3 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Denver, Colorado

Long a local and Denverite favorite for breakfast, this casual joint makes Belgian waffles that are as delicious as the variety of Benedicts and scrambles with fresh orange or grapefruit juice (not to mention great coffee). Lunch is also served, along with a small but appealing roster of burgers, salads, and happy hour snacks for dinner.

Nearly everything at Dandelions is made from scratch, from the ginger-infused limeade and lemon-tarragon salad dressing to the honey oat bread and superb gluten-free brownies. The small dining area is inviting and open to the kitchen, where the owners cook as they chat with the customers.

This tiny but friendly café serves breakfasts so scrumptious that there's a line out the door most days. It's well worth the wait, especially for the elaborate skillets, including one with chicken-fried steak. The burgers are above average, as well, with a hefty roster of toppings from which to build your own. Kids are particularly well catered to with Mickey Mouse pancakes and yogurt with granola for less than $7.