Every single day in Lakewood arrives a moment when you crave something authentically American—not just a meal, but an experience. When that craving hits, you deserve to find the nearest spot serving the classics you actually want to eat. And while a burger is always good, the superior American restaurant offers both timeless dishes and modern twists. Luckily, Lakewood has many of them. This is our guide to the best.
First Watch
$ | (720) 287-5353 | WEBSITE
First Watch’s morning rush is brief but bustling, peaking for about two hours most days of the week. Or arrive on weekends when they feature the seasonal wild berry lavender French toast and discounted fresh juices all morning. The French toast tends to go quickly, but you can request it when placing a reservation.
Yanna’s Cafe
$ | (303) 238-2434 | WEBSITE
Yanna’s Cafe is the cozy, reliable sibling of the Lakewood breakfast scene—our favorite morning spot in town—and like any great neighborhood cafe, it’s a solid choice for a meal any time. But it’s an especially good time from 6-9am when early bird specials get the discount treatment, plus a few affordable coffee refills and sides of French toast to pair with them.
The Meltdown
$$ | (303) 988-2762 | WEBSITE
Operating under the familiar Denny’s banner, The Meltdown is probably the most reliable restaurant in Lakewood. Fortunately, they aren’t just coasting on consistency—the food here is actually good. During breakfast hours, you can get a classic Grand Slam for under $10 and some of the best crispy hash browns in town.
Misfits Sports Bar And Grill
$ | (303) 233-3000 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of places to catch a game and grab a burger in Lakewood, but few feel as tailor-made for game day as Misfits Sports Bar And Grill. Set inside a bustling corner spot near the heart of town, its high-top tables and big-screen TVs are a natural fit for the lively sports bar decor and friendly, joyful environment. The menu sticks to classic American comfort food in satisfying ways—the Fire Starter Burger shares real estate with a fresh Taco Salad.
Most of it works pretty well, but it works especially well during a busy night when drinks come with generous pours and you can get a hearty meal for less than $18.
Yard House
$$ | (303) 278-9273 | WEBSITE
Yard House might not be the quietest spot for a relaxing dinner, but their beer selection makes up for the lively atmosphere. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy everything from veggie burgers and mushroom pizza to Mediterranean salmon and spicy shrimp noodles, all while sampling from their extensive beer list. Most of these items typically come in around $15-25, making this a solid spot for some enjoyable dining with friends.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
$$ | (720) 927-4260 | WEBSITE
You’ve heard about the legendary happy hour deals, but visit BJ’s during those golden hours and you can experience them for yourself. Most of the drink selection gets the discount treatment too, so be sure to order plenty of those fried Mahi Mahi tacos to soak everything up if you want to avoid a sluggish morning after.
Westrail Tap & Grill
$ | (303) 986-2200 | WEBSITE
Given how packed Westrail Tap & Grill gets during happy hour, you’d think everyone in Lakewood was off the clock. Perhaps it’s the lively game-watching atmosphere, or maybe it’s the $5 wings and $6 cocktails on special. Also on weekdays, select craft beers are discounted.
Denny’s
$ | (303) 988-2762 | WEBSITE
Any morning of the week, the line to get into Denny’s typically starts forming around 7:00am. It’s home to some of the best breakfast in the area, and you can get it for a great value with their classic specials, along with bottomless coffee refills from their friendly servers. If you’re not there early, there’s a good chance you won’t get seated in time for the morning rush.
Plan ahead next time, or go during off-peak hours, where you can enjoy the same welcoming service with a much shorter wait.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
$ | (720) 573-9817 | WEBSITE
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, one of the standout American restaurants in Lakewood, offers some of the best quick take-out options in the area. During peak hours, you can grab a pulled pork sandwich or a 3 meat plate with minimal wait time—usually just a few minutes from order to pickup. The food is consistently incredible, smoky, and packed with flavor, showcasing the care in every bite. From the brisket to the sausage to the perfectly seasoned sides, everything hits the mark.
Exceptional customer service is also a hallmark of the establishment, with friendly staff creating an exciting, welcoming atmosphere. Regulars are treated like family, making it a go-to spot for both quick bites and laid-back meals.
Tstreet
$$ | (303) 936-5179 | WEBSITE
The Deal: Half off all gluten-free menu items all night Tuesday, half off signature cocktails at the bar all night Wednesdays, $9 classic burger with GF fries all night Thursday.
240 Union Restaurant
$$ | (303) 989-3562 | WEBSITE
Kick off a special occasion at 240 Union with a $16 PEI mussels appetizer and wine. The only possible downside is that you might end up staying for dessert.
Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse
$$ | (720) 805-2626 | WEBSITE
Every afternoon during happy hour, Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse offers discounted craft beers and cocktails, but the real highlight of this casual gathering is the deep-fried mac and cheese bites that’ll convert newcomers into loyal patrons. Savor them with the perfectly cooked steak frites or the flavorful salmon bowl on their spacious patio just off the main road, where the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere make for an ideal spot to unwind after work or enjoy a relaxed date night.
Modern Market Eatery – Denver West
$ | (720) 806-1863 | WEBSITE
Modern Market Eatery has become a bit of a Denver name over the years, with a footprint extending back almost a decade. There are multiple locations across the metro area, so chances are you’re probably not too far from one now. The clean, modern atmosphere provides a casual environment that’s kid-friendly, and parking is easy to find right by the door.
While some dishes like the salmon lox bowl and braised beef bowl may be pricey—think around $15–$18—many believe the flavors are on point, making it a great spot for those who enjoy good, healthy food. The garlic mushroom pizza is another standout, and they offer fresh juices, teas, and cane sugar sodas to wash it all down. Service can be hit or miss, and some diners have noted that it doesn’t always match the price in terms of taste or portions, but the food is consistently fresh and tasty.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for simple yet incredibly fresh meals in a laid-back setting.
Yianni’s Gyros Place
$ | (720) 524-8164 | WEBSITE
Yianni’s Gyros Place has some of the best gyros in the Denver metro area, with consistently praised chicken and lamb options served on fluffy pita bread. From open to close, they all come with that homemade tzatziki sauce, along with quick preparation and friendly service every time. It’s also home to wonderful Mediterranean dishes, but you’ll have to pay around $12-15 for those at all hours, fortunately.
Black-eyed Pea
$ | (303) 238-5810 | WEBSITE
Black-eyed Pea in Lakewood is one of our go-to spots for family-style comfort food, with generous portions and home-cooked meals served in a warm and friendly environment, which can get pretty busy during peak dinner hours. Grab a plate of their standout Chicken Fried Steak or the highly recommended beef stroganoff—they serve it over creamy mashed potatoes—then settle into the spacious, kid-friendly dining room and enjoy classic American comfort foods.
Lakewood Grill
$ | (303) 237-8051 | WEBSITE
Lakewood Grill is best known for its bar scene, but what it should actually be best known for is its Wednesday night open jam sessions, the weekly event during which you can enjoy excellent music and classic karaoke nights for a fraction of the effort. If you haven’t been, you’re doing things all wrong. We like to get their Monte Cristo, which costs around $15 a plate. (P.S. this happens with their friendly bartenders like Melissa, too.)