About Us
Welcome to Savina’s
A Denver Tradition with a Storied History
Savina Mendoza—affectionately known as Grandma—is the soul behind the family-
run Mexican restaurant that now bears her name. Grandma Mendoza’s restauranter journey began in 1973, nestled inside a small brick home in Denver, on top of a hill, which laid the foundation for the dining experience rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and heart that Savina’s honors today.
As word spread and demand grew, Grandma Mendoza’s restaurant found a new home in 1981. Mexican food enthusiast Sonny Brinkerhoff relocated the restaurant to a new hilltop location by combining three historic Victorian miner’s houses. This unique space on 26th Avenue offered panoramic views of downtown Denver and quickly became a local staple. Shortly after, Sonny’s son William Brinkerhoff entered the business. Together, Grandma Mendoza, Sonny and William created a menu of Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican favorites, featuring signature dishes like our award-winning green chili, fresh hand-rolled tortillas (made in full view of our guests), and legendary margaritas.
A Legacy That Continues
For more than three decades, William Brinkerhoff nurtured the ideas created by Grandma Mendoza and expanded by his father, refining its identity while staying true to its roots. In 2016, William’s son Mark entered the family business and continued the family tradition by opening the current location in downtown Denver, across from the historic Brown Palace Hotel. This restaurant preserves the charm and character Grandma Mendoza was known for—exposed brick walls, wooden beams, stained-glass windows, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. At the entrance, a photo of Grandma Mendoza still greets every guest, reminding all of where it began. Our famed barrel-aged tequila still flows at the bar, and the spirit of Savina’s remains unchanged: a place where everyone feels like family.
Expanding the Brinkerhoff Family of Restaurants
In 2017, William and Mark launched Sierra, located in the RidgeGate community of Lone Tree, Colorado. Built on what was once open grassland Sierra represents a new chapter—offering timeless American classics with a Southwestern twist, all crafted from Brinkerhoff family recipes. The architecture echoes Savina’s style, with reclaimed Denver brick, handcrafted copper tables from Mexico, and rich wood flooring, creating an inviting and memorable space.
Brinkerhoff Hospitality expanded again in November 2020 with the opening of Savina’s Castle Rock. This stunning location offers sweeping 180° views of the Rocky Mountains and carries forward the distinctive style and menu of the original restaurant. Guests can enjoy the same Tex-Mex favorites in a breathtaking setting that honors the family’s dedication to authenticity, and excellence.
A Legacy That Continues
For more than three decades, William Brinkerhoff who took over the business nurtured the restaurant, refining its identity while staying true to its roots. In 2016, William’s son Mark entered the business and continued the family tradition by relocating the restaurant to its current home in downtown Denver, across from the historic Brown Palace Hotel. This restaurant preserves the charm and character Savina’s is known for—exposed brick walls, wooden beams, stained-glass windows, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. At the entrance, a photo of Grandma Savina Mendoza still greets every guest, reminding all of where it began. Our famed barrel-aged tequila still flows at the bar, and the spirit of Savina’s remains unchanged: a place where everyone feels like family.
In 2025, the restaurant was renamed Savina’s in honor of the woman who was truly at the heart of it all. While the name has changed, everything guests have come to love remains the same—including the steadfast leadership of Mark Brinkerhoff, grandson of Sonny Brinkerhoff and son of William Brinkerhoff, who continues to guide the restaurant with the same passion, dedication, and commitment to tradition, hospitality, and heart.
Expanding the Brinkerhoff Family of Restaurants
In 2017, William and Mark launched Sierra, located in the RidgeGate community of Lone Tree, Colorado. Built on what was once open grassland Sierra represents a new chapter—offering timeless American classics with a Southwestern twist, all crafted from Brinkerhoff family recipes. The architecture echoes Savina’s style, with reclaimed Denver brick, handcrafted copper tables from Mexico, and rich wood flooring, creating an inviting and memorable space.
Brinkerhoff Hospitality expanded again in November 2020 with the opening of Savina’s Castle Rock. This stunning location offers sweeping 180° views of the Rocky Mountains and carries forward the distinctive style and menu of the original restaurant. Guests can enjoy the same Tex-Mex favorites in a breathtaking setting that honors the family’s dedication to authenticity, and excellence.