The food was pretty good but the service could have been better. I came here for brunch and it was pretty crowded. I liked that there was plenty of parking though. Also, the mimosas come in a regular class with a straw which was sorta weird. read more

Excellent breakfast place! Great food, service and atmosphere. Food is creative and hits the spot with good size portions. Would definitely recommend read more

Update: I got a harassing phone call from restaurant affiliation. Not only that this pompous restaurant can't take criticisms well; they manage to suck every way possible, including being professional. read more

This place was great! Amazing service as soon as we walked in the door. The pancakes are amazing! And the biscuit and gravy! OMG! I wanna go back! read more

Updated downgrade. This place is awesome, but PLEASE fix the potatoes. Everyone loves good potatoes with their breakfast so it is such a let down that the taters here are limp, soaked in cooking oil and bland. We had mentioned it to the staff the first time we ate here and they continue to disappoint. Aside from this major let down on the menu this place should be a 5 star joint! Finally a great Sunnyside neighborhood breakfast joint! We were very excited to try this place and were not let down. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food! Try the Custard Toast or the biscuits and gravy, you will not be let down. The potatos were the only thing that was not prepared well, but they took the critique well and I doubt they will be prepared the same way! Definitely recommend breakfast here and cannot wait to go try lunch! read more

I went back to give this place a second try, thinking maybe I had an off day. The hostess (platinum blond/grey pixie cut) was extremely unpleasant in response to simple and straight-forward questions. Done with this place for good. read more

Awful service from the manager. The place had no idea how to handle a Sunday brunch crowd. You are sanctioned into a tiny waiting area. When I asked if we could just sit at the bar and have our drinks while we waited, the manager replied, "Jesus Christ"! Shame on him. No food is ever that good to put up with that kind of "customer service". I work in an industry where your customers pay your bills and should be respected . We pay to get served and have taken the time to come to an establishment, pay for gas to get there, find parking, plenty of better restaurants out there. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. Waited 45 mins. Tables sat empty and parties of the same size who arrived after us were seated before us. We left after a very patronizing discussion with the grey haired host. Don't waste your time - find a place where your business will be appreciated and where they will give you an accurate assessment of wait times. read more

Food was perfect service was awesome... Only one thing food was so gpod and the smells were on fire so the sit made it worst cause we were so hungry read more

The Universal - Fire - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

It's hard to say how the food is here since we waited in a near empty dining room for 10-15 minutes without our server even acknowledging us. The water had ice, the menu looked encouraging. We left since we actually wanted coffee and breakfast. read more

A must for breakfast!!! The Custard Toast is AMAZING! Served with a fruit compote and fresh berries. The bacon was thick and perfectly crispy as I requested. The fresh baked goods looked delicious though I didn't try any. Friendly and efficient service. read more

Sadly, no food can make up for bad service. I was very excited to try this place and knew coming in on a Sunday we would have a wait, but what unfolded was really disappointing. We were told to expect a 45 minute wait, but that turned into an 1 hour and 30 minutes. I pointed out 4 open tables that had been empty on the patio for over 10 minutes and the hostess had no idea. Suddenly we were seated immediately. However, the most disappointing part was our server. He seemed very inconvenienced by our presence and was quite condescending the times I asked questions. Two days later, I discovered my credit card had been charged twice, and I had to reverse it with my bank. You know, I don't want to be pampered as a costumer, but I definitely don't want to be treated as an is inconvenience and given crap service. read more

We visited twice during our stay in Denver for brunch. Each time the food was awesome. The cornbread rancheros are where it's at! Also try the custard French toast or the pancakes. We love the place. read more

Would give it zero stars if I could. Signed in with the hostess and was told it would be 15 min wait. NO ONE else was waiting. Waited in the parking lot and observed 4 people walk up and lobby the hostess hard for a table that just became open. We asked the hostess what was going on and she got the "manager" - guy in a news boy hat. He insisted the others were here before us without checking the hostess' I pad to confirm, and then he walked away. He was quite rude. We will NOT be back. read more

Went to the Universal this morning.. A very nice atmosphere a little pricy but you get what you pay for.. Good food. The service is where it is lacking. Seated quickly yet ignored soon after.. Not very busy and it took a while to get drinks. The waitress didn't really seem to care continued to help other customers .. We over heard our waitress talk very friendly with other tables yet was cold when she would come to ours .. I feel like because we were a group of young women she believed we wouldn't tip her well . Jokes on her , my family owns a diner and if she were nice we would have tipped her great. read more

I just concluded my third visit to this establishment, and I can assure you I will NEVER go back. I ordered the Special which was Crispy Pork Belly Sandwich. I ordered it because I had one at the Hornet and it was delicious. After about 50 minutes our food finally arrived and I could immediately tell what took so long . . . . my pork belly was blackened and charred beyond recognition. I sent it back and they told me it would be taken off my bill. However, when my b ill came, I was still charged $4.50 for a side of Mac and Cheese. When I told the manager I was unhappy about that and was very unsatisfied with the food and service, she said since I had taken a bite of the mac she had to charge me. I told them I wouldn't come back and two employees told me not to come back, and then said "Fuck You" to me. No, fuck you, Universal. Also, the first two times I came here the food took forever, but was pretty good so I went back. read more

I was excited to try this place since I love the area and brunch. I will go again, but the service was bleh at best. We waited a long time to get a server to our table who then told us they were out of water glasses right now because they were being washed. We were not told the daily specials, but the two tables next to us were??? Most of the wait staff were all chatting near the bar while we waited to be noticed when we needed their attention. Food took forever. I want to try it again, bc the item I wanted was on the lunch menu which for some reason is only served during the week. Maybe this hipster places pride themselves on how little attention they pay to their customers? read more

I would love to love this place. It is literally just across the street from my house. The food is pretty good. So why the 2 star rating, you ask? Service. I have successfully eaten a meal at The Universal three times. Those times, the service was decent, if a little slow, and the food was good. The low rating is the result of another two attempts at patronizing this establishment that ended in me and my friends walking out. The first strike-out occurred on a snowy but moderately busy weekend around 11AM. A visiting friend and I entered and approached the hostess (whom, I believe is also a part owner). The couple ahead of us were greeted and clearly known by the hostess who struck up a conversation with the couple, informed them of the 20 minute (or something like that) wait. The conversation lasted for 5 minutes or so during which I stood quietly behind in line. I wasn't bothered because I figured I'd likely be waiting 20+ mins anyway. When the friendly conversation with the couple ahead of us ended, I stepped forward, smiled, and made eye contact with the hostess, hoping to be greeted and put my name down on he list. My smile was returned with a momentary flat stare followed by the hostess wordlessly turning and leaving for another few minutes. When she returned, she looked past me and my friend to wave at some other acquaintances of hers before starting a conversation with another waiting patron. After more than 10 minutes of patiently and politely waiting to be acknowledged have my name taken I'd received only said momentary flat stare and what was a growing feeling that I was being intentionally ignored. So I turned to my friend, who wore the same look of confusion and amazement that I felt. A simple nod was confirmation we were both ready to take a hint that we weren't welcome. The second strike-out occurred yesterday (a Wednesday) around noon. I went in with a different friend. The place was about 3/4 full. We were greeted within a couple minutes by a passing busser who handed us a couple menus and invited us to take our pick of three open tables in the corner. We sat, perused, and chatted for about 10 minutes before noting that despite 2 waitresses tending to two tables very near us and greeting and bringing water to the pair that arrived after us (who were also seated by the gentleman bussing tables), we had been completely ignored since sitting down. The strange feeling of being intentionally ignored returned after making eye contact with both waitresses as each passed near and still received no acknowledgement after another 5 minutes. My friend concurred that this was really weird bordering on rude. So we left and went to the diner around the corner, where we enjoyed attentive service. So 2 out of 5 times going to The Universal resulted in my leaving in an annoyed and still hungry state. The other 3 times resulted in a pleasant but otherwise unremarkable experience. I figure 2 out of 5 stars is fair. It probably goes without saying, but I won't be making a return visit even though the door to The Universal is less than 100 yards from my own. read more

Went on Valentine's Day, so I'll give them a pass - sort of. Service sucked. Slow. Unfriendly. Harried. Food was good. Not great - good. But seriously, a restaurant is all about customer service and good food. Half the formula is missing here. Smile people. And try and make sure your guests are having fun. read more

Stopped in for breakfast after reading all the rave reviews. Ordered the Veggie Eggs Benedict. The meal was decent, but proportions were slightly off. The plate was mostly leafy greens with no other veggies. Other than that it was fairly decent, but not the best I've ever had. However, the atmosphere was nice and the service was good. I heard it can get pretty busy, so we went on a Monday morning and were seated immediately. Would go again. read more

One of Denver's more hidden, but best brunch places. Try the grits! A special secret blend sure to satisfy!

I had a hair in my sandwich and they quickly replaced it. Wait wasn't bad. Stood at counter for 5 mins at waitresses chatted and didn't bother to ask me for a drink. Got a drink. Sat down. Service was fine. Food was good besides my hair, but my new sandwich was ok, not the same as last time. The waitresses stood at counter filling coffee and chatting loudly talking about testicles and how one and always longer and bigger than other one. No appropriate. I'm not offended but seriously it's busy find something to do rather than talk about balls while is packed read more

I hope it was the owner of The Universal that treated us so poorly because it would be a shame for an employee to harm their reputation with such callousness. I'm not sure why, and maybe this is why it was so frustrating, but we were completely ignored by the host. We were patiently waiting for our table and the host was coming torward us to show us to a freshly vacated and cleaned 4 top. Another customer intercepted him and they began a long and casual chat. The host reverted to his station and continued to chat about this and that, very casually as our table sat empty. This lasted for ten our fifteen additional minutes. We noticed the wait staff continue to look at the host wondering what was going on, but they never interrupted him to gain his attention. I walked up to engage the host, but he was just too busy with this other guest, who I assume at this point must be a very important person. We were a family of four with two kids. We had the only kids in place, so I can only assume it is not a kid friendly establishment. This is my only guess for this treatment. Disappointed and aggravated. read more

Fathers Day bummer... Walked in and told they had a "no call, no show"... Not sure if this was the best approach but we appreciated the honesty and chose to stick it out. Food was good not great, enjoyed the Nitty Gritty - eggs grits. Over a hour for breakfast for 2 doesn't cut it regardless of the no show. Could be a solid breakfast & lunch spot with the patio (closed this day?) will give it another chance another time. read more

On our last day in Denver we decided to check out this spot. We had previously found out about it online by researching the best brunch spots! It was 'Meh'. There was a wait - which was fine and understandable. It was Saturday morning and I thought this was a happenin' place. My boyfriend got the biscuits and gravy and it was outstanding. I could only have a bite because it was SO not Paleo-friendly nor was it gluten-free. I wanted to have the pork chili hash but found it wasn't gluten-free when I went to order it =( Boo. So I built my own scramble instead. It wasn't anything I couldn't have easily made at home. I didn't even finish it and I NEVER waste food. Ordered a bloody mary and it was also just OK. read more

Two stars because of the people that work there. The place IS NOT family friendly. Do not take your kids unless you want attitude thrown your way. Food is average among the many overrated, overpriced trendy spots popping up in Denver within the last few years that rely on "cool" ingredients more than anything else. read more

We had a very delightful breakfast! If you are a grit fan, they are FANtastic here. They poached eggs perfectly (many restaurants refuse to poach because they are a pain in the a) I loved the pancakes, thin and tender. Homemade sausage, delicious. Smoked tomatoes were so complementary in the scramble. Greens with caramelized onions was a nice side touch. Fresh green chili, good consistency. Great service, helpful and kind. read more

This place is great. Food is what matters. The HIBL is the star for sure!!!!!!! If you don't like waiting don't go anywhere that serves brunch on the weekend, duh. read more

I'm not excited to write this 3 (well, 2.5) star-review, especially after my last review here was FIVE stars all the way. My fiance and I brought a friend from out of town here -- we were excited to enjoy a delicious brunch and some bloody marys ...oops. All 3 of us ordered a bloody mary. This is a big mistake - it honestly tasted like watery tomato juice. No, scratch that, watery water with a hint of tomato. At least I know that there was booze in it, because after finishing it I felt tipsy (only finished it because I convinced myself that it would get better--it never did.) I had the spinach/bacon scramblers with potatoes and toast. Once it finally arrived to us (we waited a very, very long time for our food). All of it was really good, but not good enough to get over the poor bloody mary. Oh - and my fiance ordered the biscuits & gravy, and they brought him out a "side portion" of biscuits & gravy (just one on a side plate). The food-runner guy that brought it out went back to check the ticket and came back out with a second side of biscuits & gravy to correct their mistake. That didn't help them win us over after the bad bloodies. I want to believe that maybe the bartender was just having an off day...but it was bad enough that I don't see us going back anytime soon. The food is OK, but if there is a wait, then I don't think it's worth it. Such a Bummer. --update: i heard that they just use V8 juice for their bloodies. I didn't see it while i was there, so I can't validate that claim... but it certainly would help explain why their bloody stunk... read more

This place rocks! Great food, service and Bloody Mary's were awesome. Finally a good place in NW Denver.

think Hipster Plantation...fancy satisfying farm food. sure it's salty, buttery, creamy and rich. for blander food look elsewhere. reasonable prices for the quality. accommodating service, cool clean decor. pretty patio. best of all is the location, right on my shortcut down 38th whenever things jam up in the mousetrap. this could be a daily ritual... would like to see a blue plate special and loyalty enticements. 5 stars for trying to create community in Sunnyside, evidence of care, and ambition of menu. should be given time to season, like a good roasting pan. read more

Yikes. We're here right now. Super great staff, just really long turnarounds for food and drink. Makes me sad. read more

The Universal - Blueberry pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I love this place....a girlfriend and I meet here before work because it's not downtown but it's close enough. The smoked scramble is amazing and the wild boar sausage is also my go to. The gluten free bread is better than regular bread and I am not gluten free. For splurge days biscuit and the jam all the way. Friendly staff. read more

We're brunch people. We have a two year old, so the hours, food and option of booze keeps up frequenting brunchy type places. Saw this spot featured in westword, checked yelp and headed out after naptime. I'm a server so I know the woes of people coming in before close (they close at 230, we got there at 2). However, tiny humans have short attention spans so we're usually in and out. The hostess was super friendly and warm, but I got the feeling our server wasn't thrilled with our presence. She wasn't rude, just not friendly. They definitely do not cater to families as we were not given a kids menu, crayons or even a drink for the kid. Seriously, she brought us two waters right away but nothing for the little one. I figured they probably didn't have kids cups, so I didn't ask. Started with a bloody. It was great. Nothing over the top presentation wise, but for $6 a good deal. Perfectly seasoned. I asked the waitress for her recommendation between the seasonal veggie Benny or the Ranchero. I went with the Ranchero, their take on huerovos. It was fantastic. I should've tasted before adding pepper because it needed zero seasoning. I requested hot sauce, but it went unused. The flavor profile in this dish was perfect, for me. The corn bread (instead of tortillas) was incredible. I mashed it up and mixed it with the egg, black bean, cheesy, saucy goodness, and the bread provided just the right amount of sweet amongst the savory, southwestern smoky. Ordered my kid a banana walnut pancake. It was crazy good. I'm going to try to copy those walnuts at home. They were candied with cinnamon and absolutely made this pancake one of the best I've ever had. She though so too and nearly ate the entire thing, which was bigger than her head. My partner got the Universal, which is a little bit of everything. He choose scrambled, grits, housemade sausage and biscuits and gravy. He said, of course, best grits ever ever. However, he thought the sausage had way too much seasoning and too peppery, so that went untouched on his plate. I tried it and thought it was good, but he says that's because I like too much pepper He also wasn't a fan of the biscuits and gravy. I, on the other hand, also found this to be one of the best versions of it ever. They might use the same sausage in the gravy and it was perfect to me. The biscuit was also perfectly prepared. We got out of there for $34 plus tip, not bad at all for two adults, one kid and a bloody. We'll definitely be back. read more

Two words: cornbread rancheros. I am not a vegetarian but this dish definitely is. PLEASE don't think for one second that this dish is without flavor, however. The sweet, fresh cornbread melds deliciously with the seasoned black beans, homemade salsa and the squeeze of lime. The avocado, cheese and sour cream are a fabulous complement to the main characters. There isn't anything about this dish that I don't like and it is without question a winner on the menu here. read more

Still great. They have worked out kinks with the veggie sausage. Giant bowl of grits kicks my ass when I stupidly order it. I need to stick with just the single helping. Again, food is very good. read more

Biscuits and gravy is the best this obese (inside) person has ever had! Go on a beautiful Sunday morning for some brunch porn.

The universal is so good. I've brought several out of Town-re guests here. Plus they serve the best biscuits and gravy I've ever had. Highly recommended! read more

The Universal is a great place for a unique breakfast with friends and family. While the menu has traditional breakfast items, it's the more unique items that stood out to me. I ordered the pork green chili and grits which was delicious. My friend ordered the biscuits and gravy, which was also excellent. Despite the busy Saturday morning rush, service was quick and friendly. My one negative to the restaurant is the price. My dish of green chili, 2 eggs, and grits cost $13. While I understand eggs are expensive right now, but I still thought prices seemed to be inflated by a couple dollars. Overall the Universal is a great experience and I would have no qualms returning for another delicious breakfast. read more

My new favorite brunch spot. The gravy is freaking awesome! The grits have great texture. I added cheese which made them even more amazing. To top everything off I had a delicious grapefruit mimosa. I feel this is a going to become my new weekly choice. Only thing that could have been better were the biscuits. Sassafras still reigns supreme in that department. read more