Top Spots For Graduation Brunch In Denver
(credit: Fooducopia)
It's that time of year again. The summer season is almost here, and brings along with it graduation season. Whether graduating from high school or college, this is an important time in the life of a graduate. Ring in the summer and help your grad relax and shake off years of studying and hard work with a filling, celebratory brunch. Reminisce on old times and talk about exciting future plans over a mimosa at one of these terrific brunch spots. Besides, what grad doesn't love sleeping in until noon and still being able to catch a delicious breakfast?
Fooducopia
1939 E. Kentucky Ave.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 722-7838
www.fooducopia.com
Fooducopia receives rave reviews from anyone hearty enough to brave the sometimes 30 minute wait and endure aching hunger pains while senses dance with delight from the sight of the beautiful plates and the smell of the aromatic fumes wafting from the kitchen. The tiny cafe is located inside the retail establishment, Corner Store, that specializes in providing meticulously selected, locally grown and sourced grocery items. The cafe menu is equally as impressive and utilizes the same fresh ingredients on its shelves. The pork belly hash and the savory brioche french toast with wild mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese with a side of hollandaise are a must. The cafe has a casual atmosphere with a small dining room and cozy sidewalk seating.
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Shells And Sauce
2600 E 12th Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 377-2091
www.shellsandsauce.net
Shells and Sauce is an upscale Denver eatery known for its oversized portions of Italian food like huge meatballs that could feed a family, and even bigger slices of made-from-scratch lasagna. Weekend brunch is a little more casual, but the portions are no smaller. The brunch menu is Hispanic-Italian fusion with innovations like chile cheese waffle fries, breakfast tacos and Italian classics with a twist, like the stuffed shells duo where one comes stuffed with sweet potato, butternut squash, and goat cheese topped with pesto and the other stuffed with six Italian cheeses. The chicken and waffles with crumbled applewood smoked bacon and whiskey butter are another must. They also have an attractive outdoor space for catching up while soaking up some sun.
Ellyngton's
The Brown Palace Hotel
321 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-3111
www.brownpalace.com
Celebrate with your grad in style with Sunday brunch at Ellyngton's in the Brown Palace Hotel. The atmosphere is elegant with white linen covered tables and musicians softly serenading in the background. Angelic ice sculptures dot the serving area. The menu is the epitome of the classic, upscale Sunday brunch with everything you could dream of plus more. Try a made-to-order Benedict or omelet from the egg station. There is also fresh sushi, seafood, salads, carving station, pancakes, waffles, bacon and sausage and more. The dessert section of the buffet brunch is a world of its own with a tremendous array of petite fours, parfaits, cakes, pies and the like. Their champagne brunch comes in four tiers to choose from, each promised to please: brunch only, Domaine Chandon, Moet et Chandon, and Dom Perignon. Sunday brunch is offered 10am until 2pm. Valet parking is free; dress to impress.
Gaia Bistro
1551 South Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-5699
www.gaiabistro.com
Gaia Bisto in Platt Park is small, unassuming little eatery making a big splash with foodies. This earth friendly, Zagat-rated restaurant has terrific reviews, and an even more amazing menu. They serve breakfast daily and feature sweet and savory crepes, rich Benedicts like the house smoked salmon with red pepper coulis, and classics like quiche. Gaia also has sunny outdoor dining space that surrounds the restaurant so you can enjoy your farm-fresh culinary goodness in the great outdoors the way it is meant to be. The atmosphere is casual, the servings plentiful and the prices are nice and affordable. Visit for their breakfast happy hour every Tuesday-Friday morning from 7am until 9am where they give away a free cup of French press coffee with every breakfast entree order.
Devil's Food Bakery and Cookery
1020 South Gaylord St.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 733-7448
www.devilsfooddenver.com
Devil's Food Bakery and Cookery is another adorable little Denver eatery with a big name. They do breakfast right and serve it in large portions made from scratch. Their bakery counter is open for breakfast daily where you can grab a quick muffin and cup of coffee, but the weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday is something extra special. Brunch is served until 4 p.m. here so you can enjoy your night, sleep in and still enjoy eggs your way without having to go to the Waffle House. The bill of fare features concoctions like the fried chicken and waffles with crispy, golden, southern fried chicken on top of a fluffy waffle, smothered with sausage gravy and chipotle honey. The eggs and cornbread is another culinary masterpiece, and the huge omelets and scrambles with their host of additives to choose from are a perfect revitalization after a long night. Devil's food is a pretty small establishment, but if there is a wait, it is well worth it. They also have a small outdoor patio to be enjoyed during fair weather.
Related: Top Breakfast Burritos In Denver
Kristin Mason is a culinary professional and degree-holding chef living in Breckenridge, Colorado. She enjoys traveling and sharing her love of food through her writings. Her experience includes writing for the local Summit Daily News as well as other publications online and in print as a freelance writer. Read more on Examiner.com.
