Wondering what restaurants do Servers make the most money at in Denver, CO?
Whether you're currently working as a Server or considering starting your career in the industry, knowing where you can earn the most can help you target the best venues and maximize your income.
That said, let’s take a look at Denver’s top-paying restaurants for Servers.
6 Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Denver, CO
Denver's 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
Guard and Grace is a modern steakhouse located in downtown Denver. It is known for its premium cuts and stylish atmosphere.
The clientele’s generous spending habits typically translate into higher tips, making it a hotspot for lucrative Server shifts.
2. Mercantile
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
El Five is a rooftop restaurant that 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 Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
How Restaurant Type Affects Server Earnings in Denver
The type of restaurant you work in is one of the biggest factors affecting how much you can make as a Server in Denver.
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.
Earnings at hotel restaurants and event venues in Denver can vary. During busy seasons, these venues often offer lucrative banquet and event serving opportunities, where tips can really spike.
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.
Top Strategies for Landing a High-Paying Server Job in Denver
Getting a top-paying server job in Denver takes a bit of strategy.
Here are some helpful tips to help you stand out and land a position at the city’s best spots.
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
Build a strong resume by highlighting your fine dining or busy service experience, certifications and your ability to multitask efficiently during peak hours.
Tailoring your applications to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to upscale venues can make your application more compelling.
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
Prepare for interviews by thoroughly researching each restaurant’s menu and style. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of food and drink pairings, service standards and industry trends.
Show enthusiasm, confidence and professionalism to make a strong impression and prove you're the right fit for their team.
See also: Best Denver Job Boards for Restaurant & Hospitality Jobs
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 $50 per hour, depending on the venue and shift.
Annually, this can amount to roughly $30,000 without tips or about $50,000 to $75,000 with tips.
Living expenses in Denver for 2025 are moderately high but manageable with a Server’s income. Here are the typical monthly expenses in Denver:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,700–$2,100
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150–$200
- Groceries: $300–$450 (for one person)
- Transportation (public or gas): $90–$150
Servers who consistently work in busy, upscale restaurants can live comfortably in Denver.
What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Denver in 2025 and Beyond?
Denver’s restaurant scene is growing steadily, fueled by a rising population and an active tourism sector. Labor forecasts show strong demand for Servers will continue through 2025 and beyond.
The city’s reputation for innovative dining and craft drinks attracts new venues and expansions. This creates more job opportunities, especially in neighborhoods like Union Station and RiNo, where new concepts frequently launch.
While technology and changing dining trends will shape how Servers work, interpersonal skills and excellent service remain essential for success.
Those who focus on building their skills and staying adaptable can expect a positive outlook for Server jobs in Denver.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Denver, CO Server Jobs
We considered several key factors to identify restaurants that offer genuinely lucrative opportunities:
- Pay and tipping potential: We focused on venues that provide competitive hourly wages and a tipping environment where Servers can earn generously.
- Location: We prioritized restaurants in key Denver neighborhoods with high customer volume and affluent clientele.
- Reputation and service quality: We selected establishments with high ratings and a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service, which tends to lead to higher tips.
- Work environment and benefits: We looked for venues that promote positive working conditions and support employee benefits, as reflected in reviews and industry feedback.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
Loading comments...