The Universal — Restaurant in Denver

We love this place. Whether it is the always changing grits daily special or my go to, the Wild Boar Scramble, always a good start to the day. Service at bar is always fantastic.

(just adding to the review since I posted a new one elsewhere) When my wife is going through breakfast options for the weekend day, if this is on her list, we are THERE. I love this place. Friendly and efficient service every time. They always have a surprise grits special that is usually delicious. My wife got the Philly last time and it was really good. For me, it is always the same dish...every single time. The Wild Boar Scramble is one of my favorite breakfast dishes...like ever. I throw some Hollandaise on the whole plate (eggs and potatoes) and get some sourdough to dip and stack. The thing is delicious and eventually I will try other things, but not yet. We would go more if they had a breakfast beverage deal, but we still like the place a lot. I definitely recommend.

I got something DIFFERENT than the Wild Boar Scramble. FINALLY. Let's discuss.

Service, as always was flawless. I had the Polidori Chipotle Breakfast Sandwich and it was amazing. Tasty, and I might get it again. Little bulky, but the cooked taste was off the hook. Wife would go here for the lavender mimosa alone, and I would now go here for this sandwich or my go-to...the Wild Boar Scramble with Hollandaise Sauce on all. You can be comfortable at a table, you can be the bar person, and they are on point with anything you decide on. Park on the far side of the parking lot, as this place gets packed right after 930 or so.

Oh, and if you can't decide on a dish...just get the Wild Boar Scramble with Hollandaise please...thanks.

MY MOST RECENT VISIT: I think my last review was for something else, but I went back to home base for my visit today. So, I am going to go on record that I THINK that the Wild Boar Scramble from here is my favorite breakfast in all of Denver. I add Hollandaise, but you do you. Know that you have to embrace sun dried tomatoes, as I do. But, if that is the case, then this will be bliss for you also. Marco was my server today, but note that they are ALL great servers, and it is a team effort that is seamless. I personally am a bar sitter, and the bar is spacious and clean. You will wait on weekends if you don't set an alarm, but that is a good thing. They always have a grits special on the chalkboard. If you like grits, this will be bliss for you too. Definitely recommend, updated pic of the WBS is below, and...

Oh, The Universal. You are a solid 10 in my book. I've been there for brunch and lunch several times over the last year and it just never fails to deliver. Again, another delightful little place tucked into a strip mall off 38th Avenue. Logistically, anything near 38th and Federal is just a crapshoot of craptastic traffic but this place makes it worth it. There are about 10 spaces total for the place so on the weekend, it's a bit nutty and you DO want to get there early for brunch, especially on Sunday. It's can be a yuppie mecca on the weekends. YES, I said Yuppie because I'm over 40.

Anywhoo.. the FOOD. The food. Here's what we had Let's get right to it - the grits are TDF-ToDieFoh. They are bona fide, Make sure to order them as a side. Here's what else we had: The Universal - 11 - your basic farm breakfast with eggs, grits, pancake on the side (yup) and the ham - omg! Corn Bread Rancheros - now these were GOOD! However, i'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat in food so the spice was a little much but the food preparation & presentation was amazing. Sweet & Savory Quinoa Bowl - I just loooved this. But again, this actually had a little heat to it as well! I'm thinking it was in the savory pumpkin seeds. Either way, this dish was an interesting mix and very filling.

Service/Staff - OMG, I just love them - everyone is always a delight and VERY good at handling the crowds & the somewhat...

I had a lovely opportunity to dine on the patio at The Universal today. On a Monday at 10:00 a.m. it was very lightly attended and we received immediate service and were sat along the front wall. I personally always enjoy driving along Federal and going through the different neighborhoods and the different areas, and I was so pleased to see this little gem tucked to the east side. My companion had the corned beef hash and it was indeed real corned beef chopped with peppers and onions and looked delicious. I had the namesake universal breakfast, and I chose the house made sausage patties. I thought they ran on the spicy side and I was super tickled by the toast and my companions oat bread toast. I know it is a trivial thing but it is rare to come across thick slices of quality bread that are beautifully toasted and actually come out warm! My server was a delightful redhead who was attentive and served us excellently. I did take a glimpse at the menu via the QR codes, and the next time I dine here I would definitely be interested in trying the vegetarian banh mi sandwich that has Seitan on it, or trying the Reuben sandwich. I love Mom and Pop restaurants and I particularly love to drive crowds to them so I wholeheartedly encourage you...