Dot’s Diner
2716 28th St, Boulder, CO, 80301
Dot’s Diner Menu
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Main Menu
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Main Menu
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Address :
2716 28th St
Boulder, CO, 80301 - Phone (303) 449-1323
- Website https://dotsdinerboulder.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Gregory B.
Great quality, delish green chile, breakfast burrito at $6.25 is best deal in town. Pictured is the *small* which is plenty for me and I'm a big eater. This place would five stars if it served better coffee.
(4)Rachelle M.
Typical diner fare. Portions are huge! Our servers first day, so our order was mixed up a bit. And 2 bucks for a side of salsa that was microwaved? That was a bit weird. Food was pretty good though! No serious complaints!
(4)J. E.
Dot's is a wonderful, little diner. I go about once a month. I love the chicken fried steak here, but it's hit or miss as to when they have it, and it's often sold out if you come too late. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch only. Great classic rock music in the background. Fun and funky decor. Wonderful waitstaff. Really good, high quailty food for a diner. I've never had to wait too long, so I'm generally in and out in 30-40 minutes.
(4)Steven W.
Dots is a great go to breakfast place! Good solid breakfast eats at a good price. I really like the biscuits and gravy which is usually what I order. Enjoy!
(3)Stan P.
Classic old school hippy dippy Boulder diner. Simple but tasty breakfasts with daily omelette specials along with Eggs Benedicts or steak end eggs. Indian food available at lunch.
(4)Britta F.
Hmm this place was kind of meh for us. Good food but not amazing food. Staff was friendly. Place was packed. Prices are decent but again the food is nothing special so I would not be happy if it was more. Husband had the Cafe Oulait drink and he wasn't impressed. I can see why a lot of people enjoy the friendly atmosphere though, definitely seemed like a hipster place. I gave it 3 stars cause it's worth a try. Maybe it's more up your alley.
(3)Tammy N.
A small little place off of Broadway, close to the CU Boulder campus. I have always passed by here but never early enough to stop by for a meal. Recently, a group of friends and I wanted to meet up and catch up over some breakfast, so I suggested that we try Dot's. The place was packed (it was a Saturday morning), but the waitstaff were calm and collected, even having a conversation with us as we ordered our food. Very friendly people, which is generally a theme around Boulder. I decided on the french toast. Light with a golden color and sprinkled with some powered sugar. Great flavor and just enough to give me energy at 9 AM on a weekend. The syrup options were delightful too because the sweetness was not overwhelming. My friends opted for more savory options, which also gained positive reviews all around. I tried some of the breakfast burrito with green chili and I loved that it was spicy with a generous amount of filling. I was extremely full after breakfast, but I would recommend this place to anyone who wants an authentic diner experience.
(4)Diana R.
We were disappointed in that it took 20 minutes to get our breakfast and then we had to wait another 5 minutes for my husband's toast and another 15 minutes for my biscuit. When I got the biscuit, it was a very large drop biscuit which is why it took so long. It would seem to me that they could have waited to get our eggs started once the breads were ready so we could have eaten everything together. I personally prefer rolled/cut biscuits which would have been easier to break apart and more moist. After finally getting the drop biscuit, it was crispy on the outside and not very moist. Won't go back. Forgot to add - when our server brought our sweetener, he said "here's your rat poison". Not professional.
(2)Nicholas W.
Food was alright, however the dining experience was terrible. We were seated, took about 15 minutes to get drink orders. Coffee cup went unfilled for over 30 minutes (we had to fill it after becoming tired of waiting). I think we saw our waitress once until the food came. We did receive 50% off of the food due to the excessive wait, which was really nice, but really too upset about waiting a full hour before food came for it to lift our spirits. I would give three stars, however I came back an hour later to retrieve my phone that I had left. I was greeted by an angry server who claimed we treated her badly. I'm assuming she was referring to the low tip she earned. Unfortunately, we won't be back to either location, despite having tasty salsa.
(2)Brian K.
Excellent diner. Looking for one? Endless coffee.
(4)Dave W.
Stopped in to check the place out. Doesn't look like much from outside, but it was very nice inside. Kind of a cool hippie atmosphere. Organic teas and coffees. House made chai. Gluten-free options. Great breakfasts. Very friendly people. Luna waited on us. Huge biscuits and the ham gravy was great. We will definitely be going back. They have 3 locations. We want to try the one in Nederland.
(5)Leanne G.
When you want a traditional breakfast and you don't want to be disappointed this is where you come. Dot's is an institution! It's been here forever and for good reason. That's because you go in hungry and come out STUFFED and satisfied. Note that on the weekend this place is packed. Standing room only as you wait for a table! You may get lucky and find a stool at the bar. That is my preference as you are likely to make a new friend sitting next to you. Don't worry about getting to dressed up. This is a very casual place! Roll out of bed and crawl into Dot's. They will take care of you.
(5)Ka B.
Pros: *LOVE the chai tea. It's not sickly sweet like dunkin donuts. Wonderful smell too. *Their biscuits are decent. They are not flaky biscuits but they remind me of buttery scones. I just wish they had a strawberry shortcake option to have homemade whipped cream and strawberries to go with it! *The pancakes are good (can't remember much about them but they were good) Cons: *Bacon is usually overcooked and dry *French Toast was dry (I've only tried once) *Hashbrowns are a little boring in flavor and consistency (could use some flavor and crunch!) *If you get biscuits and gravy, the gravy is REALLY bland. it tastes like the kind of gravy you'd use for a chicken fried steak. Really disappointing because biscuits and gravy is supposed to taste much more sausage flavor. Overall: Will definitely come back. It was an enjoyable service each time we've been. The waitress always has a nice smile on her face. Always nice to go to a diner when the servers have a great attitude and make me feel appreciated as a customer.
(4)Laurie S.
Affordable and tasty! The option for smaller portions was a welcome surprise as was the perfect - over easy - egg. Vegetarian options, too.
(4)Margaret C.
Another especially good thing is happening at Dot's: gluten free options are available AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!!! Toast, french toast, and other bread-y items on the menu all can be ordered gluten-free. Other breakfast/lunch restaurants in town charge anywhere from $1-$2 extra for the gluten-free option. And Dot's prices are lower than many of the other breakfast/lunch places already. This is very generous. I don't go to Dot's very often, but I think I will go there more, because I like their attitude. You can read about the food in my other review and in the many other reviews. Today, as usual, the food we ordered was excellent. The daily omelet specials are reliably delicious. I just had to say something. That is all I have to say.
(4)Jackie L.
I went here on a Saturday and the place was packed yet the service was great. Our server was quick and attentive (always topped up the coffee AND water). My friend and I read that the biscuits were good - yum... super yum. I recommend the biscuits with the jam they have on the table! I ordered the ARNOLD BREAKFAST. Filling and rich (a little too rich for me, but I knew it would be when I ordered it). If you are like me and can only handle some rich food (and are a normal or female eater), I recommend getting a half order. They don't advertise it on the menu, but you can get half orders of their breakfasts. The Arnold is eggs, ham, on a biscuit with gravy. I got the gravy on the side so that I could eat half with jam and the other with breakfast (GENIUS!). I felt a little too full afterwards, but overall, it is good diner breakfast (great for if you have a hangover).
(3)byron d.
A nice little diner with a western flair. Pancakes, omelets, biscuits, yum. Probably better off getting your coffee fix somewhere else, but that's to be expected with a diner.
(5)Randy D.
Food was decent but the service was very very slow. The service Is what got them a 3 star. From the time we sat down till we paid it took about 2 hours.. which is way to long for breakfast.... Biscuit and gravy was decent but the way the menu is set up you could easily spend $40 on add ons
(3)Priscilla M.
Good food, but expected a little more given the location and reviews. I think the biggest factor today was the service - Bolder Boulder is one of the busiest days in Boulder, larger staff is needed on this day!!
(3)Stacy C.
Love this place! My boyfriend and I are from Chicago and were visiting Boulder for a concert. After driving 1000+ miles and passing out in our room - waking up and finding this place for breakfast was like heaven. Their coffee was fantastic, breakfast was great - I'm not normally a big hash brown fan and I finished my entire plate and some of my boyfriend's! :o The service was friendly but not intrusive. Cute little diner - so glad we stopped in!
(5)Carmel U.
Sometimes there is a substantial wait to eat at Dot's but that's usually a good sign about the establishment and it's food. We come to Dot's often and always seem to find the pockets where the line is virtually nonexistence. We love to order a pint of hot and spicy Tibetan chai when we come here and it never disappoints! I love to order their breakfast burrito with added bacon - it is the perfect hangover meal! If you have time to hang out, order the german pancake. It is liked a baked custard cake and is way better than regular pancakes! The service is always prompt and friendly and you can always entertain yourself with the trivia cards at each table! Tip: Check the chalkboard for daily specials and make sure you come for lunch where you can order a dish of their yummy curry!
(5)Dustin C.
My wife and I dined here this morning. I had been meaning to come here for a while, but honestly, the long wait at the Walnut Cafe spurred us into action. I'm glad we came. The wait was short, the staff was friendly, and the food was real and delicious. I had an omelet with chorizo, green chili, and cheese, and my wife had the farmer eggs. Two thumbs up.
(4)Jim I.
Reminds me of the Old Main Stop Diner back home. Decent food and service. The male server on the roller skates was pretty cool.
(4)Julie B.
I've been going to Dots Diner for 20 years. Never had a bad meal! The absolute BEST biscuits and gravy.
(5)Travis C.
Let me do you a favor, if you're searching for a good breakfast this isn't it. There's nothing special about the menu and the service was almost non-existent. There's something to be said about a good ole fashioned greasy breakfast, but it needs to deliver more than ole grease. There are so many other places to spend your hard earned dollars for a great breakfast in the Boulder area - The Buff, Janie's (Longmont), and best of all Sundance Cafe (Nederland).
(1)Christopher C.
This place has some interesting things on the menu including daily curries. When I go to places that serve breakfast i feel that it's my duty to always get breakfast, so I went with the breakfast disaster which consists of a bunch of veggies eggs and cheese, a little too much cheese for me. I thought the meal was good, nothing spectacular.
(3)Liza C.
For the Quality/ price I give 5 stars. Food was very good , specially Iliked steak . BBQ souce made steak perfect. I had a glass of orange juice and pancakes , which were delicious as well. Service was nice and friendly. Good place.
(5)JeZippy E.
I go to Dot's about once a month or so. I try to go early for their early-bird breakfast special, but sometimes I wander in too late. Funky atmosphere, pretty good food, fast service, but overpriced IMO. Still, when I don't feel like making breakfast, I come here. They do my eggs perfectly. I really like the chicken-fried steak, when they have it. Want a side of spinach... no problem. I don't like that they charge me for a little extra gravy though to go on my potatoes. And the coffee is very mediocre so I bring my own. Also, I wish they opened at 6 am, as I often have to be at work by 7:30am.
(4)Christie V.
If you're like me and sometimes want a hole-in-the-wall greasy-spoon kind of feel, this is the place for you. It is simple, straightforward, and no frills but the food is goooo-ooo-oood, portions great, and oh my goodness, do not miss the house breakfast. I also have special affection for places that offer gluten-free options without charging extra for it.
(4)MtnGirl B.
We've lived in Boulder since the 1970's and used to go to DD when it was on Pearl Street many years ago. So, when they moved to their new location, we thought we'd give it a try, for old time sake. The food was the same, which is okay for breakfast, however, the service was appalling. The reason? Our waitress was stoned. And she kept going outside on the patio to continue smoking her joint, then, would come back in blurry-eyed and wait on people... reeking of pot smoke. And we're there with our 2 kids... (and we are OLD hippies not prudes by any means). It's the same as a waitperson going outside to drink a vodka and then coming back in reeking of alcohol and waiting on their tables! It was so disrespectful! There is a time and place for getting high/stoned/drunk and it is NOT at work, especially in the service industry. We won't be going back.
(1)Harold C.
"Where the folks get their yolks." My favorite diner in the world, it's always a pleasure to come back. Friendly, low key, and delicious. I highly recommend both the Breakfast Burrito with green chile and black beans, and the AM Sandwich with avocado. But it's all great!
(5)Paula C.
Had heard good things and saw all the positive reviews, so was looking forward to trying Dot's. From the second I walked through the door it was disappointing. The 'host' was completely lost, not organized and not friendly. They don't keep a wait list, so if you have to wait outside, the pushiest people get seated first. Not the sort of experience I'm looking for on a lovely weekend morning. The food couldn't be good enough to make up for the poor customer service. There are too many other great places for breakfast that I'd rather support.
(1)Karyn S.
Tastes like home cooking. Feels like grandmas kitchen. Great wait staff, yummy food. Doesn't taste like grill cleaner, not greasy. And, the biscuits with jam are to die for!
(5)Michael G.
Dot's was not very impressing. At 1pm my friend and I waited 15 min before a waitress came to take our order. I ordered a Cafe Au Lait to drink, but got regular coffee instead. It was on the house but I never saw the actual drink I ordered. The food came out quickly enough I suppose and was pretty good. The poor service would have had me not going back any time soon, but the service quality was recognized and apologized for and the meal was comped. Dot's was as clean as you can expect a small diner to be and aside from the service issues that could be easily resolved the place wasn't a bad one to grab some very decent late Sunday breakfast.
(3)Marian T.
I love Dot's Diner. I keep coming back for the Breakfast Burrito. Small burrito, pinto beans, wheat tortilla. I always add a little green tobasco on top. I feel it's the best around. When I was gone for a year in China, I would have dreams of coming home to have this burrito. It's always a great place for breakfast. My husband loves the biscuits with the raspberry jam.
(5)Tory w.
Went here twice in a two week period, had the same thing both times. A great, really local Boulder greasy spoon. The biscuits are absolutely to die for - it tastes like there is a stick of butter in each bite. The eggs are good, sausage is tasty, grits are yummy, and the service is perfect. We were there on a really crowded morning and they actually had their 8 year old daughter serving coffee. Illegal, but adorable. Lots of food for your money - I had the "small" and it was still too much food for me. They have lots of gluten free options (I'm not GF but I know it's become more common). I'm also really curious to try their Indian food options for dinner.
(5)Josh H.
If you want a nice, cheap breakfast, this is the place to come. It will be crowded, but the low prices and good eats are worth the wait. The biscuits are heaven-sent. Order one (or two) (or five), or you've wasted your visit.
(4)Holly C.
Yum yum yum. Great little diner perfect for when you're not in the mood to battle the downtown and/or Walnut Cafe crowd for brunch. I had the A.M. Sandwich which was absolutely delicious, but I was eyeing other people's huevos rancheros the entire time so I know what I'm getting next time. Nice people, great prices, big portions. What I was most surprised by was how delicious the jam was. They keep it in a ketchup-like bottle on all the tables and I wasn't expecting it to taste so fresh and delicious. I also don't get the "hippie vibe" people keep talking about here. Maybe it's because I'm from Oklahoma and grew up around these types of places, but "unpretentious" does not equal "hippie vibe." This is what blue collar places are like in the real world.
(5)Michael S.
Not everyone is a fan of this little sorta greasy spoon that has its roots on West Pearl in an old converted gas station. I remember those days well. I loved Dots then and still do. So it was a pleasure to be the first ones in for breakfast. Our waitress good naturedly engaged us in an earnest dialogue about the freshness and quality of the avocados that morning, and we had at least a three to five minute discussion about them. And in the end she didn't have the best ones so she had the cook leave them out of our dish. The environs rock: most of the patrons are crotchety caricatures of the 60's and 70's characters they were 30 years ago, and still are. Love it.
(5)John A.
The biscuits are really good don't forget to add the fresh raspberry preserves to it. The staff was nice. The menu had a wide variety of stuff and I was told its been the same menu for a long time!! I went with a special ( 3 egg omelet charizo pica cheddar). Came with hashbowns and biscuit. Good stuff.
(4)Jennifer M.
This place is awesome. I'm going to subtract a star because it seems like they run out of items on the menu fairly quickly. They were advertising chai and had eggs benedict as a special - they were out of chai and only had one eggs benedict left. Oh well, the food we had more than made up for it. I don't know if they make their own jam, but holy god that stuff is great on their biscuits. The arnold's eggs are delicious as well. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Liz S.
I ate at Dot's on my very first morning in Boulder, and it has been my favorite breakfast spot ever since. I love the AM Sandwich, delicious cheese eggs and your choice of ham, avocado or breakfast sausage (I always go for the avocado) on a huge, delicious biscuit - and being from the South, I'm a harsh judge of biscuits. Comes with a side and is more than enough food. The staff is always friendly, and the Valmont location also offers Indian dishes.
(5)Cooper S.
Poor service, food took 45 minutes. Food is meh and chips came out in a lays bag. Would not recommend.
(1)Jenn H.
Ick. I hadn't been to Dot's in at least 5 years. I remember liking it. I won't be going back unless dragged. Poor service, terrible food. How can you mess up a breakfast burrito?
(1)Cayla G.
Great little breakfast joint, I always leave busting at the seams...but my God, its great food. My advice: don't count your calories at Dot's and have a biscuit.
(4)Gina P.
Biscuit's!! Grits!! Get them! Love this place
(4)D H.
Unlike the days on Pearl Street, we didn't encounter a wait for our meal this morning, at 9am on a Sunday. The staff easily helped us find a spot for our party of 6, we were seated within 5 minutes of arriving. Overall the biggest complaint about Dot's is about service, I had the exact opposite experience today. Our waitress was a familiar face way back from West Pearl. She joked with my daughters and our coffee cups never went empty. We had great service today. I ordered the Farmer's Eggs with avocado instead of ham, a substitution Dot's happily does for free, that other local breakfast establishments would charge at least an extra $2.50 for. At the end of my meal, I enjoyed squeezing the house raspberry jam onto my buttermilk biscuit, taking me back to 1994 in one slather. My husband always orders the breakfast burrito with green chili. Their Huevos and Breakfast Burritos are notorious. The green chili is vegetarian, as well as the refried beans. Tofu is a simple substitution for eggs. I happily reached over and grabbed a few spoonfuls of green chili for my potatoes from my husband's full plate. Fabulous. It stands up to just as good as I remembered, except now I've got less of a hangover and my two daughters in tow.
(5)Ali M.
From the outside, and when you first walk in, Dot's looks like your typical, not-so-special diner. But, when you open the menu, you can tell this place is different. Like, really different! The prices are great- all around 5 or 6 bucks. The selection is amazing- everything from big, greasy plated of biscuits/gravy, ***vegan sausage(!), home made granola and yogurt. Organic Coffee, Tofu Scramble***... yum! It took so long to decide,m but I settled on the blueberry pancakes. These aren't your typical frozen-blueberries/ 5 berries per cake blueberry pancakes. No Ma'am, These were loaded with fresh berries! So good. ***Try the vegetarian tofu ranchero- listed under huevos rancheros: scrambled tofu, tortillas, avocado, black beans*** I am grateful that I live 2 blocks away, though I fear getting very, very fat!
(5)Jim W.
Quintessential Boulder breakfast joint. Hippie vibe big time. My all time favorite breakfast spot in Colorado. Farmer's skillet is the best. Service is laid-back, quality food and good prices. Prepare to wait at peak breakfast hours on weekend mornings. Great place to take out of towner's. I'm always saying this about places I rate, but I like to recommend places that capture the local flavor and culture. Everyplace is unique and when you find spots that offer a distilled experience of some of the qualities that characterize the locale-you should post them on Yelp for travelers such as me to find...
(4)Tina E.
This place is a-maz-ing! Their breakfast menu is diverse, so there's something for everyone, including lighter options. Their chai tea is delicious, but massive, so I recommend sharing with another person. Their biscuits are divine - large, fluffy and slightly sweet. They are great with their gravy. All in all, my favorite go-to spot for breakfast.
(5)Joanne K.
I arrived in Boulder in 2003 as a staunch Breakfast-Hater, but Dot's quickly changed all that. First of all, the coffee is amazing. Perfectly brewed, served with plenty of cream or milk. Mmm! So many happy mornings at Dot's sipping deliciousness and reading the Trivial Pursuit cards they leave at the table, chatting with friends, enjoying the day. I tried the blueberry pancakes the first few times I went there and thought they were good, but not necessarily great (though the coffee kept me coming back). I did not yet understand the magical breakfast wonderment of Dot's that others seemed to grasp. Then one day I ordered the "small house breakfast with vegan sausage and a biscuit." Breakfast, as I knew it, was never the same. And now, an Ode to Dot's: I love the vegan sausage. I love the biscuits and the squeezy bottle of raspberry jam. I love the crunchy, delicious potatoes. I love the perfectly cooked scrambled eggs. I love it that the waiters literally draw a little house when I order the "small house breakfast" (highly recommended) I love the music - last time I was there, the best of Johnny Cash. Um, Awesome I love the artwork I love the friendly, "real people instead of robots" waiters. I love you, Dot's. I miss you. You haunt my dreams.
(5)Robin S.
Forgot to review this one! It's the best!
(5)Alex G.
So if Brasserie Ten Ten is the place where you take a few extra minutes to tidy up before going to, Dots is most definitely the opposite. Dots is a favorite after a hard morning workout, still in workout clothes needing sustenance to later collapse on the couch watching TV or reading. It's no frills, fast and always hot and delicious and most definitely serving the best biscuits in town. I find a favorite item at almost any restaurant and will usually order the same thing. While I have tried several items at Dots, my favorite is the Farmer's Scramble. A combo of scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, sausage (they score major bonus points for also offering vegan/vegetarian sausage), avocado, tomato. Served with delicious home fries and that big, buttery, fluffy biscuit. Oh, it's good news for a hungry tummy! I like both the Hill and 28th street locations, it's a different feel at each one, but both equally as good! Now, breakfast is good anytime...and it may be 10:30 at night, but I am thinking about that fried egg sandwich that I eye every time I visit Dots....maybe it will have to be included in my next new breakfast adventure!
(5)Austin J.
This place won't let you leave with your hangover. They put a creative spin on many breakfast staples, creating a unique experience. Grab some cornbread while your there... it is some of the best I've had.
(4)They Call Me L.
I did like the coffee, biscuits, and raspberry sauce. My main dish, however (think it was the AM eggs or whatever), looked like something I could've made at home. The scrambled eggs were a bit overdone, and the side of avocado came in this big lump that looked like it was a couple days old and had just been hastily scraped out of the shell onto a plate. Definitely not someplace that we'd visit again.
(2)Don W.
Uttering a discouraging word about Dot's Diner in Boulder is dangerous, as it can cause pairs of Birkenstocks and Crocs to be thrown in your general direction. But I have a few words for Dot's on 28th. First off, the good stuff. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Weird looking, in some cases, but so what? Great blueberry pancake, although I didn't find the Authentic Vermont Maple Syrup to be worth whatever extra they charged me. I was irritated by the fact that corned beef hash is not a staple on the menu. Oh sure, sometimes it shows up as a special, but it's not on the menu - and how can you call yourself a diner and not have corned beef hash? The wrapped pads of what I hope was butter isn't as good as a little dollop of something fresher, but at these prices, whose complaining? What really disappointed me was the sad order of biscuit and gravy. (I ordered the side version...so there was one bumpy mound of a biscuit and a small bowl of "gravy"). Or at least what they consider gravy and a biscuit. Maybe it's the altitude. Maybe real southern biscuits like the black mammies of my youth in Kentucky used to make are just impossible to pull off up here. The hunk of stuff I was served isn't a real biscuit. Far from round with a slightly browned top, kind of dusty, light and melt in your mouth flaky...this thing was hard on the outside and partially raw on the inside. Waddy, not flaky. (Hell, if you want flaky, look at the staff!) That sad cowpie plop of a toasted dough wad could have gotten a cattle drive cookie killed. [UPDATE: Yesterday I had lunch at Wynkoop Brewery in LoDo. It was their stout basted pot roast meal, and it included a biscuit. I didn't know what to expect, but what I got was a very reasonable facsimile of an old-fashioned flaky biscuit! So, as some comments have suggested, it truly is possible to pull it off at this altitude. Don't know what the Dot's hippies are doing for a recipe, but it's way off.] The gravy was an abomination. Soupy, thin, almost flavorless, not one speck of sausage in the whole small bowl. Like someone had poured 2% milk in with some all-purpose flour, then lightly salted and heavily peppered the result. Sad. Imitation biscuit, totally failed "gravy" (more of a sauce, really) and no corned beef hash on the menu. I think people give this place such high marks because they just don't know how to cook breakfast, or just don't want to. If you want a good Boulder breakfast, choose the Buff. However, the entire experience was saved by the presence of Frank Zappa music. They played an album side of Zappa during my visit so everything is forgiven. (I didn't look, but doubt yellow snow is on the menu.) I'm guessing St. Alfonzo wouldn't approve of the biscuit, but would dig the pancakes.
(2)Candace W.
Dot's is great for breakfast. I love the breakfast burrito, christmas style (with both the green and red chille) Delicious! I have been to the one On the Hill as well, but I found it loud and more crammed when seated and darker inside, so I decided to put my review for this location instead since I prefer a quieter more roomy setting. It is very cozy in here and cute. The wait staff is always friendly and service is fast. I have no complaints. The decor has neat old pics of Boulder back in the day and it is very bright and colorful with a fun retro diner feel. Highly recommend! Great Food!
(4)Jes E.
This place is so fantastic! We went with three people in our party: a carnivore, a vegetarian, and a vegan. We all had good food that we loved. Don't expect super fancy table settings and wait staff in uniforms. This place is a down home sort of place, which is why it's so awesome. Great food and a great atmosphere.
(4)Hannah E.
When I first set foot in this place, I thought, 'YES. This is going to be one of those butt-ugly, dirty, greasy spoons with dismissive service, but FANTASTIC and cheap food.' In other words, I was expecting it to become a regular haunt for me. Everything looked right. The booths for four that weren't really big enough for four. The waitresses running around bumping into each other and slopping gravy everywhere. The line of eager people outside the door. Everyone with a full plate, jolly and laughing - no singles with laptops slowly sipping on tiny cups of fancy coffee. I was so excited! Now, having read Don W's review, I'm willing to admit that it's possible I just happened to order the worst thing on the menu (the Southern Special - biscuits and gravy with grits and eggs), and maybe I should give Dot's another shot. But I literally could not finish my meal, it was so bad. I'm not a grease-o-phobe so I had no problem with the gravy being just about the greasiest thing I'd ever seen in my whole life. The problem was that it didn't taste like anything (except grease)! It was half-congealed, there wasn't enough to cover the dry, cakey biscuit, and my eggs, which I ordered poached, were basically hard-boiled, so there was no egg yolk to spread around in a vain attempt to moisten things up. Also, my grits tasted like unsalted Cream of Wheat. I can think of nothing positive to say about my meal, other than that there was honey at the table. I definitely needed to douse my Cream of Wheat - oh, sorry, 'grits' - with it in order to choke it down. The only reason Dot's doesn't get one star from me is that everyone else at my table finished their food, so it must not have sucked as much as mine. It is true that the people who work here are incredibly friendly, and though I appreciate that, if I want friendliness I'll hang out with my friends, and if I want good food, I'll go to a restaurant that serves good food. Dot's is not that restaurant.
(2)Marilyn W.
Don't get me wrong - I've been a Dot's fan for decades - back to the original far west Pearl location. It had been a while and... WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO THE BISCUITS? Thinking my one disappointment was a fluke, I returned... My biscuit was not only not crispy, it was cold to the touch inside. Are they microwaving them from frozen or what? My son's Huevos Rancheros had a slightly burned tortilla - something that just would not have happened in the dear old dot's days. I'm not dumping this one yet. It was my favorite breakfast haven for far too long. But something has gone wrong in the kitchen there, and the standards are just not where they used to be.
(3)Jennie R.
Great breakfast! I really enjoyed the french toast, egg and sausage combo! I got a biscuit too because of the recommendation of a friend and it was really delicious but definitely way too much food for me! I liked the hippytastic feel of the place - it was my first trip to Boulder and it definitely felt very Boulder-esque.
(4)Kristin B.
Dot's is great for a cuppa joe and a delicious breakfast. Maybe you'll be lucky and catch the server on roller skates! For an unassuming meal and a great biscuit with raspberry jam, belly up to the bar or cozy up in a booth. Yum!
(5)Andre G.
They make their own granola, biscuits, hash browns and have great smooth coffee. Chorizo omelet delicious. This place continues the on-the-hill diner experience that harkens back to the 60s till now with the following diners by name: Lil's Drift In, Bob's Shack, Magnolia Thunderpussy, Magnolia, Mother's and now Dot's. Enjoy the great food and Keep on Truckin' !
(5)A S.
I was excited to try this location of Dot's Diner, as I recently visited the location on the hill, and the hill location was fantastic! When walking in, there weren't too many clean tables to choose from, so my friend and I chose a semi clean table and had a look at the menu. We both ordered a breakfast plate that included eggs, hash browns, and a biscuit. Mine also included bacon. The portions were pretty small (aside from the huge biscuit!) and pretty greasy. What was the most upsetting was that aside from the visible dirtiness in the dining room, as we were paying we could see into the kitchen that was dirty as well, with tons of clutter and holes in the baseboards. The waitress then went outside where she was touching a dog and picnic table, and came back in to our table to clear our plates, and on to another table to bring them coffee and food. All without washing her hands. We left feeling a bit sick to our stomachs. I will definitely be traveling across town to the Dot's Diner on the Hill from now on. It's worth the extra gas for sure!
(1)Kathleen P.
Must have walked in at a good time since I was seated at a table per my preference! All the staff I encountered were friendly and seemed happy to be there. Had an omelet special (broccoli, mushroom, cheddar) which suited me well. Agree with other reviews about the folks who patronize this diner, certainly locals! I enjoyed it and intend to return for diner food with a twist, if you like!
(3)Kate W.
This place is a total dive diner in every sense. Its gritty, no frills, and the food is AWESOME! Just for full disclosure, I am not a breakfast person. I eat breakfast, just not "breakfast food". Anyway, after reading the reviews on Yelp, I opted for the (small) breakfast burrito (w/ green chilies) and it was yummy as hell. My boyfriend got the Arnold's eggs, and the little one got pancakes. Everything was good. I can't wait to go back and try more from the menu. I highly recommend this place for a great, no-frills breakfast.
(4)Brandon B.
Best biscuits in boulder county. The breakfast is hard to beat for the price, they have good coffee and the decor is quintessential boulder!
(4)Justin C.
'Where folks get their Yolks.' If the thought ever crossed your mind, "I wonder if hippies make good diner food?", you will find your answer here. They do. And even if you weren't wondering that at least you now will know.
(4)Kevin G.
Quintessential Boulder breakfast spot. Solid.
(5)Steve W.
Great Huevos Racheros! They used to operate out of a Gas Station on west Pearl St and used to have a line around the corner to eat their breakfasts. Now located just off 28th. They have been in my "good" book ever since. Kind of a dive, has *very* pierced personell, soda in cans, but the food is not to be forgotten.
(5)Mary G.
Dot's has got to be some of the best breakfast I have ever had. From their potatoes down to their eggs! I love coming here for their home cooked meals. Their jam that I believe is homemade is incredible especially on a homemade biscuit. The wait staff is always wonderful and awesome because they let me have my breakfast the way I want it! I tend to be a bit picky! I would also suggest getting to Dot's early as it can get pretty packed with such a tiny establishment.
(5)Mike J.
My god. Their huevos rancheros are so good that you wonder how they have taken the same 5 or so ingredients that every other place uses and made it so amazingly good. Seriously, get the huevos - over easy, black bean, green chili. You won't regret it. I've been going to Dot's at this location and on the hill for over ten years and have never been disappointed by the service or the food. The bacon is always sweet and delicious. The eggs always perfect. The potatoes are always well seasoned. You always leave happy. They have some traditional curries that they rotate on a regular basis, which seems to be relatively new and pretty great if you ask me. I haven't had a chance to try those yet. They have a fairly extensive coffee bar menu as well complete with yerba matte and chai in addition to your basic latte fare. Ambiance is pretty basic. The place is not particularly cozy. If you come on the weekend expect to wait, and you will have to wait outside. If you haven't stopped in yet, get over there!
(5)Thighmaster M.
I have been a loyal Dot's fan since they were in the garage at 9th and Pearl (miss the upper patio seating)... the food has remained right-on, especially the biscuits and the coffee... the entire menu consistently rocks of course. I admit that I go to Dot's on the Hill nowadays, as Freddie has taken the food up a notch in my opinion. But you can't go wrong at 28th street.
(4)Vince D.
I've had many a great breakfast at Dot's, and there's something on the menu for everyone, be they, like myself, a fan of the traditional dinor breakfast or looking for something a little more, well, Boulder. I love the fact that their grill is out in the open, so the smell of potatoes and bacon fills the restaurant. The best way to start the day is with a giant pot of mate and their fresh-made hash browns.
(5)Aaron H.
Dots is great. Cool alternative atmosphere. Trivial pursuit cards at the table and lots of other things to play with. I love their breakfast burritos. Prices are very cheap. Service is quick and efficient. Along with Lucille's, it is the best breakfast in boulder.
(5)Margot L.
This place is highly underrated and thus I have bequeathed it with one of my rare 5 stars. Great service, consistently tasty food, a great array of choices and fast to-table service makes this place my favorite breakfast spot in Boulder. You can't find huevos or the swiss sizzler anywhere else in the world, and I miss Dot's more than anything now that I live in California.
(5)James G.
At Dots, the service and food quality is dropping faster than an unwanted teen pregnancy. Ok, first off, it took 15 min to get drinks & that was from the sketchy busboy, it also took 15 mins to get our check since the waiter lost it, and had to walk to every table to see if he put it there. The food was cold and honestly didn't seem like it would have been any better warm. Coffee was stale, and the idiot waiter gave my wife caffeinated instead decaf, she's pregnant and she can't have caffeine. Somehow we were even overcharged on the bill, even though they supposedly took off for the hash browns etc. This place is messed up. Menus for Indian food as well as greasy diner food how weird and confusing? I do not think the kitchen could have gotten either cuisine right, or the owner knows where this place is going. Stick to one thing and do it well, there are so many Indian restaurants in Boulder already. Maybe they should just try to cook an egg right and actually serve it with very warm cooked home fries? I mean after all they are a Diner????? Honestly even when the service was better I haven't been impressed, but after this experience I will never be back.
(1)Nicole F.
I love Dot's... been going there for weekend breakfasts for years. They have lost a bit of their artsy style, and the waiters aren't as nice as they used to be, but the food is great. I usually get the Swiss Sizzler or the Huevos Rancheros. Their coffee is good too but I hate how they serve lattes in a glass. Not very practical. Pretty cheap in comparison to other breakfast places around.
(4)Kim V.
Terrific breakfast burrito; large portions.
(5)al g.
I wish that I could give two ratings, one for breakfast and one for lunch. Their breakfast's are a favorite of mine, I usually get the small southern style, sometimes the farmers' eggs. I would rate them a 4 or 5 star for food and a nice, old Boulder ambiance. As far a lunch, I'd give them 1-2 stars. I recently tried the chickpea curry. It tasted like canned chickpeas in a yellow salt sauce and bland rice. The flatbreat tasted like something out of the freezer isle that had been warmed up in a microwave. No chewy, crispy grilled bread there. The food had all the blandness of "health" food without being healthy.
(3)kristen p.
Ohhh how I long for Dots Diner now that I don't live in Boulder anymore. No question the best breakfast place I've ever been to, the breakfast burrito being the crowning glory of Dots, with the biscuits not far behind. My husband and I often stop here first when we roll into town for a visit.... The spot on 28th is so much nicer, brighter and better service than the one on the hill. The coffee was pretty lame, weak and bitter the last couple visits, so that NEEDS ATTENTION!
(5)Ryan H.
My Favorite Breakfast in Boulder! Big and tasty omelette's, Awesome home fries. I love the atmosphere and the wait staff is super nice and friendly. Coffee here is actually really good for a "diner". Their biscuits are big and fluffy and best with the "squeezy jam". Only open until 2pm on weekends, so don't sleep in too late!
(5)Jen K.
I have heard SOOOOO many great things about this place. It may be a case of the over-hype. I love brunch, I LOVE eggy foods, and I love options, all of which Dot's has. I guess I was just expecting more quality in the choices. I thought that my Farmer's eggs were a little gross... and was wishing for the blueberry pancakes after a couple bites. It's great for vegetarians - I really liked being able to sub in veggie sausage, and their biscuits are great, but overall I'm not even close to impressed. The atmosphere is great - very old Boulder. I like that neither the space nor the staff are pretentious at all. I'll be sure to try them again, but more out of wanting to like the place than actually loving it.
(3)Rachael W.
Delicious food with an awesome atmosphere. If you enjoy things, check this place out
(5)Adster N.
After reading the great reviews, my expectations were quite high so I have to admit I feel a little let down. To be honest, the place is not bad, the food is good, the waitstaff friendly, and prices are reasonable. But I found the menu quite limited (no steak and eggs!!) which left me quite unsatisfied. My fave weekend brunch place in Boulder is still The Original Pancake House down on Canyon and 28th
(3)Jess M.
I would have to nominate Dot's as best greasy spoon in Boulder. Friendly waitstaff, good prices, and absolutely Delicious food! Definitely captures the local vibe, super laid back- just a great overall atmosphere. The hot cocoa is always yummy, the OJ fresh squeezed and don't miss the Southern Style Breakfast (I didn't for 4 consecutive years). Breakfast burritos are also high on my list....perfect place for breakie after a late night to soak it all up.
(4)Penelope W.
Oh my! How has Dot's slipped by my attention without a review (until now). This is probably one of the most wonderful and charming breakfast places you could happen upon in Boulder! I highly highly recommend it. (Though you will have to deal with those nasty college coeds for sure). Okay, the breakfasts are BIG big big, gigantic, actually. Tasty, I would say. Great, in a nutshell! Ooh the biscuits are magnifique! But, my favorite...Luna, all time greatest server (+ Bikram yoga instructor). She is the best and you better tip her well.
(5)vitas z.
solid diner food. nothing to write home about, but a good spot for something hearty. i understand it's a bit of an institution. i can see why. it definitely has a dive appeal, the staff is friendly, service is swift and portions are decent. it's good all around. just very basic stuff. i enjoyed myself, but i can't say i would tell someone from out of town this is a must visit place. though, if i were a local, i'd probably make it out for a meal every now and again.
(3)julia s.
breakfast burritos. love it.
(4)David Z.
Dot's Diner is a Boulder tradition. The food is a fantastic value! Be ready for hip wait staff, tasty biscuits with raspberry jam, hash browns as a staple, and crispy bacon. Coffee is excellent; dark and organic. Orange juice is freshly squeezed... need I say more? Go before 9:30 on weekends if you don't want to wait in any line. Otherwise they might be a 5-15' wait or so (I've never had to wait longer than that).
(4)