouse ambiance, expertly prepared steaks, and curated wine list—perfect for upscale dinners. Panzano impresses with creative northern Italian fare and attentive service ideal for both date nights and business occasions. Both offer polished, inviting atmospheres that define dining in downtown Denver.
Yes, several downtown spots welcome families. Sam's No. 3 is a classic local diner known for big portions, a broad menu, and a kids’ menu that makes it popular with all ages. Maggiano's Little Italy also excels at hosting groups with family-style Italian dishes and a cozy setting that feels both festive and relaxed.
Stout Street Social is a top pick for happy hour, thanks to its global-inspired menu, lively atmosphere, and weekday food and drink specials. Appaloosa Grill also offers daily happy hour deals plus live music, making it a great stop before an evening out on the 16th Street Mall.
Corinne Denver delivers a chic yet approachable setting with standout cocktails and New American dishes—great for romantic dinners. For an elegant night, EDGE Restaurant & Bar inside the Four Seasons provides refined steak, a cozy fireplace, and live music, creating a memorable date experience in the city center.
Corinne Denver features vegetarian-friendly and healthy dishes, including salads and creative mains. Panzano is another leader, offering sustainable northern Italian cuisine with several plant-forward appetizers, pastas, and entrees—perfect for diners seeking lighter or vegetarian meals downtown.
Appaloosa Grill is beloved for nightly live music performances paired with Colorado comfort fare and cocktails—a staple for locals and visitors alike. EDGE Restaurant & Bar also hosts live music on select nights, pairing upscale dining with a vibrant urban soundtrack right in the heart of downtown.
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