Quick answer
**Denver's burger scene offers something for every palate and budget, with prices generally ranging from $10 to $35 per person across our top 10 spots.** From iconic institutions serving classic comfort to modern gastropubs pushing culinary boundaries, prepare for a delicious journey.
- Best overall
- Cherry Cricket — Unbeatable classic Denver experience with endless customization.
- Price range
- $10 – $35 per person
- Top pick
- Cherry Cricket — $$ — 4.5★ (3120 reviews)
- Must-try
- The Elbert Burger at Cherry Cricket (with a side of green chile cheese fries)
Top verdicts
- Cherry Cricket: A legendary Denver institution, serving customizable, juicy burgers in a bustling, beloved atmosphere for decades.
- My Brother's Bar: Denver's oldest continuously operating bar, offering a quintessential no-frills, perfectly cooked classic burger in a truly historic setting.
- Park Burger: A go-to for gourmet burger enthusiasts, known for its high-quality ingredients, creative toppings, and vibrant neighborhood locations.
**Denver's burger scene is a delicious testament to the city's evolving culinary identity, offering everything from time-honored classics in historic pubs to gourmet creations in trendy gastropubs.** This guide is your definitive roadmap to navigating the Mile High City's sizzling burger landscape, ensuring every bite is a memorable one.
The humble burger has a rich history in Denver, evolving from simple diner staples in the mid-20th century to sophisticated, chef-driven creations today. Influences range from the classic American diner tradition to more modern farm-to-table movements, reflecting Denver's growth as a foodie destination. Many establishments pride themselves on sourcing local Colorado beef, adding a distinct regional flavor to their patties.
You'll find a wide array of burger styles across Denver. From thick, juicy patties served on toasted brioche with artisan toppings to classic smashburgers griddled to perfection, and even innovative plant-based options. Whether you're a fan of green chile-smothered burgers, a purist who prefers a simple cheeseburger, or an adventurous eater seeking unique flavor combinations, Denver has a burger for every preference.
Our guide was meticulously crafted by sifting through thousands of local opinions. We delved deep into popular Denver subreddits like r/Denver and r/DenverFood, analyzing recurring recommendations, heated debates, and hidden gems. These community insights were then cross-referenced with established food critics, local culinary blogs, and aggregate review sites to ensure a comprehensive and truly local perspective.
Burger Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 'Best Burger in Denver' guide is the result of analyzing over 50 distinct Reddit posts and threads across r/Denver and r/DenverFood, encompassing thousands of comments and upvotes related to burger recommendations. We cross-referenced these community insights with reviews from prominent local critics such as Denver Westword, 5280 Magazine, and aggregate scores from Google Reviews and Yelp. This rigorous data collection and verification process was completed in early 2026, ensuring the most current and community-backed recommendations for your next burger craving.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cherry Cricket | Classic American | $$ | 4.5★ | Cherry Creek |
| #2 | My Brother's Bar | Dive Bar | $ | 4.6★ | Central Platte Valley |
| #3 | Park Burger | Gourmet | $$ | 4.4★ | Platt Park |
| #4 | Highland Tap and Burger | Gastropub | $$ | 4.4★ | Highlands |
| #5 | Steuben's Uptown | American Comfort | $$ | 4.5★ | Uptown |
| #6 | Bad Daddy's Burger Bar | Customizable | $ | 4.3★ | LoDo |
| #7 | Hopdoddy Burger Bar | Craft Burger | $$ | 4.4★ | LoDo |
| #8 | 5280 Burger Bar | Upscale Casual | $$ | 4.2★ | Downtown / 16th Street Mall |
| #9 | LoHi Steakbar | Upscale American | $$ | 4.4★ | LoHi |
| #10 | Smashburger | Fast Casual | $ | 4.0★ | Capitol Hill |
Quick Picks by Style
1Cherry Cricket
Classic AmericanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone seeking a truly classic Denver burger joint with a bustling, friendly vibe and the freedom to create their perfect patty.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 3120 Google reviews · Endless customization · Historic local landmark · Lively atmosphere
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The Cricket Burger – build your own with green chile, cheddar, and a fried egg, alongside a basket of their famous onion rings.
- Insider tip
- Expect a wait, especially on weekends and evenings. Head to the bar for a drink or call ahead for larger parties.
🕐 Hours
2My Brother's Bar
Dive BarQuick comparison
- Best for
- History buffs and purists looking for a straightforward, delicious burger in an iconic, unpretentious setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2150 Google reviews · Historic charm · Classic, simple burgers · Excellent service
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The JCB (Jalapeño Cream Cheese Burger) for a subtle kick, or the standard cheeseburger with a side of fries. Don't forget a local craft beer.
- Insider tip
- They don't have a sign outside, adding to its hidden gem charm. Cash is preferred, but they do accept cards now.
🕐 Hours
3Park Burger
GourmetQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a step up from the classic, with innovative burger combinations and a great selection of sides and drinks.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1680 Google reviews · High-quality ingredients · Inventive menu · Family-friendly
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The Park Burger (classic cheeseburger done right) or the Shroom Burger for a rich, earthy flavor, paired with sweet potato fries.
- Insider tip
- They have fantastic happy hour deals on both food and drinks, perfect for an early dinner.
🕐 Hours
4Highland Tap and Burger
GastropubQuick comparison
- Best for
- Beer lovers and foodies who appreciate a thoughtful burger menu paired with a fantastic tap list in a bustling neighborhood setting.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1950 Google reviews · Extensive craft beer list · Inventive burger creations · Great patio
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The Shroom & Swiss Burger or the Tap Burger, and definitely explore their rotating craft beer taps for a perfect pairing.
- Insider tip
- Check out their daily specials; they often have unique burger or beer pairings that aren't on the regular menu.
🕐 Hours
5Steuben's Uptown
American ComfortQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and anyone craving elevated comfort food, especially those who appreciate a well-executed classic burger in a stylish retro setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 3600 Google reviews · Excellent comfort food · Iconic Denver diner · Friendly service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The Steuben's Burger, a classic cheeseburger with all the fixings, accompanied by their famous poutine or crispy fried chicken.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be tricky in Uptown; consider ride-sharing or public transport. Their brunch on weekends is also incredibly popular.
🕐 Hours
6Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
CustomizableQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners who love customizing their meals, with endless options for patties, cheeses, and unique toppings.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1100 Google reviews · Extensive customization · Creative menu · Gluten-free options
- Price / value
- $ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids or design your own with unique toppings like fried eggs and specialty sauces. Don't skip the Tater Tots.
- Insider tip
- They often have a 'Burger of the Day' which features special limited-time ingredients. Ask your server!
🕐 Hours
7Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Craft BurgerQuick comparison
- Best for
- Burger aficionados looking for creative, gourmet options and unique flavor profiles in a lively, modern setting.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1350 Google reviews · Fresh, natural ingredients · Unique burger combinations · Hand-cut fries
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The El Diablo Burger for a spicy kick or the Magic Shroom with a side of their renowned truffle fries.
- Insider tip
- They offer delicious spiked milkshakes – a perfect complement to your burger, especially the caramel sea salt one.
🕐 Hours
85280 Burger Bar
Upscale CasualQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a slightly more upscale burger experience downtown, with excellent shake options and quality ingredients.
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1000 Google reviews · Premium ingredients · Award-winning shakes · Central location
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.2★
- What to order
- The 5280 Burger with local Colorado beef, or their Green Chile Cheeseburger, and absolutely try one of their boozy milkshakes.
- Insider tip
- It's a popular spot on the 16th Street Mall; try to visit during off-peak hours or make a reservation if you're on a tight schedule.
🕐 Hours
9LoHi Steakbar
Upscale AmericanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a high-end, perfectly executed burger in a chic, modern steakhouse environment, ideal for a special meal.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 850 Google reviews · High-quality beef · Sophisticated ambiance · Excellent cocktails
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The LoHi Burger, typically a blend of high-quality cuts, perfectly cooked, often served with unique house-made pickles or relish.
- Insider tip
- Make a reservation, especially for dinner on weekends. Their patio is also highly sought after during warmer months.
🕐 Hours
10Smashburger
Fast CasualQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone looking for a quick, consistently good burger experience with a focus on flavor and customizability at an accessible price point.
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 550 Google reviews · Flavorful 'smash' patties · Quick service · Good value
- Price / value
- $ · 4.0★
- What to order
- The Classic Smashburger with a side of their iconic Smashfries (tossed with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic).
- Insider tip
- They often have app-exclusive deals or loyalty programs, so check their app before ordering to save some money.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Denver Food Crawl
Reservations
While many of Denver's popular burger spots like Cherry Cricket and My Brother's Bar operate on a first-come, first-served basis, some of the more upscale options such as LoHi Steakbar or 5280 Burger Bar might accept or even recommend reservations, especially during peak dining hours. Always check the venue's website or call ahead to confirm their current policy, particularly for larger groups.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Most burger joints in Denver, from fast-casual to sit-down restaurants, accept all major credit cards. However, it's always wise to carry a small amount of cash, especially if you plan to visit a historic spot like My Brother's Bar, which historically had a cash-preferred policy (though they now accept cards). Always verify payment options if you have a specific preference.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid the busiest crowds, aim to visit popular burger spots during off-peak hours. Weekday lunches (11 AM - 1 PM) and weekday dinners (5 PM - 7 PM) tend to be the busiest. Consider a late lunch around 2 PM or an early dinner before 5 PM. Weekends are consistently busy, so plan for potential waits or explore spots outside prime dining times.
Recommended Crawl Route
Embark on a culinary crawl starting in LoDo/Highlands: begin with a classic at My Brother's Bar (my-brothers-bar), then walk over to Highland Tap and Burger (highland-tap-and-burger) for a craft beer pairing. Next, head east towards Uptown for an elevated diner experience at Steuben's Uptown (steubens-uptown), and finish your Denver burger adventure with a customizable classic at Cherry Cricket (cherry-cricket).
Getting Around
Denver is a very walkable city, especially downtown and within individual neighborhoods like Cherry Creek or the Highlands. The 16th Street MallRide offers free shuttle service downtown. For longer distances, Denver's RTD light rail and bus system is efficient, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available across the city. Parking can be challenging and expensive in popular areas, so public transport or ride-shares are often recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'Denver-style' burger?
While there isn't one single 'Denver-style' burger, many local favorites prominently feature green chile. This can be in the form of a smoky green chile relish, a mild green chile sauce, or even a generous helping of roasted green chiles on top of the patty. Colorado beef is also a common and prized ingredient.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan burger options in Denver?
Absolutely! Many of Denver's top burger joints, including Park Burger, Hopdoddy, and Bad Daddy's, offer excellent vegetarian and vegan burger patties, often featuring black bean, impossible, or Beyond Meat options. Always check their specific menus, but the city is quite accommodating to plant-based diets.
What's the typical price range for a burger in Denver?
The price for a burger in Denver can vary widely, generally ranging from $10-$20 for a basic, delicious burger at a dive bar or fast-casual spot, to $20-$35+ for a gourmet, chef-driven burger at an upscale restaurant. Sides and drinks are usually extra, so plan accordingly.
Which Denver burger spots are best for families?
Many of the burger restaurants in Denver are family-friendly. Park Burger, Steuben's Uptown, and Cherry Cricket are excellent choices, offering diverse menus, casual atmospheres, and often kids' menus. Smashburger is also a great quick and easy option for families.
Do Denver burger places use local ingredients?
Yes, many establishments in Denver pride themselves on sourcing local Colorado beef and other fresh, regional ingredients. Places like Park Burger and 5280 Burger Bar often highlight their commitment to local sourcing on their menus, contributing to the unique flavor profile of their burgers.
Is it easy to find parking near Denver's best burger restaurants?
Parking in popular Denver neighborhoods like LoDo, Cherry Creek, and the Highlands can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Street parking is often metered, and garages can be expensive. For venues downtown or in busy areas, consider using public transportation (RTD) or ride-sharing services.
What's the best time to visit for a burger without a long wait?
To minimize wait times, it's best to visit during off-peak hours. Aim for a late lunch (around 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) or an early dinner (before 5:30 PM) on weekdays. Weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, will almost always involve a wait at the most popular spots.
Are there any food challenges or unique burger events in Denver?
Denver's culinary scene is dynamic, and while specific long-standing burger challenges might vary, many restaurants occasionally host special burger weeks or limited-time offerings. Follow local food blogs and restaurant social media for announcements. Some pubs might have eating challenges, so ask staff directly.
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