As the end of the year approaches, many of you are scrambling to prepare for the end of the school year. Between all the stress caused by finals, course registration, housing, summer jobs, etc., you barely have time to think of anything else. In those rare moments that you aren’t thinking about everything you have to do, you’re probably thinking about this summer. Hanging out with friends, relaxing by the pool, going on adventures… summer is a land of opportunity and freedom.

If you are like me, your favorite way to start the perfect summer day (okay, really any day) is to go out with your favorite people for an awesome brunch. If you happen to travel to Colorado anytime this summer (which you totally should, Colorado is the best place in the world), check out these restaurants in Denver for an incredible brunch to start your day out right.

1. Jelly Café

Denver

Photo courtesy of @jellyucafe on Instagram

If you’re looking for cozy restaurant with a vintage atmosphere, try Jelly. With walls lined with vintage cereal boxes and pink and orange colored accents, Jelly has a fun, quirky vibe that attracts not only hipsters, but families and friends looking for the perfect brunch spot.

While all of their food is amazing (I can personally attest to that), Jelly is well known for its house-made jelly/jam of the day and unique doughnut flavors, which range from the classic cinnamon sugar, to lemon custard, to peanut butter and Sriracha.

What to get: Assorted Doughnut Holes

2. Breakfast on Broadway

Denver

Photo courtesy of @denverartifacts on Instagram

Breakfast on Broadway is a Denver brunch staple, which means there’s often a pretty long line if you don’t get there at the right time. They have live music every Sunday and patio space for those beautiful Colorado mornings.

Order the angel food cake french toast with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream, and I promise you’ll go to Heaven with every bite. Oh, and don’t forget about the bottomless mimosas that you can take advantage of all day, every day.

What to get: French Toast

3. The Universal

Denver

Photo courtesy of @theuniversaldenver on Instagram

While its industrial style decor may feel plain, The Universal is known for its inventive breakfasts. If you’re feeling pretty hipster and inspired to be healthy, try the sweet and savory quinoa bowl. It includes currants, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, and chèvre (the French word for goat cheese, in case you weren’t hipster enough to know that).

What to get: Sweet and Savory Quinoa Bowl

4. Sam’s No. 3

Denver

Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Sam’s No. 3 is a classic old-school diner with lots of history that serves all your favorite comfort foods. First opened in the 1920s, Sam’s No. 3 still operates today, serving customers classic American foods as well as pays homage to the original owner, Sam Armatas’, Greek roots. Order the Denver Skillet and make sure to get it smothered in their famous Colorado pork green chili.

What to get: The Denver Skillet

5. Snooze

Denver

Photo courtesy of @tastesnsweets on Instagram

With their philosophy, “It only takes a moment to make a difference,” Snooze strives to create a casual and energetic atmosphere for any person of any age to have an amazing breakfast experience. Order the Pancake Flight, and choose any three pancake flavors, including: blueberry danish, pineapple upside-down, red velvet, coffee and donuts, or the flavor of the day.

What to get: Pancake Flight

6. Syrup

Denver

Photo courtesy of @syruprestaurant on Instagram

Syrup is known for its fabulous array of handcrafted syrups and contemporary take on the classic American breakfast. Order the Art of the Pour, and choose pancakes, french toast, or waffles with your choice of unique syrups, including: s’mores, blueberry, double berry bliss, strawberry fields, and the foster.

What to get: Art of the Pour

7. Pete’s Kitchen

Denver

Photo courtesy of @jayjdabeatgod on Instagram

Pete’s Kitchen is part of a local chain of Pete’s restaurants, which are family owned and offer Greek food in addition to American food. Pete’s Kitchen is open 24 hours a day, so technically you can get brunch anytime you want. Order the award-winning breakfast burrito, which you can order with normal breakfast meats or gyro meat if you’re feeling Greek.

There you have it, folks, the best brunch places in Denver. Now go book your flight, and visit the Mile High City for yourself.

What to get: Breakfast Burrito

Denver

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