Imagine a place where the aroma of sizzling bacon mingles with the sweet scent of maple syrup, and a giant cowboy beckons you to indulge in breakfast bliss.
Welcome to Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, a Lakewood gem that’s been serving up comfort food with a side of nostalgia since 1957.
As you cruise down Colfax Avenue, your eyes are suddenly drawn to a sight that makes you do a double-take.
Is that a massive cowboy waving at me?
And wait, is he standing on top of a horse?
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, my friend.
You’ve just stumbled upon the iconic sign of Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, a beacon of breakfast hope in a sea of fast-food monotony.
This isn’t just any diner; it’s a time machine disguised as a chrome-clad eatery.
As you approach, you’ll notice the unmistakable silhouette of a classic 1950s Valentine diner, its stainless steel exterior gleaming in the Colorado sun.
It’s like someone plucked a piece of Americana right out of a Norman Rockwell painting and plonked it down in the heart of Lakewood.
But don’t let the vintage exterior fool you.
This isn’t some stuffy museum piece; it’s a living, breathing testament to the enduring appeal of good old-fashioned comfort food.
As you step inside, prepare for a sensory overload that’ll transport you straight back to the era of sock hops and soda fountains.
The interior is a cozy cocoon of nostalgia, with its curved ceiling, chrome accents, and a counter that seems to stretch for miles.
The air is thick with the aroma of coffee and the sizzle of hash browns on the griddle.
It’s enough to make your stomach growl louder than a ’57 Chevy with a busted muffler.
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the menu.
Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner doesn’t just serve breakfast; it elevates it to an art form.
Their waffles aren’t just waffles; they’re crispy golden clouds of perfection, waiting to be drenched in rivers of warm syrup.
The Belgian Waffle is a thing of beauty, its deep pockets practically begging to be filled with butter and syrup.
It’s the kind of waffle that makes you wonder why you ever settled for those sad, frozen imitations.
But wait, there’s more!
The Chicken & Waffle combo is a symphony of sweet and savory that’ll make your taste buds do the Lindy Hop.
Crispy, juicy chicken perched atop a golden waffle, all drizzled with chipotle honey?
It’s like your mouth is hosting a flavor fiesta, and everyone’s invited.
If waffles aren’t your jam (though I’d seriously question your life choices if that’s the case), fear not.
The breakfast menu is a veritable smorgasbord of morning delights.
Take “The Handyman,” for instance.
Two eggs cooked to order, golden hash browns, and your choice of bacon, ham, sausage, or corned beef hash.
It’s the kind of breakfast that’ll fuel you through a day of mountain climbing or, let’s be real, a day of binge-watching your favorite show.
No judgment here.
For those who like their breakfast with a side of cardiac arrest, there’s the “Country Fried Steak.”
A generous slab of beef, breaded and fried to crispy perfection, smothered in country gravy.
It’s the kind of dish that makes your arteries cry out in terror and your taste buds sing with joy.
But Davies’ isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality too.
The “Healthy American” proves that you can have your health-conscious cake and eat it too.
Grilled chicken breast, egg whites, slices of tomato, and fresh avocado.
It’s like a spa day for your digestive system, but you know, actually tasty.
Now, let’s talk about the griddle offerings, because if there’s one thing Davies’ knows how to do, it’s pancakes.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill flapjacks; these are fluffy discs of joy that’ll make you forget all about that sad box of pancake mix gathering dust in your pantry.
The buttermilk pancakes are a classic for a reason.
Light, airy, and perfectly golden, they’re the ideal canvas for whatever toppings your heart desires.
Blueberries? Sure.
Chocolate chips? Why not.
A small mountain of whipped cream? Live your best life, my friend.
For those with a sweet tooth (and let’s face it, who doesn’t have one at breakfast time?), the French toast is a must-try.
Related: Places to Explore in Colorado
Related: Colorado Weekend Getaways
Related: Where to Stay in Colorado
Thick slices of bread, dipped in a secret batter and grilled to perfection.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
But Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner isn’t just about breakfast.
Oh no, they’ve got lunch covered too.
The lunch menu is a parade of diner classics that’ll make you want to loosen your belt a notch or two.
The burgers here are the stuff of legend.
Take the “Chuckwagon,” for instance.
A juicy patty topped with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg.
It’s like breakfast and lunch had a beautiful, delicious baby.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or just really, really hungry), there’s the “T-Bone Steak.”
Yes, you read that right.
A full-on T-bone steak in a diner.
It’s the kind of meal that’ll make you want to put on a cowboy hat and ride off into the sunset, even if the sunset is just the glow of the neon sign outside.
For those looking for something a little lighter (though let’s be honest, you don’t come to a place like Davies’ for a salad), there’s the “Grilled Chicken Sandwich.”
It’s a nod to healthier eating that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Think of it as the diner equivalent of wearing sweatpants with a dress shirt.
Classy, but comfortable.
Now, no meal at Davies’ would be complete without a side of their famous hash browns.
These aren’t your average potato shreds; these are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside pieces of potato perfection.
They’re the kind of hash browns that make you wonder why you ever bothered with home fries.
And let’s not forget about the milkshakes.
In true 1950s diner fashion, Davies’ serves up shakes so thick you’ll need a spoon to start.
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry – all the classics are here, ready to transport you back to a simpler time when calories didn’t exist and rock ‘n’ roll was the devil’s music.
But what really sets Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner apart isn’t just the food (though that would be enough).
It’s the atmosphere, the sense of history, the feeling that you’re part of something bigger than just a meal.
The walls are adorned with vintage signs and memorabilia, each piece telling a story of America’s love affair with the open road and good, honest food.
It’s like eating in a museum, if museums smelled like bacon and served coffee.
The staff at Davies’ are a special breed too.
They’re not just servers; they’re custodians of a bygone era, keeping the spirit of the classic American diner alive one refill at a time.
Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a cheerful “Hon” or “Sugar.”
It’s not condescension; it’s just good old-fashioned hospitality.
As you sit at the counter, watching the short-order cooks work their magic on the griddle, you can’t help but feel a sense of connection to all the diners who’ve sat in that same spot over the decades.
The truckers grabbing a quick bite before hitting the road, the families out for a special breakfast, the late-night revelers soaking up their excesses with a plate of eggs and bacon.
Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a living, breathing piece of Americana.
It’s a reminder of a time when food was simple but good, when service came with a smile, and when a cup of coffee and a slice of pie could solve most of life’s problems.
In a world of trendy pop-up restaurants and molecular gastronomy, Davies’ stands as a bastion of culinary constancy.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to reinvent itself every season because it got it right the first time.
So next time you’re cruising down Colfax Avenue, keep an eye out for that giant cowboy.
Let him lasso you in for a meal that’s part sustenance, part time travel, and all delicious.
Whether you’re a Colorado native or just passing through, Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner is a slice of Americana that’s not to be missed.
And who knows?
You might just find yourself becoming a regular, joining the ranks of those who’ve made Davies’ their home away from home for over six decades.
Because in a world that’s constantly changing, there’s something comforting about a place that stays deliciously the same.
So saddle up, partner.
Your waffle dreams await.
For more information about Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, including their full menu and hours of operation, visit their website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own culinary adventure, use this map to find your way to this Lakewood treasure.
Where: 9495 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
Remember, in the words of the great philosophers Bill and Ted: “Be excellent to each other.”
And there’s no better place to start than over a stack of pancakes at Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner.
