Breakfast has become one of my favorite meals to build into a trip. If 10+ years ago you asked me whether breakfast was important to me, I would have told you no. But after blogging for some time and really exploring breakfast and brunch menus, it’s a non-negotiable for me while traveling.
Reason being: there’s something about starting the day with good food before checking out a city that sets the tone for everything that follows. No rushing and no eating whatever just happens to be nearby. Instead, finding a place that makes food you actually want to try becomes an enjoyable way to begin the day.
During my time in Denver, doing just that was done at The Bindery.
From the moment I walked inside, I could tell this wasn’t the kind of restaurant where people hurried through their meals. The bright dining room, warm gold accents, and modern design created a space that immediately felt a place where I would want to hang out. It was stylish without falling into the typical design trap and it was relaxed enough that settling in with a cup of coffee felt like something you should do.
Actually, make that two cups.
I started with a Tres Leches Iced Latte ($9) followed by a Cappuccino ($6), and both reminded me why I rarely pass up a good coffee shop or brunch spot while traveling. The iced latte, made with espresso, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whipped cream, and cinnamon, struck a wonderful chord of rich and refreshing. As someone who almost always swaps dairy for oat milk, this was one of those rare drinks where I happily left the recipe exactly as intended. And the cappuccino? It tasted perfect to the tradition and it fit the standard taste you expect to have. No notes.
For breakfast, I ordered the Chilaquiles Divorciados ($19.50). The crispy corn tortillas softened just enough beneath the adobo and green salsa while still holding their texture. Between the avocado, sour cream, cotija, beans, pico de gallo, and perfectly sunnied eggs, every bite upon the fork felt like the kind of breakfast that leaves you satisfied for hours.
When looking at the menu the one item I knew I had to try was the You’ll Never Want Another Pancake Dutch Baby ($23). Mainly because with a name like that, I couldn’t say no.
After a patient wait while it baked fresh (disclaimer: the wait is anywhere from 25-40 minutes), the Dutch Baby arrived in a cast iron skillet with the most golden edges and a beautifully puffed center. Finished with vanilla bean and rum Chantilly, it was somehow both light and indulgent at the same time. The delicate texture paired with the airy whipped topping made it easy to understand why it’s one of the restaurant’s signature dishes and why the wait really isn’t a problem.
As the food was devoured and the plates were cleared one thing was clear to me. Some restaurants simply serve breakfast while others encourage you to enjoy breakfast. The Bindery falls into the second category. Whether you’re stopping in for coffee before exploring Denver or sitting down for a leisurely brunch, The Bindery is the kind of restaurant that reminds you breakfast doesn’t have to be rushed. Sometimes the best way to start a day is by slowing down, ordering something you’re in the mood to have, and letting a really good meal do the rest.
Follow Them.
Address: 1817 Central Street, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 993-2364
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday – 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm., and closed on Monday.
Social: Website, Instagram, and Facebook.
