Breakfast in Boulder
Whether you're an early-riser or a late-sleeper, you'll enjoy breakfast in Boulder. Below are some spots that visitors (and locals) love.
Lucile's
2124 14th Street (map)
(303) 442-4743
If you're craving southern creole food in Boulder, Lucile's is the place to go. A popular local spot, lines for a table at Lucile's can spill out the door. However, you'll probably find that the wait is worth it. Fresh-baked biscuits, homemade jams, New Orleans beignets, and cajun omelets are some of the specialties. Great coffee and a cozy Victorian home setting help make Lucile's one of Boulder's best comfort breakfast spots.
Chautauqua Dining Hall
900 Baseline Road (map)
(303) 440-3776
Brunch on the porch of Chautauqua Dining Hall is a delight. Standards include blueberry pancakes and western omelets; however, the real draw is the unparalleled view of the Chautauqua grounds. Your meal can be followed by a late-morning stroll up the Mesa or McClintock trails. The Chautauqua porch is often rated one of the best open-air dining spots in Boulder.
Burnt Toast
1235 Pennsylvania Avenue (map)
(303) 440-5200
Far more appetizing than its name implies, Burnt Toast is a nice spot on the hill for a leisurely breakfast. Crepes, huevos rancheros, and the signature "Turkish Breakfast" round out an eclectic menu. Don't go if you're in a rush; the pace at Burnt Toast is relaxed. Note that street parking can sometimes be a challenge when the University of Colorado is in session. Bring some quarters for the lots.
Dot's Diner
2716 28th Street (map) / 1333 Broadway (map)
(303) 449-1323 / (303) 447-9184
Boulder's beloved greasy spoons. Dot's two locations are classic low-brow diners — think Route 66 fare with an organic spin. The coffee gets rave reviews, as do the biscuits, breakfast burritos, and huevos rancheros. It's not fancy, but breakfast at Dot's will feed you well.
Dushanbe Tea House
1770 13th Street (map)
(303) 442-4993
A meal at Dushanbe is more about atmosphere than food. The tea house, a gift to Boulder from its sister city in Tajikistan, is an elegant and lovely place to eat. Breakfast is standard fare; weekend brunch is more sophisticated. But it's the tea house itself that charms. The carved ceiling and columns were crafted by Tajikistan artists. The creekside patio is a tranquil mid-city escape. Try a selection from the world-spanning tea menu when you're there.