The 7 Must-Try Dishes At Sam's No. 3 Denver: The Ultimate Comfort Food Destination Since 1927

For nearly a century, Sam’s No. 3 has stood as a culinary beacon in the Mile High City, a place where a Greek immigrant's dream evolved into Denver's ultimate comfort food destination. As of December 15, 2025, this iconic full-service diner continues its legacy, serving massive plates of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a unique blend of American, Tex-Mex, and Greek influences. It remains the go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking hearty, scratch-made recipes that have been honed over decades, cementing its status as a true Denver staple.

The secret to Sam’s No. 3’s enduring popularity isn't just its enormous menu—it’s the commitment to big flavor and bold portions, especially their legendary Green Chili. Whether you're recovering from a late night or fueling up for a day in the Rockies, this multi-generational diner, with its three current locations, offers a nostalgic yet constantly updated dining experience, including a modern QR code menu for convenience.

The Legacy of Sam Armatas: A Denver Diner History

The story of Sam's No. 3 is a classic American tale rooted in immigrant ambition. The restaurant’s lineage dates back to 1920 when Sam Armatas, an immigrant from Lefkada, Greece, first began selling his popular Coney Island favorites in Denver. The official birth of Sam's No. 3, however, is marked in 1927 when Armatas opened the first location on Curtis Street in Downtown Denver.

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Over the nine decades that followed, the Armatas family kept the tradition alive, adapting to Denver’s evolving dining scene while staying true to the concept of a reliable, full-service diner. The name "Sam's No. 3" itself is a nod to the family's history, a continuation of the tradition started by the original Sam.

Sam's No. 3 Current Locations and Operations

Today, the Sam's No. 3 brand operates three bustling locations, all sharing the same enormous and beloved menu:

• Downtown Denver: 1500 Curtis Street (opened in 2003, across the street from the original 1927 spot).
• Aurora: Opened in 1998.
• Glendale: 435 S. Cherry Street (opened in 2013).

Each location serves the same scratch-made recipes, ensuring consistency in quality and flavor, from their famous chili to their extensive selection of Greek favorites and Tex-Mex specialties. While hours can vary, the Downtown location typically serves from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch.

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The 7 Legendary Dishes That Made Sam's No. 3 Famous

Sam's No. 3 is renowned for its vast, all-day menu, but a few dishes have achieved legendary status, drawing crowds from across the state. These items perfectly showcase the diner's unique fusion of classic American diner food, a touch of Greek heritage, and a heavy dose of Southwestern flavor, primarily through their signature Green Chili.

1. The Kitchen Sink Burrito (or Omelet)

This dish is the epitome of the "big plate" philosophy at Sam's No. 3. The Kitchen Sink Burrito is a massive, hearty meal designed to satisfy the hungriest diner. It's packed with a mix of meats, veggies, and potatoes, all smothered in their famous Green Chili. For those who prefer eggs over a tortilla, the Kitchen Sink Omelet offers the same abundance of fresh ingredients.

2. The Trailblazer Works (The Ultimate Hangover Cure)

Once known as "The Ram," the Trailblazer Works is arguably the most filling red chili dish on the menu and a favorite for those needing a serious hangover cure. It features a huge plate of home fries topped with various fixings and is drenched in their classic Red No. 3 Chili. This is a must-try for chili enthusiasts who want maximum comfort.

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3. The sMACdown Burrito

A true comfort food mashup, the sMACdown Burrito is a deliciously dangerous combination. It takes the diner's Tex-Mex expertise and blends it with a classic American favorite, resulting in a dish that is both unique and incredibly satisfying. It’s a bold choice for an adventurous palate.

4. The Green Chili Mexi-Burger

When in Denver, you must experience the local Green Chili, and the Mexi-Burger is one of the best ways to do it. This burger takes a classic beef patty and smothers it in the diner’s award-winning green chili, offering a spicy, savory kick that elevates the standard diner burger to a Colorado specialty.

5. The B.B.B.B.B.L.A.T.

More than just a classic BLT, the B.B.B.B.B.L.A.T. stands for Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato. This sandwich is a testament to the diner's belief that when it comes to comfort food, more is always better. The addition of avocado provides a creamy, fresh counterpoint to the mountain of bacon.

6. The Denver Omelet

While the Kitchen Sink is a maximalist's dream, the classic Denver Omelet is a staple that Sam's No. 3 executes perfectly. Bursting with fresh ingredients like ham, onions, and bell peppers, it is a nod to the city's culinary history and a perfect way to start any morning.

7. Sam's No. 3 Chicken and Waffle

A Southern classic perfected in a Denver diner, the Chicken and Waffle dish showcases the diner’s versatility. It provides the perfect balance of savory, crispy fried chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles, often served with a side of syrup for that essential sweet-and-salty flavor profile.

Beyond the Plate: The Full Sam’s No. 3 Experience

Sam's No. 3 offers more than just big plates of food; it provides a complete, old-school diner experience with modern amenities. The atmosphere is loud, lively, and welcoming, reflecting the "Very Loud Noise Level" often associated with the busy Hammer Bar connected to the diner. This full-service approach ensures that everyone, from the early riser to the late-night crowd, feels at home.

The Hammer Bar and Coffee Culture

The diner is also equipped with a full coffee and espresso bar, catering to the strong Denver coffee culture. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely latte, they have you covered. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Hammer Bar makes Sam’s No. 3 a unique destination that transitions seamlessly from a breakfast spot to a casual nightlife venue, offering a wider range of beverage options for lunch and dinner.

Catering to All Diets: Vegetarian Options

In a move that keeps the nearly 100-year-old establishment current, Sam's No. 3 has actively embraced the needs of all diners, including Denver's growing vegetarian population. They offer a range of vegetarian options, proving that comfort food doesn't have to be limited to meat-heavy dishes. Their menu, which can be easily accessed via a QR code, clearly highlights these choices, ensuring that generations of customers can continue to enjoy their meals.

In conclusion, Sam's No. 3 is more than a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Denver history. From the foundational dream of Sam Armatas to the current-day operation serving up the sMACdown Burrito and the legendary Green Chili, the diner perfectly embodies the spirit of the Mile High City—a blend of tradition, innovation, and a whole lot of flavor. It remains a must-visit for anyone looking for the best comfort food in Denver.