These Colorado Drive-In Burger Joints That Locals Say Still Taste Like Yesterday
Last summer, I found myself craving a burger that tasted like the ones from my childhood—simple, juicy, and served with a side of nostalgia.
That search led me down a delicious rabbit hole of Colorado’s classic drive-in burger joints, where the chrome still shines and the patties still sizzle.
These aren’t just restaurants, they’re time machines that transport you back to an era when burgers were king and every meal felt like a celebration.
1. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Walking up to this corner gem feels like stepping into a postcard from 1986. Bonnie Brae has been slinging burgers and shakes since the neighborhood was just starting to boom, and honestly, not much has changed—which is exactly the point.
Their burger menu keeps things refreshingly straightforward: beef, cheese, and all the fixings you actually want. No truffle aioli or fancy microgreens here, just pure comfort between two buns. The patties come off the grill with those perfect char marks that make your mouth water before you even take a bite.
Locals swear by pairing their burger with one of the hand-dipped shakes, creating a combo that’s been fueling Denver families for generations. The outdoor seating area buzzes with conversation on warm evenings, proving that some traditions never go out of style.
2. Pete’s Kitchen
Nothing says timeless quite like a diner that never sleeps. Pete’s has been flipping burgers around the clock since 1942, and the place practically hums with stories from eight decades of late-night cravings and early-morning adventures.
The burgers here come with a certain je ne sais quoi—maybe it’s the well-seasoned griddle or the fact that generations of cooks have perfected the same recipe. Whatever the secret, one bite transports you straight back to when diners ruled the American food scene. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit, with booths that have probably heard a million conversations.
Swing by at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., and you’ll find the same quality burger waiting for you. That kind of consistency is rare these days, making Pete’s a true Denver treasure.
3. My Brother’s Bar
Claiming the title of Denver’s oldest bar comes with serious bragging rights, and My Brother’s Bar wears that crown proudly. This place has been serving the good people of Colorado since 1873, though the burger game didn’t start until much later—but boy, did they nail it.
Their approach to burgers is wonderfully unpretentious: fresh beef, simple seasonings, and a cooking method that’s been refined over countless shifts. The result tastes exactly like what your grandparents probably ate on their first date. Sitting in those worn wooden booths, you can almost feel the history seeping through the walls.
What makes this spot special isn’t just the age—it’s the commitment to keeping things real. No gimmicks, no trendy twists, just a burger that reminds you why this classic never needed improving.
4. Cherry Cricket
Burgers the size of your head might sound like an exaggeration, but at Cherry Cricket, it’s basically the standard. Since 1945, this joint has been challenging appetites and winning hearts with patties that defy physics and taste buds that never forget the experience.
The build-your-own burger concept here predates the modern customization craze by decades. You pick from a massive list of toppings, and they pile everything high with the kind of generous spirit that feels increasingly rare. Each burger arrives as a towering masterpiece that requires strategic planning to eat without making a spectacular mess.
Regulars have their orders memorized, passed down like family recipes through generations of Denver burger lovers. The vibe stays casual and welcoming, proving that sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that feel like home.
5. Steuben’s Food Service
Steuben’s takes the concept of throwback dining and runs with it like a quarterback heading for the end zone. Everything about this place screams mid-century Americana, from the decor to the menu items that your great-aunt probably ordered on special occasions.
Their burgers arrive with the kind of presentation that makes you pause before digging in—not fancy, just perfectly composed. The beef tastes like it came straight from a backyard cookout in 1955, and the accompanying fries could make a grown adult weep with joy. They’ve mastered the art of making nostalgia edible.
What really sets Steuben’s apart is the attention to authenticity without being stuffy about it. The staff genuinely loves what they do, and that enthusiasm seasons every dish. You leave feeling like you just visited your coolest relative’s house for Sunday dinner.
6. Sam’s No. 3
Since 1927, Sam’s has been proof that if you do something right, people in Colorado will keep coming back for nearly a century. This classic Colorado diner serves breakfast all day, but their burgers hold their own against any meal on the menu—morning, noon, or midnight.
The portions here could feed a small army, which explains why families across Colorado have been making Sam’s a tradition for generations. Their burger comes with that distinctive diner-style preparation: cooked on a flat top that’s been seasoned by thousands of meals before it. The result is a flavor profile that simply can’t be replicated in newer establishments.
Sliding into a booth at Sam’s feels like coming home, even if you’ve never been before. The energy stays lively, the service stays quick, and the burgers stay consistently delicious—a winning combination that time hasn’t touched and Colorado diners swear by.