Top Denver Brunch Spot: Beatrice and Woodsley

Colorado knows how to brunch. Every spot on our list of top brunches in Colorado is worth a visit. However, one in Denver stands out from the rest.

If you haven’t tried brunch at Beatrice and Woodsley on south Broadway, make it a top priority. This intimate and unique restaurant has a limited number of tables, available only by reservation. If you’re fortunate, you might snag a spot at the bar counter without a reservation. Beatrice and Woodsley, often referred to as B&W, could choose to maximize seating, but instead, it maintains a relaxed atmosphere with extended reservation slots, allowing guests ample time to unwind and connect with friends or family. Two other features that set B&W apart are its distinct atmosphere and equally innovative menu.

Bringing the Outdoors Inside

First and foremost, the space is like no other restaurant in the state.

B&W is adorned from ceiling to floor with real, reclaimed aspen trees. These trees frame the walls, setting the backdrop for cozy dining nooks and enhance the overall decor throughout the restaurant. The yellow-tinted front window makes the venue stand out, and inside, this subtle hue creates an ambiance reminiscent of sitting within a grove of trees at sunset.

The carefully designed lighting fosters a feeling of relaxation. Lanterns hang gracefully from the ceiling while strategically placed track lights highlight certain trees, imitating sunlight’s playful touch. Every detail is thoughtfully considered; even the restrooms provide a unique experience. The doors are cleverly concealed within a wooden wall, invoking imagery of an elf’s secret hideaway. Inside, the high ceilings are playfully adorned with toilet paper rolls. Adjacent to the toilets, a whimsical hand-washing station features a long rope that, when pulled, releases a gentle waterfall cascading down chains from high above.

If you sit near the restroom, you’ll likely enjoy watching other patrons navigate this unusual setup through the glass windows surrounding it.

Back in the main dining area, a cozy bar counter with a full bar completes the space—a friendly reminder to check their enticing drinks menu.

Drink This

In such an intimate atmosphere, you have the option to share drinks or enjoy them individually. For brunch, be sure to sample their French press coffee, which may very well be the best in town.

If you’re in the mood to share a drink, try B&W’s BrunchaPuncha, an expansive concoction featuring rye whiskey, Pimm’s, cucumber, mint, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and ginger beer—it’s perfect for sharing among six people.

For a classic brunch experience, B&W offers mimosas, tea, and a Bloody Mary that dips into the extraordinary. Here, the Bloody Mary is known as the Bloody St. George, expertly crafted with spicy green chile vodka—a true nod to Colorado. Notably, their Earl Grey tea is a delightful blend of tea-infused gin combined with lemon juice and thyme essence.

Health-conscious diners will appreciate the Boozy-bucha: a house-made kombucha gently infused with flavors such as peach-mint shrub, blackberry, sage, and vodka.

The Garden of Jewels, another favorite, combines bubbly, St. Germain, and pear vodka for a light, celebratory drink. It’s certainly not too early for indulgence.

Fill Up

Should the decor and brunch drinks fail to impress you (though that’s unlikely), the food undoubtedly will. Rarely do you encounter a restaurant where every menu item is a masterpiece, yet you can’t go wrong here.

Begin your meal with the signature Monkey Brains; it’s B&W’s unique take on a sticky bun, drizzled in frosting and topped with nuts. It’s filling, but don’t stop there—try the pimento cheese grits, which should not be missed.

Enhance your main course with a range of side plates, such as those delightful grits, biscuits accompanied by fruit butter, or Hamachi Crudo featuring hamachi, grapefruit, blanched green beans, pureed Meyer lemon, roasted almonds, and a hard-boiled egg.

To conclude your meal, the benedicts are a standout. For a hearty brunch, opt for the Open Face Ham Sami, which includes house-smoked ham, English pea puree, mornay sauce, salsa verde, and a sunny-side egg atop sourdough. Alternatively, the asparagus benedict offers a fresh vegetarian option with grilled asparagus, perfectly poached eggs, and a herbed hollandaise sauce atop ciabatta.

You’ll likely find you have too little room for dessert—or perhaps even dinner—after such a rewarding meal.

Take your time to savor each moment, as you indulge in a five-star brunch experience reminiscent of a picnic in the stunning Colorado mountains, all while in the heart of South Denver.