Hidden Gems in Denver | Underrated Diners

Petes Kitchen on East Colfax has been serving Denver since 1942, yet tourists rarely find it. This 24 hour Greek American diner is everything you want greasy, fast, and deeply comforting. The Souvlaki Breakfast eggs, potatoes, and a skewer of grilled lamb or chicken is a unique twist on the usual bacon and eggs. The Green Chili smothers everything and has a cult following. The neon sign is iconic and the people watching is unmatched. Sams No. 3 is a diner located in a converted firehouse, just steps from the Colorado Convention Center. Despite its prime downtown location, it remains an under the radar spot for locals. The menu is hilariously extensive five pages of breakfast items. The Green Chili Smothered Burrito is massive and the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a sweet tooths dream. Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, it is a haven for late night diners.

Butcher Block Cafe in the Highlands is an old school diner that opened in 1967 and has barely changed since. The space is tiny, the service is gruff but warm, and the food is exactly what you expect. The Pork Sausage is made in house and is legendary. The Apple Pancake is a puffy, caramelized masterpiece that takes 20 minutes to bake order it immediately when you sit down.

Breakfast King on Santa Fe Drive has been around since 1969 and might be the most colorful diner in Denver. The exterior is bright pink, and the interior is packed with memorabilia and vinyl booths. The Buttermilk Pancakes are fluffy and enormous, and the Denver Omelette is loaded with ham, peppers, and onions. It is pure nostalgia, and the staff has been serving the same regulars for decades. Delectable Egg has multiple locations but the original on Colorado Boulevard is the one to visit. The Eggs Benedict comes with perfectly poached eggs and a hollandaise sauce that is bright and buttery. The Hash Brown Casserole is a local obsession crispy on top, creamy inside, and seasoned to perfection.