The average hourly wage for Servers in Denver is around $17 per hour. However, this base pay only tells part of the story. Many Servers earn a significant portion of their income through tips, which can range anywhere from $5 to $25 per hour depending on the establishment and clientele.
If you’re curious about which restaurants in Denver offer the best pay for Servers, you’re in the right place. This article will highlight some top-paying restaurants in Denver and explore how your earnings as a Server can fluctuate based on restaurant type, location and other factors.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Denver, CO- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings in Denver
- How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Denver
- What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Denver in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Denver?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Denver, CO Server Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Denver, CO
Denver's thriving culinary scene features a blend of upscale, innovative and well-loved establishments where Servers can earn good tips and competitive hourly wages. The following restaurants stand out for their strong earning potential:
1. Guard and Grace
This modern steakhouse located downtown is celebrated for its premium cuts and stylish atmosphere. The clientele’s generous spending habits typically translate into higher tips, making it a hotspot for Servers seeking lucrative shifts.
2. Mercantile Dining & Provision
Situated in Denver’s historic Union Station, Mercantile offers a farm-to-table menu with contemporary flair. Its high-end offerings and constant foot traffic from travelers and locals lead to steady and generous tip earnings.
3. Rioja
Located in the trendy Larimer Square, Rioja is well known for Mediterranean-inspired small plates and an award-winning wine list. This fine dining restaurant attracts an affluent clientele, providing good income potential for Servers.
4. Safta
Safta offers authentic Middle Eastern dishes with a modern twist and has a vibrant atmosphere. Its popularity and higher check averages create opportunities for Servers to earn solid tips.
5. The Capital Grille
A nationally recognized upscale steakhouse chain, The Capital Grille in Denver delivers sophisticated dining and a business-friendly environment. The polished setting and clientele ensure that Servers often receive generous tip payouts.
6. El Five
This rooftop restaurant combines Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of Denver. Its unique setting makes it a favorite for special occasions, where Servers can benefit from higher check averages and tipping.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings in Denver
The kind of restaurant you work in is one of the biggest factors affecting how much you can make as a Server in Denver. Here’s how different types influence earnings:
- Upscale and fine dining establishments often offer higher base wages and attract clients who tend to tip more generously, sometimes resulting in $20 to $50+ per hour in tips alone.
- Casual dining and local favorites usually pay closer to minimum wage but can have steady business volume; tips here might range from $5 to $15 per hour depending on traffic and clientele.
- Hotel restaurants and event venues vary widely but can provide lucrative events and banquet serving opportunities where tips spike during busy seasons.
Additionally, earning potential can increase if Servers possess certifications such as a Food Handler’s License or Alcohol Server Permit, or have specialized knowledge in wines or craft cocktails, which some upscale venues value highly.
Location within Denver also matters; restaurants in dense downtown neighborhoods or near tourist attractions tend to have higher average sales, which usually means better earnings for Servers.
How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Denver
Target the Right Neighborhoods and Establishments
Look for opportunities in Denver’s upscale areas such as LoDo, Larimer Square, Cherry Creek and Union Station. Restaurants here typically cater to affluent clients who tip well.
Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight any previous fine dining or busy service experience, certification and your ability to multitask efficiently during peak hours. Tailoring your applications to emphasize your skills for higher-end venues makes a big difference.
Network Within the Hospitality Community
Attend local restaurant events and consider joining hospitality groups or forums online. Personal connections often get you interviews faster than just cold applications.
Prepare for Interviews
Research each restaurant’s menu and style. Demonstrate knowledge of food and drink pairings, service standards and show enthusiasm and professionalism during interviews.
What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Denver in 2025 and Beyond?
Denver’s restaurant industry continues to grow steadily, supported by increasing population and a vibrant tourism sector. According to labor market forecasts, Server positions are expected to remain in demand through 2025 and beyond.
The city's reputation for innovative dining and craft beverages attracts new venues and expansions, which translates to more job openings. This trend is amplified in neighborhoods like Union Station and RiNo where new concepts frequently launch.
Technological advances and evolving dining habits will continue to impact how Servers work, but interpersonal skills and excellent service remain at the core of success in this role. Thus, those who focus on skill-building and adaptability will enjoy a positive job outlook in Denver.
Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Denver?
A Server in Denver can typically earn around $17 per hour base pay, with tips adding approximately another $5 to $25 per hour, depending on the venue and shift. Annually, this can amount to roughly $30,000 to $50,000 or more.
Living expenses in Denver for 2025 are moderately high but manageable with this income. Average costs include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,700 – $2,100 per month
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150 – $200
- Groceries: $300 – $450 monthly for one person
- Transportation (public or gas): $90 – $150
For Servers consistently working in busy and high-end restaurants, earnings frequently cover rental and living costs comfortably, allowing for savings and an enjoyable lifestyle in one of Colorado’s most vibrant cities.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Denver, CO Server Jobs
When selecting these restaurants, we focused on a combination of factors to ensure readers learn about genuinely lucrative opportunities.
Key factors included:
- Competitive pay and tipping potential: Priority was given to venues known to offer strong hourly wages coupled with generous tipping environments.
- Location: Restaurants in prime Denver neighborhoods with robust customer flow and affluent clientele.
- Reputation and service quality: Establishments with high ratings and a commitment to quality customer experience, which supports better tip earning.
Additionally, we considered restaurants that support employment benefits and have positive working environments based on reviews and industry feedback.
