9 Colorado Burger Spots With Massive Cheeseburgers Locals Keep Quiet About
Colorado takes its burgers seriously. Not in a flashy, billboard way, but in the kind of way you only notice when you sit down hungry and stand up impressed.
This is a state where a burger isn’t a side attraction, it’s a reward. Across Colorado, the most talked-about patties aren’t always easy to spot.
They show up in places built for locals, not lines. Spots where the grill has history, the portions are unapologetic, and the menu doesn’t need explaining.
One bite in, and the hype suddenly makes sense. Some kitchens lean classic, stacking beef and cheese until restraint feels optional.
Others play with texture and heat, smashing patties thin and fast, letting the edges do the talking. Either way, these burgers understand their audience.
After long trail days, road miles, or just a serious appetite, these meals hit differently. Colorado knows how to feed people who’ve earned it, and that’s exactly why these burgers stay unforgettable.
1. Big Sky Burger
Walking into this Lakewood establishment feels like stepping back to a simpler time, when burgers were built to satisfy real appetites and left you full in the best possible way. The atmosphere strikes an easy balance between laid-back neighborhood dining and serious burger craftsmanship.
During both lunch and dinner rushes, the dining room fills with locals who clearly know exactly why they’re there, creating a lively but unpretentious vibe that feels instantly welcoming.
What truly sets this spot apart is the impressive size and quality of the burgers themselves. Each patty is cooked to order, arriving hot and juicy, with a well-seasoned exterior and just the right amount of char.
The toppings are stacked generously, often requiring two hands and a healthy supply of napkins. From crisp bacon and grilled onions to fresh vegetables and thoughtfully made sauces, every element enhances the beef rather than overwhelming it.
Located on Garrison Street, this burger joint thrives in a neighborhood where word-of-mouth matters more than flashy marketing. Regulars know to arrive hungry, because portions here are unapologetically generous.
For travelers passing through the western Denver suburbs, it’s well worth the detour. The combination of hearty portions, quality ingredients, and authentic neighborhood charm makes this place memorable.
Address: 1958 S Garrison St, Lakewood, CO 80227.
2. EAT HERE
This West 38th Avenue spot has earned its straightforward name through years of serving exactly what Denver burger lovers crave. The restaurant sits in a vibrant neighborhood where locals gather for good food and better conversation, creating an atmosphere that feels authentically Colorado without trying too hard.
Their approach to burgers respects tradition while delivering on flavor. Fresh beef gets formed into substantial patties that sizzle on the griddle, developing that essential crust while staying juicy inside.
The cheese melts perfectly over the hot meat, and the vegetables arrive crisp and fresh.
What makes this place special is how it captures the essence of a great neighborhood burger joint. Nothing feels overly complicated or pretentious.
You order at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your number to be called. The burgers arrive hot, properly assembled, and ready to satisfy.
Visitors exploring Denver’s diverse food scene often overlook these neighborhood gems in favor of downtown hotspots, but that’s a mistake. The quality here matches or exceeds fancier places, and the prices stay reasonable.
Locals have been coming here for years, which tells you everything you need to know about consistency and value.
Address: 4004 West 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
3. Odie B’s Rino
The RiNo arts district has transformed into one of Denver’s most exciting neighborhoods, and this burger spot fits right into the creative energy surrounding it. Street art covers nearby walls, galleries dot the blocks, and breweries pour craft beers just steps away.
The restaurant itself embraces the neighborhood’s industrial-chic aesthetic while maintaining a welcoming, unpretentious vibe.
Burgers here come with a creative twist that reflects the artistic community outside. The kitchen takes classic burger fundamentals and adds unexpected touches that make each bite interesting.
High-quality beef forms the foundation, but the toppings and preparations show real thought and creativity.
Beyond just burgers, the menu offers variety that makes this spot work for groups with different appetites and preferences. However, the cheeseburgers remain the star attraction, with generous portions that satisfy without feeling excessive.
Each component gets attention, from the bun selection to the cheese choices and vegetable preparations.
For travelers wanting to experience Denver’s newer, hipper side while still getting an excellent burger, this location delivers on both fronts. You can grab lunch here, then spend the afternoon exploring the neighborhood’s galleries, murals, and craft beverage scene.
Address: 1350 40th St, Ste 180, Denver, CO 80205
4. Dalton’s Cheeseburgs
Smash burgers have taken the culinary world by storm, and this Wynkoop Street establishment does them right. The technique involves pressing beef onto a screaming-hot griddle, creating those crispy, caramelized edges that burger enthusiasts crave.
The sound of patties hitting the flat-top fills the space during busy hours, signaling that fresh burgers are constantly being made.
Located in a revitalized area of Denver, the restaurant attracts both downtown workers during lunch and food enthusiasts making special trips for dinner. The focus stays squarely on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than offering an overwhelming menu.
That dedication shows in every burger that comes out of the kitchen.
The beauty of a proper smash burger lies in its simplicity and execution. Thin patties develop maximum crust while staying tender, cheese melts into every crevice, and the bun-to-meat-to-topping ratio hits perfectly.
These aren’t towering monsters that fall apart when you pick them up. Instead, they’re engineered for the ideal bite every time.
Travelers familiar with smash burger culture will appreciate the technique here, while newcomers will wonder why all burgers don’t taste this good. The crispy edges alone make the trip worthwhile.
Address: 3763 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216
5. NADC Burger
When a notable chef turns their attention to burgers, expectations run high. This Larimer Street location delivers on that promise with wagyu beef cheeseburgers that elevate the entire concept.
The restaurant sits in downtown Denver’s bustling core, where business travelers and locals alike seek quality dining experiences.
Wagyu beef brings a richness and tenderness that standard ground beef simply cannot match. The marbling throughout the meat creates a burger that’s incredibly juicy and flavorful without needing heavy sauces or excessive toppings to compensate.
Each bite melts in your mouth while still delivering that satisfying beef flavor.
The chef’s expertise shows in the details. Buns get toasted to the right level of crispness, cheese selections complement rather than overpower the premium beef, and toppings arrive carefully chosen and prepared.
This isn’t fast food, but it’s also not overly fussy. The burger remains the star, with everything else supporting that main attraction.
For travelers who appreciate quality ingredients and skilled preparation, this spot represents Colorado’s evolving food scene perfectly. You get the substance of a great burger combined with the finesse of thoughtful culinary technique.
Address: 1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
6. 5280 Burger Bar
The name references Denver’s elevation in feet, immediately connecting this restaurant to Colorado identity and pride. Located on 16th Street in the heart of downtown, it captures what locals love about a proper Colorado burger joint.
The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, perfect for refueling after exploring the city or before catching a game.
Classic burger execution defines this spot. Nothing tries too hard to be trendy or experimental.
Instead, the focus remains on quality beef, proper cooking techniques, and generous portions that satisfy. The cheeseburgers come loaded with toppings, and the patties themselves carry enough heft to feel substantial.
What makes this place work is its reliability and consistency. Locals return because they know exactly what to expect, and that’s a good thing.
Tourists appreciate finding a straightforward burger spot that doesn’t require decoding a complicated menu or paying premium prices for tiny portions.
The downtown location makes it convenient for anyone exploring Denver’s urban core. You can walk here from hotels, convention centers, and major attractions.
After a morning at the Denver Art Museum or an afternoon shopping on 16th Street Mall, stopping here for a burger just makes sense.
Address: 500 16th St, Ste 160, Denver, CO 80202
7. The Green Line Grill
Colorado Springs has its own burger culture, and this Pueblo Avenue establishment stands as a local legend. Famous for their onion-fried style burgers, they’ve perfected a technique that creates something truly special.
Thin-sliced onions get pressed into the beef patty as it cooks, caramelizing and becoming one with the meat in a way that transforms the entire burger experience.
The restaurant itself feels like a classic American diner, with counter seating and a kitchen where you can watch your burger being made. That transparency builds trust, and the aromas coming from the griddle make waiting for your order almost unbearable.
When that burger finally arrives, the crispy onions provide both texture and intense flavor.
This style of burger preparation has roots in Oklahoma and other parts of the Midwest, but Colorado Springs has embraced it wholeheartedly. The onions add sweetness and complexity without overwhelming the beef.
Combined with melted cheese and simple condiments, the result is a burger that tastes familiar yet distinctly different from standard preparations.
Travelers passing through Colorado Springs should absolutely make time for this spot. It represents local food culture at its best, unpretentious and delicious.
Address: 230 1/2 Pueblo Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
8. Brakeman’s Smash’d Burger Bar
Historic buildings add character to dining experiences, and this Sierra Madre Street location delivers both atmosphere and excellent burgers. The building itself tells a story about Colorado Springs’ past, while the food represents modern burger craftsmanship.
Exposed brick walls and vintage details create an environment that feels special without being stuffy.
Their smash burger approach creates those coveted crispy edges while maintaining juicy centers. The technique requires skill and timing, pressing the beef at exactly the right moment and leaving it alone long enough to develop that crust.
Too much fiddling ruins the texture, but these folks know what they’re doing.
The historic setting adds something intangible to the meal. Eating a perfectly executed burger in a building with decades of history creates a connection between past and present.
Colorado Springs has worked hard to preserve its architectural heritage, and restaurants like this show how old spaces can serve new purposes beautifully.
For visitors exploring Colorado Springs’ downtown area, this spot offers both sustenance and a glimpse into the city’s character. The burgers satisfy your hunger while the building satisfies your curiosity about local history.
Address: 10 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
9. Marshdale Burger Co.
Heading into the foothills west of Denver, you’ll find this Evergreen area burger spot that takes local sourcing seriously. The restaurant sits along County Highway 73, where mountain views and fresh air enhance every meal.
Using beef from Colorado ranches adds authenticity and supports regional agriculture while delivering superior flavor.
Custom burger options let you build exactly what you want, from cheese selections to vegetable toppings and sauce choices. This flexibility appeals to picky eaters and adventurous diners alike.
The beef quality shines through regardless of how you dress it up, with a flavor that reflects proper ranching and butchering practices.
Mountain communities develop their own food cultures, and burger joints often become gathering places where locals catch up with neighbors. This spot serves that role while also welcoming travelers passing through.
The portions match mountain appetites, meaning you’ll leave satisfied whether you’ve been hiking all day or just enjoying a scenic drive.
For anyone exploring the Evergreen area or driving through the foothills, stopping here adds a delicious component to your mountain experience. The combination of quality local beef, beautiful surroundings, and genuine mountain hospitality makes it memorable.
Address: 6941 County Hwy 73, Evergreen, CO 80439