Best of Denver
🪣 Denver Bucket List: Top 9 Themed Restaurants in Denver
The Highlands neighborhood in Denver is a culinary hub where creative energy and classic comfort reign side by side. Whether you’re searching for the next can’t-miss brunch, craveworthy ramen, neighborly pizzerias, or inventive New American tasting menus, Highlands’ best restaurants deliver at every hour.
This guide highlights essential spots, from lively Southern-style barbecue to elegant, locally sourced tasting rooms. Plus, standout sushi, inventive small plates, and grits that locals line up for. If you’re hungry for an authentic taste of Denver’s Highlands, start your search here.
🥓 Best Brunch Scene: Bacon Social House — Midcentury flair, bacon flights, and local favorites all brunch long.
🍜 Best Ramen Experience: Uncle — Creative, craveworthy noodle bowls with chef’s counter energy.
🍷 Best Upscale Tasting Menu: The Wolf's Tailor — Modern tasting menus in an intimate, design-forward setting.
Bacon Social House brings casual charm with a $40 bottomless brunch offering (Mimosas or Bloody Marys). Their plates are direct and crave-worthy—think loaded tots, bright omelets, and mouthwatering bacon variations. The vibe is trendy neighborhood café meets breakfast-meets-bar, making it a perfect choice for daytime fun that stretches into evening.
🥓 Must-Try Bacon Flight: Visitors rave about tasting the different flavors of bacon, a signature offering that's worth ordering.
🌞 Weekend Brunch Vibes: Arrive early on weekends to enjoy a lively atmosphere and avoid the busiest peak times around 11 AM.
🍹 Stellar Cocktails: The bartenders receive high praise for quick, friendly service and excellent craft cocktails that enhance the dining experience.
🚗 Parking Tip: Free street parking is available but can be somewhat difficult to find during peak hours; consider arriving early or using rideshare.
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🍹 Happy Hour Timing: Visit Mon 4–9 PM or Fri–Sun 3–6 PM for the best deals on margaritas and small plates.
🌮 Must-Try Taco: The queso de la plancha taco is frequently called the best in Colorado by regulars.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free street and lot parking are available, but spots can fill quickly during peak hours; arrive early to secure a spot.
🎉 No Reservations: They don’t take reservations, so plan for potential wait times, especially during weekends and happy hour.
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🌅 Happy Hour Perks: Visit during Summer Happy Hour (Mon-Sat 5–7 PM) for a great selection of flavorful small plates and drinks at reduced prices.
🍜 Chef’s Counter Experience: Sit at the centerpiece chef’s counter for an immersive view of the kitchen and personalized service.
🦀 Must-Try Buns: Don’t miss the soft shell crab and Chinese eggplant bao buns, favorites among locals.
📞 Call Ahead For Reservations: Both locations are popular and busy; reserving ahead is recommended to avoid waits, especially on weekends.
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🍷 Cocktail and Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Guests recommend trying the full drink pairing for an elevated experience, noting creative and well-thought-out beverage options.
🔥 Cozy Fireplace Setting: The warm ambiance with a fireplace enhances the intimate dining experience, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
🥩 Must-Try A5 Wagyu Upgrade: The A5 Wagyu is a standout dish that guests say is worth the splurge and delivers an unforgettable taste.
🌿 Emphasis on Sustainability: The restaurant sources local ingredients and grows its own wheat for bread, appealing to eco-conscious diners.
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⏰ Beat the Crowd: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid long waits during peak brunch hours.
🌽 Try the Grits Specials: The rotating grits are a unique highlight; ask about the daily special for a true local favorite.
🍹 Full Bar Perks: Enjoy creative cocktails or a classic Bloody Mary to complement your breakfast.
🚗 Parking Ease: Plenty of free parking is available in the lot and on surrounding streets, easing the usual hassle in Sunnyside.
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🍕 Iconic Thin Crust: Try their thin-crust pizzas for a classic Denver-style slice that locals rave about.
🚗 Ample Parking: Plenty of free parking available on-site and nearby street spots make visiting easy.
🍝 Nostalgic Italian Dishes: Don’t miss the spaghetti and meatballs or eggplant parmesan for a comforting meal beyond pizza.
🥤 Full Bar Available: Pair your meal with a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine served at the casual bar.
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🍜 House-Made Noodles: The noodles are expertly crafted in-house, providing perfect texture—neither too soggy nor too firm—setting this ramen apart.
🥞 Must-Try Pancakes: Their soufflé-style Japanese fluffy pancakes are a crowd favorite, available in original, strawberry, and chocolate banana flavors.
🍶 Date Night Specials: The monthly date night specials offer great value and unique menu additions, making it a popular choice for special outings.
👨🍳 Stellar Service by Brian: Many guests highlight server Brian’s friendly, knowledgeable and attentive care—ask for him for an enhanced experience.
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🪑 Private Dining and Comedy Nights: Groups of 6+ can book private rooms, and Thursdays feature popular comedy shows downstairs for a fun night out.
🍣 Best Experience at the Bar: Sitting at the sushi bar offers the freshest interaction with chefs and a lively vibe enhanced by friendly bartenders.
🚗 Parking Heads-Up: Free street parking is available but can be tricky to find, so plan ahead especially on weekends and holidays.
🎉 Holiday Booking Advice: Expect busy nights on Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Reservations are essential to secure your spot.
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☕ Coffee Lovers Rejoice: Sunny's sources freshly roasted Bona coffee weekly, making it a must-visit for great coffee enthusiasts.
🌿 Diverse Dietary Options: The menu includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and organic dishes, catering to varied dietary needs.
🍽️ No Reservations: This popular spot operates on a walk-in basis only, so arriving early helps avoid waits.
🌞 Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal outside to soak up Sunnyside vibes, especially during pleasant weather.
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🍖 Sauce Variety Delight: The extensive selection of homemade BBQ sauces allows guests to customize their meals, making each visit unique.
🚗 Best Parking Access: Use the west entrance parking lot shared with Safeway for the easiest access and plentiful free parking.
🌞 Peak Lunch Hours: Expect busiest times between 12 PM and 2 PM, especially Fridays; arriving earlier avoids the lunch rush.
🥧 Crowd-Favorite Dessert: The red velvet cookie is a unique sweet treat that draws repeat customers despite its unconventional flavor.
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Highlands shines with standout brunch destinations. Bacon Social House is famous for indulgent bacon flights and a lively weekend crowd in a striking midcentury space. The Universal puts inventive twists on breakfast classics—including grits specials—and offers a welcoming, casual atmosphere. For scratch-made pancakes and strong coffee, Sunny’s delivers with creative, neighborhood charm. Arrive early at any of these popular spots for shorter waits.
Reservation policies vary. Upscale spots like The Wolf’s Tailor and Uncle strongly recommend reservations for dinner—especially on weekends. Sushi Hai also accepts and encourages reservations for groups. Casual spots such as Ragin’ Hog BBQ and Sunny’s operate on a walk-in basis. For busy brunch spots like The Universal or Tacos Tequila Whiskey, no reservations are accepted, so plan for a possible wait during peak hours.
The Highlands offers diverse dietary-friendly menus. Sunny’s features gluten-free pancakes and numerous vegetarian and vegan options. The Wolf’s Tailor accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free guests with advance notice for its tasting menus. Sushi Hai and Bacon Social House both spotlight clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections—making group dining a breeze.
Bacon Social House’s airy, bi-level space and festive menu suit large parties, and they offer a private dining room for special occasions. Sushi Hai is also a favorite for groups, thanks to its variety of seating options—including unique private rooms for groups of six or more. For casual Italian, Carl’s Pizza’s relaxed, family-style dining welcomes gatherings of all sizes with ease.
Late-night options are somewhat limited, but Uncle offers dinner service until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a favorite for post-evening activities. Sushi Hai serves dinner into late evening and features an underground bar for after-hours cocktails and events. Casual venues like Tacos Tequila Whiskey keep kitchen hours extended on weekends for late bites and drinks.
Parking varies by location. Carl’s Pizza and Ragin’ Hog BBQ both provide free parking lots and easy street access. The Universal has ample free lot and street parking—rare for the area. At busier hotspots like Tacos Tequila Whiskey and Sushi Hai, street parking is available but fills quickly, so plan extra time or consider rideshares on weekends.
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