Federales Creates A Perfect Blend Of Brunch And Hispanic Cuisine

Photos courtesy of Kevin Austin

Welcome back my fellow foodies. A little known fact about me, I am not a breakfast person. I get up every morning craving lunch and dinner food, and I can easily wait for the midday meal to satisfy my cravings. I am, however, a prove-me-wrong kind of gal, so when I got the invite to head to Federales in RINO for their brunch, I was up to the challenge. Their brunch is supposed to be one of the best in Denver, and I adore Mexican food, so I was all in. 

Federales is the brainchild of the Four Corners Group out of Chicago. With two other Federales restaurants in Chicago, and one on the way in Nashville, Federales seems to be catching on. The concept is simple, authentic from scratch Mexican cuisine with an awesome bar program, complete with a killer outdoor patio. If you don’t want to sit directly outside, they have a massive retractable roof so you can have the best of both worlds.

Upon entering Federales, I was optimistic about their brunch fare. The restaurant is beautiful, spacious, with murals painted by local artists. It was a stellar day and the fresh air coming from all corners of the restaurant was so refreshing. I was ready for my brunch challenge, so as usual, let’s eat!

I always judge a good Mexican restaurant by their guacamole, and although this was not on the brunch menu, you can order anything off the regular menu as well during brunch time. The guac was spot on, fresh, flavorful, and was accompanied by their made from scratch daily salsa. I immediately wanted to take a jug of this salsa home. You could tell it was homemade, so when you go there, get both the salsa and the guac to start!

Now we were off and running on my brunch adventure. Next up was the Steak and Eggs and the Chorizo and Potato Hash. Both were really good. I liked having steak and eggs for brunch. A little breakfast, a little lunch, with a Mexican twist to it. The chorizo hash was hearty and had a bit of spice to it. I had to order the Federales Bacon, because, well, bacon. This massive portion of pork belly arrived with a guajillo-maple glaze that went perfectly with the bacon. The sauce itself is something very special, so if you are a bacon person, I would make this a must for brunch here.

Federales changed my view on brunch offerings. I will be back for their brunch menu again, and to try some of their dinner and happy hour offerings. They have a casita window, a tiny house attached to the Federales building that is open from Thursday – Sunday for early dinner, and late-night grab and go snacks such as three different kinds of Tamales, and the Walking Taco. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm. On Tuesday – Saturday, they are open until 2am. If you are craving amazing from scratch Mexican food, head to Federales. You will become a believer too.  Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well.