The Legendary Hatch Chile Burgers At This Local Colorado Spot Have Everyone Talking
Cherry Cricket in Denver has a way of turning a simple burger into a local legend.
I visited to see what all the fuss was about, and the Hatch chile burgers didn’t disappoint; spicy, smoky, and perfectly balanced on a toasted bun.
The place buzzes with regulars swapping stories and newcomers eager for a bite. Each burger is a little celebration of Colorado flavor that keeps people talking long after the last fry is gone.
Build Your Own Burger Paradise
Forget boring menu limitations because Cherry Cricket lets you architect your dream burger from scratch. With over 40 toppings available, you can pile on everything from peanut butter to cream cheese to jalapeño bacon.
The customization options are wild enough to make your head spin in the best way possible. Want a burger topped with mac and cheese and a fried egg? Go for it.
This choose-your-own-adventure approach means no two visits ever taste the same.
A Denver Institution Since 1945
Cherry Cricket opened its doors nearly eight decades ago as a neighborhood tavern. Back then, nobody imagined this cozy spot would become a burger pilgrimage site.
Generations of Denverites have grown up munching on Cricket burgers, making it a true local treasure. The walls are covered with vintage signs and quirky decor that tell stories of countless late-night burger runs.
Today, the restaurant still serves that same laid-back vibe with seriously upgraded burger game.
The Hatch Chile Season Is Sacred
Every August through September, New Mexico Hatch chiles arrive and Cherry Cricket transforms into burger nirvana. These flame-roasted green chiles pack earthy, smoky flavor with just enough heat to make things interesting.
Locals mark their calendars because Hatch season only lasts a few precious weeks each year. The limited availability creates a frenzy that would make sneakerheads jealous.
Miss it and you’re stuck waiting another whole year for that perfect chile-topped patty.
Juicy Half-Pound Patties Done Right
Cricket doesn’t mess around with wimpy burger portions because every patty weighs in at a hefty half pound. These thick, hand-formed beauties get cooked to order on a flat-top grill that’s seen decades of action.
The beef stays incredibly juicy while developing a gorgeous crust that seals in all those meaty flavors. You can order your burger anywhere from rare to well-done without judgment.
One bite reveals why people drive across town specifically for these substantial, satisfying creations.
Late Night Munchies Central
When midnight hunger strikes, Cherry Cricket answers the call with hours that stretch until 2 AM most nights. Bar hoppers and night owls have relied on this late-night burger sanctuary for generations.
The kitchen keeps pumping out hot, fresh burgers long after other restaurants have closed up shop. There’s something magical about biting into a Hatch chile burger at 1 AM surrounded by fellow late-night adventurers.
Weekend crowds get rowdy but the energy just adds to the authentic Denver experience.
Massive Beer Selection To Match
Over 20 beers on tap complement those spicy Hatch burgers perfectly because Cricket takes its beverage game seriously. Colorado craft brews dominate the lineup alongside classic domestic options for every taste preference.
The bartenders know their stuff and can recommend the ideal brew to cool down that chile heat. Ice-cold beer and a loaded burger create the kind of pairing that makes sense on a molecular level.
Many regulars claim the combo tastes even better after midnight.
Affordable Pricing That Shocks Tourists
In a city where burger prices keep climbing, Cherry Cricket keeps meals between $10 and $20. You can score a massive customized burger with fries and a beer without emptying your wallet.
Tourists from pricier cities literally do double-takes when they see the bill because this quality usually costs way more elsewhere. The value proposition makes Cricket a no-brainer for broke college students and budget-conscious families alike.
Great food shouldn’t require a second mortgage, and Cricket proves it daily.