I usually go to Sam's #3 downtown Denver but a friend suggested we try The Universal yesterday. I am sooo glad we did. The first difference... free parking. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Next difference... inside was quaint and they had outside seating too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The host was able to seat us right away, no 15 minute wait. Our server was friendly and attentive. The menu had some traditional items and some unique things like a "Wild Boar Scramble". I had the entree called "The Universal". It had eggs, home made potatoes (really good) a pancake (also delicious) and homemade pork sausage, yum! Everything I saw come out of the kitchen looked really good. Can't wait to go back again. read more

Went here for brunch! Ordered their loaded Bloody Mary and it was delicious! They don't skimp on the booze either! I forgot to take pictures of their food but it all was delicious too! Our server was kind and attentive! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant itself is super cute and cozy![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The Universal - Bloody Mary - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Walked over for breakfast and there was a line out the door but we were seated at the bar very quickly. Courtney was super friendly and helpful. Breakfast Al pastor tacos with burrito grits and avocado cream... yum. Mimosa (served in a pint glass with ice) never had ice before but actually really like it that way. Menu has lots of good breakfast and lunch options. Will be back read more

Ate here many years ago and all I remembered was that the biscuits were good. My memory was correct! Beverages and food were served promptly but we hardly saw our server after he brought our food: no coffee refills or check back to see if we needed anything. I'm still giving a 5-star rating because the food was so good. I only ordered a standard breakfast, but the eggs, bacon and potatoes were all cooked perfectly and I could eat several of those biscuits. I'll try not to wait so long again to return. read more

The Universal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Solid spot to grab breakfast or brunch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have a wide variety of tasty menu items, and have options for the vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore crown. Service is very friendly, and parking is easy. I've brought multiple visitors here, and everybody has always enjoyed their meal. My favorite thing to order here are the cornbread rancheros - they are so good! The pancakes are also good, and huge! One thing to note is that there is an upcharge if you want real maple syrup with your pancakes. read more

The Universal - Blueberry Or Banana Walnut Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Had the corned beef hash -- it was excellent! Slow cooked beef! Most places that do corned beef hash put too many potatoes in to make it seem like more food. This hash has kale and a few sweet potatoes in it. Really smart choice! Server was friendly and helpful. Will go back and try their famous pancakes next. read more

I really enjoyed the selection of here... the pork green chili and grits had some good heat but a good taste as well. The custard toast was something different than the usual and really good, which is what I like in a restaurant especially for breakfast. The people behind the bar were nice and made a nice seasonal coffee drink. Worth checking out. read more

The Universal - Custard toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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We'd been here a few years ago and wanted to come back to give it another try. We were really disappointed overall this time around. The restaurant was busy but not overly so -- we were seated right away. We got two eggs Benedict dishes and the custard toast. We were a bit surprised with the wait for the food, but right as it was getting to the point of asking (probably the 30 minute mark), it showed up. Unfortunately, everything that arrived was cold. The potatoes especially seemed like they'd been sitting on a counter for no less than 45 minutes. The custard toast wasn't even remotely warm -- it was like an uncooked loaf of bread. It takes a lot for us to say something, but it was enough that we mentioned it to our waiter. He was pleasant about it and sent it back to the kitchen to be r-made. The wait was much shorter the second time around, but unfortunately the food came out with the same problem -- it was room temperature at best. As I got over halfway through my dish, I noticed a small hair in it. None of us finished our food or opted to take it home. Overall, it was disappointingly bland, slow to arrive, and cold enough to make you question the freshness. Certainly not worth the price. read more

The food was great. My husband liked the Arnold Palmer. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A cute little hole in the wall place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The Universal - Biscuits And Gravy 2 overeasy eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This place is incredible. Easily the best breakfast in denver. We always get a pancake and the scrambles are always amazing. Just get the biscuit. You know you want to. read more

Came here for breakfast. I would say it is a diner but a little nicer than a regular diner. Service was great, much better than in most places in Denver. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I wasn't a fun of the seats because they were too hard.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Otherwise place is clean and appealing[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], The menu is pretty large and has lots of selections and reasonably priced. I think it was the cheapest meal we had in Denver and it was also high quality and tasty. I had quinoa ball that was unique and filling. My husband had breakfast plate with eggs and meat patty. Meat patty was actually made of real meat and not some processed food. Definitely recommend. read more

The Universal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Holy crap. One of the best breakfast burritos I've had in Denver. The Universal isn't a massive restaurant, and it gets busy, so if you're going to walk in for brunch like me and my two friends did on a Sunday morning, I'd recommend arriving early, especially to find parking. We were eventually seated at the bar in some corner seats. The U Breakfast Burrito ($15) has jalapeño, cheddar and pepper jack grits, pulled pork, eggs, and habanero honey, smothered with pulled pork green chili and cilantro. OMG! It's huge, packed with flavor, and fresh. I didn't get a chance to try their Bloody Mary but definitely will next time. Service was quick. Would come back and get another burrito. read more

The Universal - U Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I don't know what I was thinking with the last review. This is by far our favorite brunch spot in Denver BY FaR. In a world where people are more focused on health this is the perfect balance of diner meets quality. Where you can have amazing tasting dishes but not feel like you're rolling out the door. If you're in DENVeR don't think twice! read more

The Universal - The universal with drooling food hanger steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I've been wanting to come here for a while and so glad we stopped in! Just missed the rush and we're seated quickly around noon. I had the biscuit recommendation and my husband got the grits- I love that both dishes came with greens of some sort! Both were good but I preferred the biscuit dish as the grits were a bit on the all one note a little too liquidy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was casual and friendly![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Solid spot for brunch. read more

Stopped by on a Tuesday at 1:30. No wait since they close at 2. I ordered a breakfast burrito and was warned that it was the hottest item on their menu. It came with grits inside, lots of shredded pork, and a spicy green chili with a touch of habanero honey. I'd rate the spice at medium, but I'm a Denver native. Should also have been warned that it is large. My wife had a biscuit with gravy and an egg. They offered a half order for smaller appetites. The lavender lemonade is great as well. Excellent service. They never rushed us though we were pushing closing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I recommend a weekday to avoid the crowds they draw on the weekend.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

One of our breakfast staples. Their food is unique and delicious and their grits are the best around (daily specials are awesome). I love coming during the week for discounted mimosas and bloodies. Come early on the weekends to avoid the wait. I prefer to sit at the bar where the staff give great service, and people watch. read more

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Great Breakfast Location Visited two days in a row for breakfast. The staff was exceptional. read more

Met my girls group for a beginning of summer brunch... The hostess was great and accommodating. While they dont seat you until your whole party is there, they keep your place in line. We all chose their signature Bloody Mary which was so delicious! Our meals were hot and tasty! Burritto and eggs benedict were yummy. I tried the smoked tomato scramble... While I love tomatoes and spinach in my eggs, I wasn't a fan of the smoke flavor. And, there are some many other delicious items to try! What a great way to start our summer! read more

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This place can get pretty busy on the weekends, so expect to wait a bit. There is free parking in the parking lot. Always had a solid experience here. Servers are really nice and attentive. Food comes out super fast! Their pork sausage is homemade and so good! They are thick patties - highly recommend! Also love their potatoes. They come thinly sliced and some parts are crispy, which are my favorite. I got an iced chai and they have a spicy or honey version. I ordered honey and it was great, just a bit too much milk was added. The server was nice enough to add more chai for me. So if you want light milk, might be worth letting your server know read more

The Universal - The Universal plate with biscuits & gravy, pork sausage, potatoes, and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I met a friend from Aurora here as it is the same amount of time for both of us. I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food as it was my first visit. We were seated immediately and the staff was friendly and helpful. We both ordered the lavender mimosa - I'm not a big fan of bubbly, but this drink was light and delicious without being overpowered by the lavender. It is also a large mimosa! The food was fabulous and I've been telling my friends that this is my new favorite brunch place! I ordered the U Breakfast burrito and the grits inside were flavorful and creamy - the perfect grits! The pork was tender and juicy and the balance of sweet, spicy, savory made this one of my favorite breakfast burritos of all time. My friend ordered the cornbread rancheros and I got to have a couple of bites. Another wonderful and well balanced dish! I will be back with friends and family. Thank you for making our birthday brunch amazing! read more

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I think my last review was for something else, but I went back to home base for my visit today. So, I am going to go on record that I THINK that the Wild Boar Scramble from here is my favorite breakfast in all of Denver. Know that you have to embrace sun dried tomatoes, as I do. But, if that is the case, then this will be bliss for you also. Marco was my server today, but note that they are ALL great servers, and it is a team effort that is seamless. I personally am a bar sitter, and the bar is spacious and clean. You will wait on weekends if you don't set an alarm, but that is a good thing. They always have a grits special on the chalkboard. If you like grits, this will be bliss for you too. Definitely recommend, updated pic of the WBS is below, and see you there. read more

The Universal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

With how close this is to my home I've only ate here twice in the 4+ years we've lived in Sunnyside (also had carry out a few times). Every time I've ate food from here I've always really enjoyed it. This go around I got the Custard Toast and boy was it delightful. I typically go for savory for breakfast but the toast sounded SO GOOD (plus someone next to me got it and it also looked SO GOOD!) Rich and very dessert like! Definitely a treat that I'd get again. Service was quick and attentive. And it has a chill brunch vibe. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a trendy spot that's got a modern but warm atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was prompt, efficient and friendly. Despite its smaller menu, the selections are very interesting and varied. We were there at breakfast and had delicious meals. We had a hard time making up our minds because everything sounded wonderful! We can't wait to get back to try all the items on the menu! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice place on 38th with a good atmosphere and plenty of seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Basic espresso drinks, nothing to write home about. Meals have always been above average and service is fast and friendly. Good options for traditional breakfasts with a nice specialty feel for egg dishes and grits. Today I had the yogurt parfait and eggs... simple and good. read more

Gonna start with the service here is awesome. Everyone was so nice and attentive, and they were quick to seat us before 10am. Food wasn't really that great, though. The biscuits we had were dry and my veggie egg dish was pretty flavorless. Thinking if I come back I need to try something on the griddle side instead! read more

AMAAAAZING FOOD Typical Americana breakfast/brunch but bangs on flavor. There was four of us and everyone loved their food. Corn bread ranchero has so many flavors ! read more

The Universal - Custard French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Went with some coworkers after a long night shift - got to the parking lot at 7:40 on a Wednesday AM and there were 6-10 people sitting in their cars waiting - it's that good!! I had been meaning to try it & I am so glad I did!! Super easy to park. Cute interior, clean bathrooms & nice waitstaff. We ordered a few dishes for the table: Cornbread rancheros - amazing. Never thought of this concept before but delicious!! Large portion & super filling. Bacon & tomato scramble - this one caught me by surprise. I was sure the cornbread rancheros would be my #1 but this scramble was incredible!! One of the best I can remember having. I can't put my finger on what made it so good but it was outstanding. Biscuit & gravy - I am from the south so this was a hard one for me as they didn't quite stand up to the ones back home. Biscuit was good but I would skip out on the gravy next time. Custard toast - wow, amazing. Sweet and delicious, great texture & the compote made it! I will be back! read more

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Really enjoyed brunch here! My friend and I split the U Breakfast Burrito and the Custard Toast. The breakfast burrito was a tasty combination of sweet, spicy and savory. The Custard Toast was realllly good, but I don't recommend it if you are weird about partially "wet" bread (from the custard). I would absolutely order it again and again! There was ample parking, a small back patio area, and attentive service. I'd love to go back! read more

The Universal - Custard Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I'm so glad I read the Yelp reviews ahead of time because it steered me to order the cornbread ranchero plate and it was fantastic!! I never would have thought to put cornbread with eggs (made your way), black beans, avocado, green chilies, cheese, pico and a dollop of sour cream, but it was so good that I ate the whole thing! I also ordered the lavender latte which was perfectly calming to sip on before my meal. My hubs ordered the Universal plate with eggs, bacon, super thinly sliced potatoes and a buttermilk pancake (there were multiple bread options to choose from). The pancake was thin, likely cooked on a griddle and wasn't warm when served but it was still tasty. He also ordered a regular coffee. Table sugar options included raw sugar (my favorite) and Splenda. read more

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The last time I was here it was January 2020, just before the pandemic swept into our lives. The pandemic has made me into such a different person! I'm not the same youthful, optimistic young lass I once was. Anyway the food is still great! I went recently with some friends and I was not disappointed on my second visit! From boozy coffees, a masculine modern interior that almost feels like a retro high school gym, to thoughtfully prepared breakfast plates, this is a really great spot. They have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free options. Everything is fresh, seasoned very well, and features some local ingredients. I can't say enough great things about this spot. Everything on their menu has been 5/5 stars. It's one of my favorite breast/brunch places! read more

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First time visiting Denver and had weekend brunch here. Generous portion, attentive service by our server. Came here on a weekend and asked to be seated by the patio and everything was going well until we felt that we were treated differently from the other tables by the employee who was supposed to ensure everyone's water and coffee(when asked) was filled . The employee asked individually each table before us if anyone would like their coffee/water filled but when she came to our table neither did she fill our water cup or asked if we would want coffee when clearly one of our coffee mugs was empty, and just walked pass the table. We felt uncomfortable with such unprofessional service... read more

Cute brunch spot in the highlands area with a parking lot! They have a wait list you can join online before you arrive and I highly recommend this especially if you are visiting on the weekend . They no longer have a waiting area, so I ended up waiting in my car after checking in with the host. All the staff are wearing masks and patrons are encouraged to only take them off at the table. Once you sit down, you get quick, efficient service and their staff are wonderful and welcoming! I have basically only ordered their scrambles up to this point and they do a good job with those. Portions are a good size, with potatoes and toast to go alongside your eggs. You can get jam for your toast upon request, and this changes so you get to try a variety of their house made preserves. I'd definitely come back, especially to try their pancakes. They're the size of a large dinner plate! The Universal has become my go to brunch spot in the highlands and is convenient half way point for meeting friends who live in Westminster/Broomfield. read more

The Universal - Build your own scramble with mushrooms, carmelized onions and chevre ($12 before tax) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Everything is excellent including the coffee. The stuffed French toast takes some time since they cook it fresh so do yourself a favor and have it ordered for dessert when you finish your breakfast. Treat yourself! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The food is delicious and the setting is modern trendy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is swift and kind. The manager is attentive and makes it a nice neighborhood place. The only thing a cannot recommend is the coffee. Not sure how they are brewing it but it always tastes burnt. It has not stopped from enjoying the food and people. read more

Nice little breakfast joint on the west side. Everything is just a little elevated without being over the top. I opted for "The Universal" with biscuits and gravy. Gravy was extra seasoned, which is always a bonus, compared to the usual cream gravy. Service was quick and friendly. Server was extremely conscious of mentioning potential meat products in case someone has a restriction (fortunately I don't). Price is a little high, but what isn't these days. Overall, a fun little spot to check out. read more

The Universal - The Universal - with Chicken Apple Sausage and Biscuits And Gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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We came here for a July 4th brunch and beat the crowd so got seated right away. This was my second time here and always a solid breakfast place and meal. Both got a spicy Bloody Mary and coffee. The bloody was the perfect amount of spicy. We got the chipotle sandwich and chicken sausage scramble. The scramble had some goat cheese on the side and took this meal to a whole other level. I was feeling full but powered through so I could finish the meal. It got busy by the time we left but wasn't a big deal. The waiter acknowledged he was spread a little thin, even though we didn't notice, so gave us a free coffee to go. Overall, great spot for a nice relaxed breakfast and the staff help make it an even better meal! read more

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Absolutely amazing service, employees, owners, and best of all the FOOD!! The owner greeted us and brought us to our table, only knew she was the owner because I asked, she was so amazing. We had a group of 8 and were seated in 15 minutes!! Every person loved their food. Can't say enough good things.. we'll be back! Our server was Ryan :) what a sweetie! read more

The Universal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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All I can say is yes go here! It's a fairly unassuming spot upon arrival but the food is so good! The pancakes are amazing! I'm guessing they're cooked in a bit of butter cause they have a perfect crispiness to them that I can totally get behind. Not on the menu- the option for chocolate chips which is the number one thing I woke up craving for my birthday breakfast and I was so thrilled when they delivered. I ordered one pancake as a side and a Greek yogurt parfait ( hey I was trying to get some protein) the parfait was a game changer. It was so unexpectedly delicious!!! Lastly I had a London Fog another item not specifically on the menu. read more

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I'm what they call "grit obsessed". I've had many different kinds of grits, and find I'm more into savory than sweet, but will still eat them nonetheless. Back in July, my husband and I met his dad and wife at this Highlands hot spot, at my request, because WHY NOT try a new spot for brunch! Here are the takeaways: ++ Despite being located in the bustling Highlands neighborhood, The Universal is easy to find and offers ample parking. We pulled up at 10AM on a Friday morning, with plenty of spots open, with no wait! I will note - pre COVID this spot is known to fill up fast so come early, especially because they don't take reservations. ++ We opted for a spot on the patio, as it was a gorgeous day. Socially distanced to perfection, we snagged a table in the shade and easily could have sat there all afternoon. The patio is small, yet well designed, and made for a fine space to dine. Interior is much larger, offers a variety of seating and is decorated with a cute southern flare. ++ Staff is beyond welcoming, friendly and adheres to COVID policies. Our waitress was helpful in suggestions on the menu, refilled our waters and boozy beverages quickly and was super sweet! ++ THE FOOD IS BOMB. Eying the special, I opted for the Special of the day - shrimp and grits loaded with collard greens and an over easy egg! The grits were cooked to creamy perfection and loaded to the brim with deliciousness. My husband opted for the traditional Universal breakfast of pancakes, ham, eggs and potatoes! Our guests dined on another traditional breakfast and the eggs benedict, which they seemed to be pleased with! YUM! ++ Boozy beverages! We opted for a round of drinks to get our morning started - the blood orange mimosa for me, a screwdriver for him, and a margarita for my father in law. His wife opted for a fresh chai, which looked and smelled delicious! I'm certainly glad we made our way to this hot spot, as I know we'll return! read more

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This place is amazing!! We love going out for breakfast/brunch and have tried many places in west highlands/sloan lake. Not sure how we missed the universal but it's definitely #1 for us. The home made biscuits and sausage are amazing, potatoes were perfectly cooked, and all the dishes looked incredible. It's very unique while at the same time good old breakfast fair. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The signage is a little hard to see so look out for it in strip mall on 38th.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We met Courtney, the owner, who gave us a sample of their delicious grits. Service was perfect, this should be your go to place. Wait wasn't bad even on a busy Saturday. read more