10 Colorado Fast-Food Sandwiches From The ’80s That Locals Still Miss

Remember when fast food in Colorado was a whole different experience? Back in the 1980s, local drive-thrus and mall food courts served up sandwiches that have since vanished from menus across the state.

Many Coloradans still reminisce about these lost treasures that combined unique flavors with that special Rocky Mountain charm.

1. McDonald’s McDLT – The Hot-and-Cold Wonder

Colorado winters made the McDLT’s innovative packaging a conversation starter. The sandwich came in a split-level styrofoam container that kept the hot burger patty on one side and cold lettuce and tomato on the other.

Locals would assemble it themselves, creating that perfect temperature contrast. Many Front Range residents recall Jason Alexander’s enthusiastic commercial where he danced and sang about this revolutionary concept.

2. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer – The Taco-Burger Hybrid

Colorado skiers often grabbed this oddball creation before hitting the slopes. Essentially a taco on a hamburger bun, the Bell Beefer packed seasoned taco meat, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and mild sauce between soft bread.

Denver locations sold these by the thousands during the ’80s. The portable format made it perfect for Colorado’s on-the-go lifestyle, though the messy filling challenged even the most careful eaters.

3. Burger King’s Italian Chicken Sandwich – Mile-High Mediterranean

Part of BK’s international sandwich lineup, the Italian version became a Colorado mall staple. The long chicken patty came topped with zesty marinara and melted mozzarella on that signature oblong bun.

I still remember biking across Boulder to the Crossroads Mall just for this sandwich. My friends and I would pool our allowance money to buy one each and feel incredibly sophisticated eating “international cuisine” while hanging at the food court.

4. KFC’s Original Chicken Littles – Pocket-Sized Perfection

These mini-marvels cost just 39 cents in Colorado KFCs during the late ’80s. Unlike today’s version, the originals featured a small square of fried chicken on a dinner roll with just mayo and a pickle.

Colorado college students survived on these affordable treats. The simple sliders were perfect for grabbing between ski runs or during quick lunch breaks, offering that distinctive KFC flavor in a compact form that left room for sides.

5. McDonald’s Cheddar Melt – The Alpine Cheese Dream

Colorado’s cheese lovers went wild for this limited-time burger. The quarter-pound patty came on a light rye bun, smothered with teriyaki-sautéed onions and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that oozed with every bite.

My uncle worked at the McDonald’s on Colfax Avenue and would bring these home after his shifts. The family would gather around as he unwrapped what we considered the height of fast-food luxury in 1988, fighting over who got the last bite.

6. Arby’s Super Submarine – Rocky Mountain Deli Stack

Before Arby’s became solely roast beef territory, Colorado locations offered this loaded submarine sandwich. Packed with ham, salami, cheese, and fresh vegetables, it rivaled offerings from dedicated sub shops.

Denver Broncos fans would grab these for game day tailgates at Mile High Stadium. The substantial sandwich provided enough fuel to endure those chilly outdoor games, with the perfect balance of meats and toppings to satisfy hungry football enthusiasts.

7. Long John Silver’s Fish Sandwich – Mountain Lake Catch

Colorado’s landlocked status made this seafood sandwich particularly novel in the ’80s. The crispy battered fish fillet came on a soft bun with tartar sauce and lettuce, bringing ocean flavors to the Rockies.

I remember my grandmother treating me to these special sandwiches at the Aurora location whenever I got good grades.

The crunch of that signature batter combined with the tangy sauce made me feel like I was experiencing something exotic, despite being hundreds of miles from any ocean.

8. Wendy’s Big Classic – Square Patty, Round Reputation

Colorado Wendy’s locations introduced this Whopper competitor in 1986. The quarter-pound square patty came on a premium Kaiser roll with the works – lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, and ketchup.

The sandwich quickly became a favorite along Colorado’s growing suburban corridors. Its fresh ingredients and substantial build made it perfect for hungry skiers heading back from the mountains or families looking for a substantial weekend lunch option.

9. Burger King’s Burger Buddies – Mini Mountain Morsels

Colorado families adored these bite-sized sliders that came in groups of three or six. Each tiny burger featured a flame-broiled patty, pickle, and ketchup on a miniature bun.

The novelty captivated Colorado kids who could have their own “multiple” burgers. Parents appreciated the smaller portions for younger appetites.

Though short-lived nationally, these mini-burgers maintained a cult following in Denver-area locations until their eventual discontinuation.

10. McDonald’s McRib – The Vanishing Ranch Sandwich

Colorado McRib fans developed a particular attachment to this elusive sandwich. The BBQ-sauced pork patty on a hoagie-style roll with pickles and onions would appear suddenly, then vanish without warning.

Denver radio stations would announce McRib sightings across the Front Range. Dedicated followers created informal networks to track its limited appearances, making the sandwich a cultural phenomenon.

Its intermittent availability only strengthened Coloradans’ obsession with this saucy, shaped-like-ribs creation.