11 Colorado Burger Joints That Pair Juicy Bites With Mountain Views
Colorado’s breathtaking mountains offer more than just world-class hiking trails and exhilarating ski slopes—they also create the perfect setting for enjoying America’s favorite handheld meal: the burger.
Over the years, I’ve explored countless hidden gems across the Centennial State, and I’ve discovered that few things compare to sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled patty while surrounded by dramatic peaks and crisp alpine air.
From rustic diners tucked in historic mining towns to buzzing craft brewery patios with sweeping views, these 11 destinations deliver not only unforgettable burgers but also scenery so striking, you may almost forget to take another bite.
1. Crave Real Burgers – Colorado Springs
Jaw-dropping burger creations await at this Springs hotspot where culinary imagination knows no bounds. The Luther – a donut-bunned masterpiece – changed my entire perspective on what a burger could be.
Nestled with views of Pikes Peak through their patio windows, Crave elevates the humble burger to art form status. Their menu reads like a mad scientist’s delicious experiments, with toppings ranging from peanut butter to mac and cheese.
The Colorado-sourced beef makes all the difference, with each patty cooked to perfection. My personal favorite? The Fatty Melt, using grilled cheese sandwiches as buns – because why choose between comfort foods when you can have both?
2. The Sink – Boulder
Stepping into The Sink feels like entering Boulder’s living history museum – if museums had incredible burgers and ceiling signatures from decades of satisfied customers. Even Guy Fieri couldn’t resist featuring this 100-year-old institution on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Famous for their Sink Burger topped with their special Sink Sauce, this joint offers Flatirons views just a short walk away. The walls covered in customer-created artwork tell stories spanning generations of Boulder residents and CU students.
President Obama once stopped here for a burger, adding presidential approval to their already stellar reputation. Their Texas Onion Straw burger brings a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with a craft beer and mountain-town vibes.
3. Whistler’s Café – Nederland
Mountain magic happens at Whistler’s, where hippie vibes meet gourmet burger craftsmanship in quirky Nederland. Perched at 8,200 feet elevation, I discovered this gem after a morning hike, when nothing but a serious burger would satisfy my alpine appetite.
The outdoor deck offers panoramic views of the Continental Divide that make every bite more meaningful. Their signature Whistler Burger comes loaded with green chilies and pepper jack cheese – a spicy nod to southwestern flavors that warm you even on cool mountain days.
Locally-sourced ingredients shine in each creation, from the grass-fed beef to the produce grown just valleys away. The mountain town’s eclectic personality infuses the whole experience, making this more than just a meal – it’s pure Colorado.
4. Maggie Mae’s – Estes Park
Blueberry burger sounds strange until you try Maggie Mae’s version – their unexpected signature that converted me from skeptic to evangelist in one bite. The sweet-savory combination somehow perfectly captures the spirit of Estes Park itself.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Rocky Mountain National Park vistas that compete for attention with what’s on your plate. Family-owned for generations, Maggie’s feels like being welcomed into someone’s mountain home – if that home happened to serve incredible burgers.
Summer brings elk grazing within view of the outdoor patio, adding wildlife spotting to the dining experience. Their hand-cut fries deserve special mention, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, ideal for dipping in their house-made fry sauce while contemplating another day of mountain adventures.
5. Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub – Idaho Springs
Gold rush history meets modern burger perfection at Tommyknocker, where miners once sought fortune and I now hunt for the best post-adventure meal. Named after the mythical creatures said to inhabit mines, this brewery-pub combo delivers burgers as memorable as the local folklore.
The pine beetle-killed wood interior creates a cozy mountain atmosphere that complements views of the surrounding peaks. Their Buffalo Burger, topped with their own craft beer-infused BBQ sauce, offers a taste of Colorado that can’t be replicated.
Just off I-70, it’s the perfect refueling spot after skiing or hiking nearby mountains. Order the sweet potato fries alongside your burger – their cinnamon-sugar dusting creates a sweet counterpoint to the savory main event that will haunt your cravings long after leaving town.
6. Backcountry Pizza & Tap House – Boulder
Beer lovers’ paradise meets burger heaven at Backcountry, where my quest for the perfect pint led me to discover their equally impressive burger menu. With over 50 rotating craft beers on tap, you’ll find the ideal pairing for their half-pound certified Angus beef creations.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, creating a backdrop that enhances every bite. The Avalanche Burger brings the heat with jalapeños and ghost pepper cheese – a spicy challenge that’s cooled by their selection of Colorado microbrews.
Weekend afternoons fill the place with hikers fresh off nearby trails, creating a community vibe that feels quintessentially Boulder. Don’t skip their truffle fries – the earthy aroma rising from the basket signals you’re about to experience something far beyond ordinary fast food.
7. The Eddy Taproom & Hotel – Golden
Sunset colors paint North Table Mountain in golden hues as you bite into The Eddy’s signature bison burger – a moment of pure Colorado bliss I stumbled upon while exploring Golden. This boutique hotel’s restaurant offers upscale takes on classic burgers that match the stunning backdrop.
The expansive patio positions diners perfectly for mountain gazing while sampling local craft beers. Their Colorado Proud burger features ingredients sourced entirely from within state borders – from the beef to the cheese to the greens.
History buffs will appreciate how the building honors Golden’s mining past while delivering thoroughly modern flavors. The crispy Brussels sprouts side dish deserves special mention – their sweet-savory glaze creates an unexpected complement to the robust burger flavors that keeps me coming back whenever I’m in town.
8. Mountain Tap Brewery – Steamboat Springs
Wood-fired magic happens in Mountain Tap’s custom brick oven, where burgers develop a distinctive char that haunts my food dreams long after leaving Steamboat. Housed in a converted power plant, industrial-chic meets mountain town charm in this local favorite.
The garage door walls open completely during summer, erasing the boundary between restaurant and the surrounding mountain landscape. Their Farm to Flame burger features Yampa Valley beef topped with Hayden-grown microgreens and pairs perfectly with their house-brewed Mountain Macaroon Porter.
After a day on Steamboat’s famous slopes, nothing satisfies quite like grabbing a fireside table here. The burger’s smoky notes from the wood-fired cooking method create complex flavors that elevate it far beyond typical pub fare – proving that sometimes the cooking method makes all the difference.
9. Big Billy’s Burger Joint – Keystone
Ski boots and burger juice – an unlikely but perfect pairing at Big Billy’s, where I’ve ended countless powder days with their towering creations. Located at the base of Keystone Resort, this spot lets you watch skiers descend the mountain while you tackle their equally impressive vertical burger challenges.
The mountain-themed menu includes the Double Black Diamond – two patties with every topping imaginable that requires a serious appetite and strategic eating plan. Their outdoor fire pit area offers the perfect spot to rest tired legs while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Family-friendly without sacrificing quality, they offer a kids’ menu alongside craft cocktails for adults. Don’t miss their rosemary parmesan tots – a gourmet twist on a childhood favorite that perfectly complements their bold burger flavors.
10. Riff Raff on the Rio – Pagosa Springs
Riverside dining reaches new heights at Riff Raff, where the sound of the San Juan River provides the soundtrack to some of Colorado’s most creative burgers. I discovered this hidden gem after soaking in Pagosa’s famous hot springs, when hunger led me to what became a mandatory stop on all future visits.
Their patio hangs over the rushing water with mountains rising dramatically in the distance. The Green Chile Burger honors New Mexico’s influence on this border-adjacent town, with locally-roasted chilies that bring legitimate heat and complex flavor.
The casual vibe belies the serious culinary chops behind each offering. Arrive at sunset to watch alpenglow paint the surrounding peaks pink while sipping one of their house-infused vodka cocktails – the perfect prelude to a burger experience that captures southwestern Colorado’s unique character.
11. The Grill at The Lodge at Breckenridge – Breckenridge
Breathtaking hardly covers the panoramic vista from The Grill’s deck – perched at 10,200 feet, it offers what might be Colorado’s most spectacular burger-eating backdrop. My first visit left me wondering whether to focus on the incredible view or the equally impressive bison burger on my plate.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure mountain gazing continues even when weather forces diners inside. Their signature Altitude Adjustment Burger comes topped with truffle aioli and crispy onion straws – sophisticated touches that match the upscale lodge setting.
Watching storms roll across the Ten Mile Range while staying cozy inside creates a quintessential mountain dining experience. Despite the high-end location, the welcoming staff and comfortable atmosphere make this accessible for post-hiking refueling or special occasion dining – proving elevated cuisine can happen at actual elevation.