About

Sam's No. 3 is a family-owned American diner that has been serving Denver since 1927. Founded by Greek immigrant Sam Armatas, the restaurant has remained in the Armatas family for three generations and has become one of the city's most recognizable destinations for breakfast, comfort food, and Colorado-style green chili.

The menu is famously extensive, with breakfast served all day alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads, classic diner entrees, desserts, and a full bar. Whether you're craving pancakes in the afternoon or a burger smothered in green chili for dinner, Sam's No. 3 is built around the idea that everyone at the table should be able to find something they'll enjoy.

Today, the restaurant operates two Denver-area locations and draws a diverse mix of longtime locals, downtown workers, families, tourists, and sports fans. It's the kind of neighborhood diner where regulars know the servers by name, while first-time visitors quickly understand why it's become a Denver institution.

What to expect

Breakfast is served all day and remains the restaurant's biggest draw, with oversized pancakes, breakfast burritos, omelets, skillets, biscuits and gravy, and classic American breakfasts available from open to close.

The signature Colorado green chili is featured throughout the menu, topping breakfast burritos, burgers, fries, omelets, hot dogs, and other customer favorites. The restaurant has served its current green chili recipe since the 1970s, while its original red chili recipe dates back to 1927.

Beyond breakfast, guests will find burgers, sandwiches, melts, comfort food classics, fresh salads, desserts, cocktails, beer, Bloody Marys, and coffee, making Sam's No. 3 just as suitable for lunch, dinner, or late breakfast as it is for an early morning meal.

Highlights

Few independent restaurants remain family owned for nearly a century. Sam's No. 3 has done exactly that, building a reputation for consistent food, welcoming service, and a loyal customer base that spans generations.

Guests consistently praise the restaurant's enormous menu, generous portions, all-day breakfast, and signature green chili. Many locals recommend it as one of Denver's quintessential diners, while visitors appreciate it as an authentic introduction to classic Colorado comfort food.

One detail that speaks volumes about the culture: according to third-generation owner Patrick Armatas, the average staff member has worked at Sam's No. 3 for more than 20 years. That continuity is reflected in the familiar faces, neighborhood atmosphere, and hospitality that keep guests coming back.

Pricing

Sam's No. 3 offers approachable, diner-style pricing with generous portions across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The large menu includes everything from quick breakfasts and burgers to hearty combination plates, making it an accessible choice for solo diners, families, and larger groups alike.

Good to know

Both locations are family friendly while also featuring dedicated bar areas with televisions, making them popular spots for everything from weekend breakfasts with kids to catching an early football game over coffee or a Bloody Mary.

Solo diners can take advantage of dedicated counter seating for faster service, while larger parties are easily accommodated by combining tables. The restaurant regularly hosts families, business breakfasts, and group gatherings.

If it's your first visit, order something with the house-made Colorado green chili. It's the dish most closely associated with Sam's No. 3 and the recommendation you'll hear most often from both regulars and the owners.

Hours

Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Recent reviews

While on a business trip to Denver, we decided to try Sam’s No. 3—especially since it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Great downtown location with a lively diner atmosphere and a huge menu with plenty of…

Terry Bowler · 4/5 · 3 months ago

Humongous portions of delicious breakfast served fast and piping hot! Extensive menu Etheredge everything from omelets to the classic, pancakes, waffles, fried chicken. Burritos, avocado toast, a very tall Mimosa - and…

Elisa Vazquez Roper · 5/5 · 3 months ago

Service was very friendly from host to table side waiter. Food was average. Not sure what happened, but burger doneness was swapped between my wife and I. Side salad was a generous portion with plenty of vegetables…

Adrian Nagle · 5/5 · 7 months ago

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