We’ve finally got a burger guide. Whether it be from a good ole’ fashion diner or a modern gastropub, a good burger is simply that, a good burger. And Denver has some good contenders seeing as it’s the birth place of the American classic. We’ve rounded up some of the best in the Mile High City for you to try. And don’t forget the fries.
1. The Cherry Cricket
The Cherry Cricket is one of the oldest burger joints in Denver and remains a city favorite. All the way since 1945, The Cherry Cricket has been serving burgers and beer locally brewed in the Mile High City. They’ve got a whole variety of appetizers like mac and cheese bites and chicken wings, but we know you’re here for the burgers. Pick from their variety of meats like their 1/2 pound Cricket Burger or 1/3 pound Colorado Bison burger and add your choice of cheese and toppings like chicharrones or Chile Relleno with green sauce.
Where: 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
2.Tag Burger Bar
Named after the owner’s English Bulldog, “Tag” this informal burger grill is classic and locally sourced, beers included. This burger bar is customizable, with different types of meat and meat substitutes to choose from. You could go Angus Beef or you could go with a Portabello mushroom. For toppings, they got a whole bunch of flavors to choose from. The “Lady Gaga” has Italian influences with mozzarella, basil, tomato jam, and balsamic. Their “Members Only” has smashed avocado, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss, and spicy ranch. We’d also order Kirby Fried Pickles if we were you.
Where: 1222 Madison St, Denver, CO 80206
3. Grandpa’s Burger Haven
If you don’t love a good hole-in-the-wall place then you’re really missing out. Let Grandpa’s Burger Haven be your guide. They’re your typical hamburger join with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, and soda pop. Lettuce, tomato, and onions top their grilled beef patties, but you can also add jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy.
Where: 23 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
4. 5280 Burger Bar
Come to 5280 Burger Bar for deliciousness on a bun. This gourmet burger and hand-crafted ice cream place is super tasty, and a Denver favorite. The Downtown Denver location is offering burgers such as the “Perfect Burger” with Angus beef, Gruyère cheese, bacon onion jam, pickled red onions, lettuce and roasted garlic aioli. Come try it out and see if it really stands up to the name. They’ve also got a New Mexican Style Burger with Angus beef, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, hatch green Chile & Tortilla Strips.
Where: 500 16th St Mall Suite 160, Denver, CO 80202
5. Snarfburger
Snarfburger calls itself an “all-American burger joint” and who doesn’t love one of those, especially when they’re serving delicious burgers and fries. All burgers come with an all beef patty (unless you get their veggie), cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and hot sauce. They’ve also got some specialities burgers like their Sweet Heat burger or Mushroom & Swiss.
Where: 1001 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
6. La Fogata
La Fogata is a Mexican restaurant that’s doing their burger the Denver way, topped with an Anaheim Green Chile. They’ve even got a Mexican Hamburger, which is a grilled beef patty and beans inside a flour tortilla with lettuce, Chile, and tomato. Or try their Hamburger Nortena, which is a cheeseburger with grilled salchica, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, fries, and a Mexican candy.
Where: 5670 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80222
7. Bob’s Atomic Burger
This 1950s diner has got burgers, fries, and milkshakes and is keeping it old school. The burgers are done classically, so much so their name on the menu is simply ‘hamburger.’ You get to choose toppings, the cheeses, and all the fixings you like. Top your burger with a fried egg or bleu cheese crumbles, guacamole, or grilled mushrooms. You can’t go wrong with such a great selection.
Where: 1310 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401
8. My Brother’s Bar
Who knew that one of Denver’s best burgers would be hiding in Denver’s oldest bar, but it’s true. They’ve been serving spirits and burgers since 1873, so its no surprise that they’ve had a lot of time to perfect it. While we love burger joints that offer an unlimited amount of toppings, there’s something to be said about a place that only has a few burgers on the menu. My Brother’s Bar is one of those places. They’ve got your typical hamburger and cheeseburger, but they’ve also got a Steerburger, Bison burger, and one of their namesakes burgers, the JCB (Jalapeño Cream Cheese Burger).
Where: 2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
9. Park Burger
One of Park Burger’s highlight is their fluffy bun, baked and made exclusively for Park Burger. Pressed between those buns are their delicious all natural beef, buffalo, turkey, or veggie patties. Then comes the toppings. Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, and Pickles are staples, but their “The Fun Guy” burger has sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, haystack onions, and truffle-garlic aoili. Their “Scarpone” burger has provolone cheese, Italian Pancetta, Giardiniera, and truffle-garlic aioli. To us, it all sounds good.
Where: 2643 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
10. Stoic & Genuine
Stoic & Genuine is a seafood restaurant, but they’ve also got a really delicious burger too. They’re located inside Union Station, and consistently serving oysters from their raw bar, cooked seafood, and one of Denver’s most delicious burgers. Its made with a double-patty of certified Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, and American cheese, classically made just as America intended.
Where: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
11. Knockabout Burgers
Nestled inside Avanti F&B is Knockabout Burgers which does chicken and beef varieties. Their original Knockabout Burger comes in at $14 before tax, with fries, and is a 1/3 lb patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, dill pickles, and Knockabout Sauce. They also get a little wild with variations that include cheese curds, goat cheese, chorizo, truffle, and more. Their brioche bun is made by Harvest Moon Baking Company, and the place is owned by Brandon Spain and Kaitlyn Peot of food truck Tramp About and also New Belgium fame.