A Bolder Brunch

The vibrant dining scene makes Boulder County a brunch destination

By Kate Jonuska

Bold enough to attempt being two meals at once, too leisurely to fit into your workweek schedule, brunch demands you slow down and make space to enjoy life. It encourages indulgence and celebration, whether of a major holiday or patio-perfect Sunday. And with a character big and bold enough to match the meal, there are few better places to celebrate brunch than Boulder. 

After all, a brunch space should be a beautiful one, and with its mountain views and many outdoor dining options for enjoying them, Boulder fits the bill. In addition, from the Pearl Street Mall to neighborhood gems throughout the county, the breadth and diversity of Boulder’s restaurant scene means it hosts a delicious brunch to suit every palate and occasion. 

High Standards

Breakfasts eaten out are allowed to be casual, but brunch has higher expectations. Specifically, brunch menus are expected to offer the best ingredients prepared with fine-dining precision: the flakiest fresh pastries, perfectly poached eggs and fine French sauces. 

On this count, Boulder County chefs seem to compete for the best technique via their takes on standards like eggs Benedict. French-forward Brasserie Ten Ten, for instance, keeps its Benedict super classic but tops the poached egg, Canadian bacon and English muffin with a mellow Béarnaise sauce. Taking the Benedict to Spain, brunch at Corrida instead uses 24-month-aged Serrano ham and spikes its hollandaise with smoked paprika. Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder’s Central Park, infuses its Benedict with flavor via a lapsang souchong–infused sausage and green tea hollandaise. 

Similarly, whether you crave savory crepes or sweet, Belgian waffles or French toast, a Boulder brunch makes it a specialty. Brasserie Ten Ten, for example, claims the best croissants, served either naked or filled with chocolate. The West Side Tavern in Longmont would pit its Monte Cristo sandwich against any other in the state, the claim to fame being the quality brioche and house-made jam. 

Creativity Encouraged

Though we may dress in nicer clothes for brunch, what keeps the meal accessible and fun is how chefs balance these classics with creativity. Perhaps because brunch itself is a hybrid of two things, brunch menus often playfully mix the formal and informal. 

West Side Tavern, for instance, is known for its continental classics served in a fun and funky venue during dinner. For brunch, however, one of their bestsellers is Breakfast Meatloaf, a classed-up version of the blue-plate special using bison, bacon and Florentine spices served with two eggs. 

The Post has taken similar care to perfect chicken and waffles, taking the everyday favorite to a gourmet level with a waffle as crisp-tender as its fried chicken and syrup perfectly calibrated to bridge salty and sweet. Speaking of casual food, even The Post’s humble deviled eggs get a brunch glow up with pickled pepper relish and honey-cured bacon. 

Bottomless or Booze-less

Because it insists upon being a celebration, it’s no surprise brunch is known for its beverages as much as its food. Specifically, for those who partake of alcohol: the mimosa and the Bloody Mary. Just like in “the big city,” both brunch drinks are served bottomless at The Post and West Side Tavern. The latter even allows guests to switch between the two!

As a health-conscious town, however, Boulder restaurants have also embraced the trend toward mocktails in gusto, allowing non-drinkers to celebrate in style. Some to try include Corrida’s Campos de Bayas with Dhōs Orange zero-proof liquor, blackberry, lemon and ginger beer; and The Post’s Colorado Cooler with strawberry puree, honey, mint and lime juice. 

Brasserie 1010
Brunch 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday and Sundays
brasserietenten.com 
The space: Watch passersby through the bright windows of this brick-walled, Parisian-inspired gem. 
Don’t miss: An order of warm, authentic beignets with jam and lemon curd is the perfect end to any brunch. 

Corrida
Brunch 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
corridaboulder.com 
The space: Feel like you’re floating above the crowd with amazing Flatiron views from either the second-floor dining room or rooftop patio.
Don’t miss:  Try some of the world’s best ham via the Iberico Charcuteria, which includes chorizo, salchichón and cabecero. 

Dushanbe Teahouse
Brunch 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
boulderteahouse.com 
The space: This wooden teahouse was a gift from Boulder’s sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and the architecture and carvings alone make it a tourist attraction. Outside, the patio offers tables alongside Boulder Creek.
Don’t miss: Palatschinken, traditional Austrian crepes stuffed with cheese and dosa, Indian crepes made of curried egg stuffed with veggies and drizzled in mango lassi. Both are topped with the same fresh mint and tart apricot-cherry chutney.

The Post
Brunch 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
thepostcolorado.com 
The space: Cheerful and bright with an attached venue, The Velvet Elk Lounge, that hosts concerts and private parties. 
Don’t miss: Delicious as a brunch app or dessert, the fresh donuts are heavenly and served with warm dipping jam.

West Side Tavern, Longmont
Brunch 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sundays
westsidetav.com 
The space: This neighborhood favorite has 38 seats inside a fully renovated 1915-built grocery store and 50 seats on the patio, which includes five shaded cabanas. 
Don’t miss: The Bloody Marys are mixed using an award-winning recipe crafted by owner Westley Isbutt.