17 Under-the-Radar Colorado Burger Shacks That Always Draw A Crowd
Colorado hides some amazing burger joints that never spend a dime on ads. Word spreads fast when locals discover incredible food at great prices.
People drive miles just to wait in long lines at these small family spots. Smart burger lovers know the best places are always the ones without fancy signs.
1. Bud’s Cafe & Bar
Locals call this place the best kept secret in Sedalia. The green chile cheeseburger here puts most fancy restaurants to shame.
Bud’s started as a small cafe but became famous for massive burgers that require two hands. Ranch hands and city folks alike make the drive here.
Every burger comes with crispy fries and costs less than chain restaurant meals.
2. Drifter’s Hamburgers
Nobody expects much from this tiny Colorado Springs spot until they taste the food. The building looks like it hasn’t changed since 1970.
Fresh beef patties get hand formed every morning before opening. The secret sauce recipe belongs to the original owner’s family.
Regulars order the same thing every visit because perfection doesn’t need changing.
3. My Brother’s Bar
Denver’s oldest continuously operating bar serves burgers that make grown adults cry happy tears. The building survived Prohibition and countless renovations.
Jack Kerouac used to drink here when it was called Paul’s Place. Today’s crowd includes lawyers, construction workers, and college students.
Simple ingredients create magic when prepared with decades of experience.
4. Jim’s Burger Haven
Two locations mean double the chances to experience burger perfection in Thornton and Westminster. Jim started flipping burgers in 1963 with simple goals.
Hand cut fries cook in small batches throughout the day for maximum freshness. The milkshakes use real ice cream from local dairy farms.
Family recipes passed down through generations keep customers coming back for more.
5. Crown Burgers
Greek family recipes meet American burger traditions at this Denver institution. The pastrami burger sounds weird but tastes absolutely incredible.
Fresh ground beef gets seasoned with Mediterranean spices that create unique flavors. Every order includes crispy onion rings made from scratch daily.
The combination of cultures produces burgers unlike anything else in Colorado.
6. Grind
Glenwood Springs locals guard this secret like precious treasure from tourist crowds. The restaurant focuses on quality over quantity every single day.
Grass fed beef comes from nearby ranches within fifty miles of town. Each burger gets cooked to exact specifications without rushing the process.
Mountain views through windows make every meal feel like special occasion dining.
7. Big Burger World
The name tells the whole story at this Cañon City landmark restaurant. Quarter pound patties look small compared to the half pound monsters available here.
Local beef gets ground fresh twice weekly by nearby butcher shops. The onion rings require separate plates because they won’t fit anywhere else.
Competitive eaters travel here to attempt the legendary two pound challenge burger.
8. The Green Line Grill
Military families discovered this Colorado Springs gem decades ago and never stopped talking about it. The double cheeseburger feeds two people easily.
Hand cut potato wedges replace traditional fries with superior taste and texture. Every order gets prepared fresh without heat lamps or warming trays.
Reasonable prices keep families coming back week after week for reliable quality.
9. The Keg Lounge
Manitou Springs visitors stumble across this place accidentally and become instant converts to the cause. The building blends into surrounding historic architecture perfectly.
Craft beer selection pairs beautifully with juicy burgers made from premium ground chuck. Local artwork covers walls while classic rock plays softly overhead.
Small town atmosphere makes every customer feel like longtime neighborhood regular.
10. Derby Grille
Horse racing memorabilia decorates every surface of this beloved Berthoud establishment. The Kentucky Derby burger comes topped with bourbon sauce and crispy onions.
Fresh ground beef gets mixed with secret seasonings each morning before opening. Homemade potato salad accompanies every burger instead of regular fries.
Small town charm attracts visitors from Fort Collins and Loveland regularly.
11. George’s Drive Inn
Classic car culture thrives at this Walsenburg throwback to simpler times. Chrome bumpers and leather jackets fit right in with the retro atmosphere.
Carhops still deliver food to vehicles on roller skates during summer months. The green chile cheeseburger represents authentic southern Colorado flavors perfectly.
Teenagers and grandparents share tables while discussing classic automobile restoration projects.
12. Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In
Real charcoal grilling creates smoky flavors that gas grills simply cannot match in Glenwood Springs. The process takes longer but produces superior results.
Hand formed patties get seasoned with garlic salt and black pepper before hitting hot coals. Melted cheese drips perfectly over edges without overwhelming the beef taste.
Summer evenings bring families who eat in cars while watching spectacular Colorado sunsets.
13. Burger Boy Drive-In
Southwest Colorado traditions live on at this Cortez institution that refuses to modernize unnecessarily. The building looks exactly like it did in 1965.
Fresh ground beef comes from local ranches within twenty miles of town. Hand cut fries cook in small batches throughout busy lunch and dinner rushes.
Three generations of families work together to maintain consistent quality and friendly service.
14. CP Burger
Aspen’s most affordable burger joint hides among expensive restaurants and boutique shops downtown. Ski instructors and billionaires wait in the same line happily.
Premium beef gets ground daily while fresh buns arrive from local bakeries each morning. The truffle fries cost extra but provide luxury dining experience.
Outdoor seating offers mountain views that rival any five star restaurant in town.
15. Cherry Cricket
Denver’s most famous burger bar attracts celebrities and construction workers with equal enthusiasm. The walls display decades of customer photos and memorabilia.
Massive burgers require architectural engineering to stay together while eating them properly. Creative toppings include everything from peanut butter to green chile.
Late night crowds pack the place after concerts and sporting events throughout the year.
16. The Sink
University of Colorado students have discovered burger perfection at this Boulder landmark since 1923. The building survived multiple renovations while maintaining original character.
Robert Redford worked here as bartender before becoming famous Hollywood actor. Today’s staff serves burgers with the same recipes and techniques.
College traditions include writing names on walls and celebrating graduation with family dinners.
17. Great Scotts Eatery
Scottish themed decorations create unique atmosphere at this Denver neighborhood favorite spot. The Highland burger comes topped with haggis for adventurous eaters.
Fresh ground beef gets mixed with herbs and spices imported from Scotland. Traditional fish and chips share menu space with American burger classics.
Bagpipe music plays softly while customers enjoy hearty meals and friendly conversation.
