The Universal: Starting Denver Days With Soul

Colorado, forget about the Denver omelet. The Universal just opened in the Mile High City, bringing hearty Southern-inspired breakfasts so deliciously comforting they might just put you back to sleep. With options fit to fuel the labors of a burly bayou fisherman, even a glimpse of the menu induces post-brunch drowsiness—biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, cornbread rancheros, and eggs benedict with griddled potatoes are all options for bold brunchers.

But if grits and all things fried first thing in the morning is not your thing, The Universal is true to its name with its menu of "universally inspired, locally executed" dishes that cover both breakfast and lunch. Every country is gastronomically represented, from Cajun-inspired "Fromage de Tête"—head cheese, fried eggs, and grits—to Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches.

When Coop de Ville closed back in April, its owner Leigh Jones, along with longtime co-worker Kourtnie Harris and her husband, made way to open The Universal in its place. The new restaurant is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a "sophisticated, urban" 80-seat space. Set your alarm today so you can get in early and experience the day's most important meal the way it was meant to be experienced. For full menus and more, check out the website.