The Ten Hippest Easter Brunches in Denver and Nearby Destinations

Update: This is our 2015 list, and both Session and Trillium have closed — but the rest are all good options for this year. See our 2016 out-of-the-basket brunch suggestions here. When you imagine a traditional Easter brunch you probably picture a stuffy hotel buffet with the post-church crowd bathed in a slew of florals, pastels and oversized hats. Zzzz. How about instead of the tired, overpriced eggs-traveganzas, this year we celebrate with a feast of epic proportions at one of these truly egg-ceptional holiday brunches? We promise to keep the carving stations at bay and grandma on her toes.

10) Blackbelly Market – The first brunch from Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg
Available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., farm fresh eggs are the star of Blackbelly Market's first-ever brunch seating. Indulge in Hatch green chile posole and eggs brimming with smoky flavors from the in-house smoked pork shoulder and a challah french toast that’s golden with fluffy goodness. If the weather’s right you might even be able to enjoy your meal outside on one of the two outdoor patios in this East Boulder hot spot.
9) Trillium – Spice up Easter with some Scandinavian Tradition
A Denver dining favorite that only offers brunch twice a year, Easter and Mother’s Day, Trillium’s à la carte menu is packed with spring dishes like Vanilla Cardamom French Toast and Boompa’s (Grandpa’s) Swedish Pancakes. If you really want to celebrate, Trillium's caviar menu is a fine addition to the smorgasbord of small plate meats and cheeses. As a special treat, one lucky table will be randomly selected to receive an Easter basket brimming with goodies and a $50 Trillium gift card. Reservations are highly recommended and will be served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
8) Session Kitchen – “Way Better Than Jelly Beans for Breakfast”
Hop over to Session Kitchen after your Easter egg hunt for a selection of buckwheat waffles, lox and tots, banana-bread French toast and gluten-free fried chicken & waffles. On the beverage side, the bar now offers a create-your-own mimosa with a selection of three bubbles (Spanish, French or Italian) and a choice of three juices: orange, grapefruit or cranberry, with two rotating surprise flavors. The vibe is a bit Vegas, with lights timed to music, but if there’s one way to get through a holiday, it’s with alcohol. Reservations are recommended and brunch will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
7) The Tavern Lowry, Tech Center and Littleton – Bottomless Beverages and Food
Fun for both adults and children alike, Tavern’s Easter buffet will include baked ham, roast sirloin, an omelet station, a smoked salmon bar, salads, desserts, and more. The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar can be enjoyed for just $6.50 along with the ever-popular $10.50 bottomless mimosas. While the adults are busy fussing up their drinks, the kids can meet the Easter Bunny and pick a treat from his basket of candy-filled eggs. Easter brunch will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults get in for $32 and kids under 12 can eat for just $12.
6) Viewhouse - An Adult Scavenger Hunt and Patio Party
Viewhouse’s motto is “Why should kids have all the fun?” Grab your crew and stop in for an adult Easter egg hunt and a courtyard DJ, where prizes will include gift cards and swag. In addition to the regular brunch menu, specials will include a honey baked ham and snappy green bean casserole, crispy roasted fingerling potatoes and a spiced arugula salad. Wash it down with the Hopped Up cocktail with spring-inspired flavors of pear, raspberry, cider and St. Germain, topped with fresh lime. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5) TAG – A Three-Course Brunch Affair
Another Denver dining staple that doesn't generally offer brunch, this Easter is an exception. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., indulge in a luscious three-course tasting menu from chef Troy Guard that’s as international and cosmopolitan as his dinner menu. Menu highlights include Lucky Charms waffles, the acclaimed flash-seared kampachi with Pop Rocks, and more twists on traditional brunch favorites like an achiote pork shoulder breakfast burrito and duck confit hash. The price is $40 per adult and $15 per child.
4) Guard and Grace – Steak and Eggs, Sans Carving Station
The second annual Easter brunch at Guard and Grace, a $45 three-course pre-fixe menu is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Despite being billed as a modern steakhouse, the brunch menu features a number of classic comfort foods like shrimp and grits and smoked salmon Benedict, with touches of their touted meats throughout the menu in dishes like steak enchiladas, corned beef hash and maple grilled pork belly.
3) The Nickel – The Exception to the Hotel Restaurant
It might be a hotel, but it’s by no means your bland, overpriced buffet. Celebrate with a selection of chef Chris Thompson’s seasonal additions to classic brunch offerings with delectable dishes like confit duck leg salad, shredded lamb hash, and olive-oil poached halibut. Brunch at the Nickel will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2) Next Door Food & Drink – Funky Brunch
If you're heading to northern Colorado to celebrate Easter, check out Next Door in Loveland (not related to the Kitchen: Next Door restaurants in Boulder and Denver — in fact, this Loveland charmer will soon be changing its name) for a four-course Easter tasting menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For just $25 per person you’ll get a ‘‘Pina Kale-Lada’’ smoothie, banana bread, your choice of nine entrees ranging from short rib hash to lobster scramble, and dessert. There's a kid's menu for the little ones and a specialty cocktail list for the young at heart.
1) The Stanley Hotel – Get Spooked for Breakfast
Yes, this one's also a hotel, but it's far from standard. Enjoy a lavish Easter brunch at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Standout menu items include slow roasted Colorado NY Strip, lamb lollipops, whole roasted salmon, pasta stations, and an artisan bread selection. There will be an Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. Brunch costs $58 per person and $26 for children under 12. 

---