Best Brunches In Boulder, Colorado

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The Buff is one of the most popular spots for natives and students to dig in to any kind of meal – but brunch is the Buff’s specialty. For those looking for a simple eggs-and-bacon breakfast, there are several combinations to be had. These range from breakfast sandwiches to scrambles that can be washed down with fresh squeezed lemonade. For the alternative crowd seeking bolder options, The Buff has superb Southwestern options like the traditional huevos rancheros or breakfast taco platters. This locally owned and operated spot has something to satisfy all your cravings at reasonable prices.

The self-proclaimed ‘Best Kept Secret in Boulder,’ The Parkway Cafe stays true to its slogan, hidden in a strip mall behind a nondescript exterior. This tiny greasy spoon has some of the best brunch around, serving up traditional breakfast fare with local flare. The menu is diner style and includes breakfast, burgers, soups, salads, and much more. The breakfast combo with eggs and green chili is a popular choice, as well as the Western favorite corned beef hash omelet. Don’t miss the ‘Miggas Quatro Queso’ made with scrambled eggs, chorizo, tortilla chips, green chili, fresh mozzarella, and queso fresco.

The Dushanbe Teahouse was gifted to Boulder by their sister in city Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The entire structure was hand-crafted and shipped over in the early 1990s. More than 40 artisans created the intricate ceramic designs that decorate the exterior, the vaulted ceiling panels, and the carved cedar columns, each one with a unique design. The center of the teahouse has a series of copper sculptures surrounding a tranquil fountain and many large oil painted murals. In addition to the beauty of the teahouse, the quality of food is also phenomenal. Brunch includes sweet and savory options with a combined Asian/European influence, from Indian samosas to Palatschinken, Austrian crepes with sweetened cheese, apple sauce, mint, and candied walnuts, and of course – tea.

Named the ‘Best Diner in Colorado’ by Business Insider, the Village Coffee Shop is your traditional neighborhood diner done right. Breakfast staples and comfort food favorites are available, like hickory-smoked bacon, chicken fried steak, and even Spam. The menu is selective for a diner, but each dish is made with love and care. Step into the Village and feel at home in a casual atmosphere decorated with framed pictures of local sights and CU sports paraphernalia. This is the perfect spot for quality food at bargain prices.

Lucile’s is a traditional Creole kitchen that serves up flavors of the South in a homey atmosphere. Tucked away in a re-appropriated Victorian home, this popular breakfast spot draws crowds day in and day out. Cajun entrees like the Cajun Breakfast with red beans, sautéed meat, and poached eggs or the classic red beans and rice with andouille sausage are among the many savory dishes at Lucile’s. For those with a sweet tooth, the homemade beignets served piping hot or the Pain Perdu, New Orleans-style French toast, are sure to satisfy. Wash it all down with a robust chicory coffee or fresh squeezed juice to round off a perfect breakfast.

Foolish Craig’s is yet another restaurant on a long list of fantastic restaurants on Pearl Street, but this spot stands alone as the best creperie in Boulder. Though the menu is not limited to crepes, this funky brunch spot offers sweet and savory crepe options like the ‘Duxelles’, made with Portobello and button mushrooms, onions, and shallots simmered in butter and Veloute sauce or the classic Fruit Crepe served cold. The three-egg omelets are also superb, and the full bar caters to all your brunch cocktail needs.

Snooze, borne from the minds of Denver natives Jon and Adam Schlegel, is putting fresh twists on classic American breakfast food. This futuristic diner setting is bringing breakfast into a new era. It serves items like Breakfast Pot Pie topped with rosemary sausage gravy and six variations on the traditional eggs Benedict. One of these variations is the ‘Chile Verde Benny’ with slow-cooked pulled pork, poached eggs, green chili hollandaise, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese on a stack of green chili tortillas. Decadent sweet options like the Strawberry Shortcake or Blueberry Danish pancakes are also available. There’s also an exhaustive list of brunch cocktails.

The Kitchen is reminiscent of an elegant New York-style restaurant and raw bar, with a clean and open space, sharply dressed wait staff, and a line out the door. The interior is classic exposed brick and piping, with old-fashioned chalkboard menus on the walls. Choose from a selection of oysters or charcuterie to start and upscale brunch fare entrees like the Goat Gouda Omelette or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to follow. Don’t miss the homemade pastries and fresh brunch cocktails.

Somewhat new on the Boulder culinary scene is Alpine Modern Cafe, a small and contemporary coffee bar with delicious brunch nibbles. White walls and exposed beams set the tone for this undeniably modern space, along with the state-of-the-art espresso machine and interesting tile designs. Much like the minimalist decor, the menu is selective. It offers fresh pastries, warm quinoa porridge, and European tartines in various combinations. The bold Italian coffees and avocado toast are not to be missed.

The Walnut Cafe is a trendy diner that serves brunch all day long. The candy apple red walls are dotted with pop art as Downtown crowds flood into this Boulder favorite. Most entrees are served with two side options, from fresh fruit to the more unusual blueberry cornbread. The portions are exceedingly generous. The Walnut salutes the Southwest with their huevos rancheros and gargantuan breakfast burrito. This place also puts an interesting twist on classic egg dishes like the ‘Big Dill’ with two over-easy eggs, spinach, melted Swiss, and creamy dill sauce on an English muffin. This is a wonderful spot to have delicious brunch-time favorites with friends and family.