These Hole-In-The-Wall Colorado Burger Joints Serve Double Cheeseburgers That Always Hit The Mark
Some of my fondest food memories involve squeezing into a tiny diner booth, unwrapping a greasy double cheeseburger, and taking that first bite-pure satisfaction. Colorado’s hidden gems specialize in exactly that experience.
No Instagram gimmicks, just honest-to-goodness burgers that taste like they’re made by someone’s proud grandpa. After years of taste-testing, I’ve narrowed it down to 13 must-visit spots where the double cheeseburger isn’t just a meal-it’s a rite of passage.
1. Crown Burgers (Denver)
Crown Burgers brings back memories of classic American diners where the focus stays firmly on the food. This retro spot doesn’t waste time with trendy decor or complicated menus, serving up stacked burgers that tower over your plate. The double cheeseburger here features perfectly seasoned beef patties that cook to juicy perfection every time.
Locals swear by the straightforward approach that lets quality ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss. The buns hold up remarkably well even when loaded with toppings, cheese, and those gloriously greasy patties. Walking in feels like stepping back to simpler times when burgers meant business.
Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive hungry and ready to devour something truly satisfying.
2. Cherry Cricket (Denver)
Cherry Cricket has earned legendary status among Denver burger lovers for good reason. This longtime institution lets you customize a half-pound burger exactly how you want it, turning every visit into a personalized experience. The double option piles on serious beef that arrives cooked precisely to your preference.
What sets this place apart is the freedom to build your dream burger from an impressive list of toppings and sauces. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as regulars and newcomers alike gather around tables sharing stories over massive burgers.
Cheese melts perfectly over the hot patties, creating that satisfying stretch with every bite. Expect a wait during peak hours because word has definitely gotten out about this neighborhood treasure worth every minute.
3. My Brother’s Bar (Denver)
My Brother’s Bar operates as one of Denver’s oldest watering holes, serving cold drinks and hot burgers since the 1970s. The double burger options here get consistent praise from locals who appreciate honest food without pretension. Patties arrive thick and flavorful, stacked between soft buns that soak up all those delicious juices.
This neighborhood spot maintains a laid-back vibe where conversations flow as freely as the drinks. The bartenders know their regulars by name and first-timers quickly feel like part of the family.
Simple preparation methods highlight the quality beef rather than masking it with complicated techniques. Cash only policy keeps things old-school, so plan accordingly before settling in for a satisfying meal and good company.
4. Grandpa’s Burger Haven (Denver)
Grandpa’s Burger Haven proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to delivering massive flavor. This tiny joint cranks out hand-made burgers that dwarf the modest storefront they come from. The double cheeseburger here requires both hands and serious appetite to tackle properly.
I remember my first visit when the burger arrived and I genuinely wondered if I’d made a mistake ordering the double. No frills means all the attention goes into forming perfect patties and grilling them to greasy perfection.
The cheese melts into every crevice while the beef stays juicy despite being cooked through completely. Limited seating means you might end up eating in your car, but honestly that just adds to the authentic hole-in-the-wall charm here.
5. Bob’s Atomic Burgers (Golden)
Bob’s Atomic Burgers transports you straight back to the 1950s with kitschy decor and build-your-own burger magic. Located in Golden, this spot lets you customize everything about your double burger from the toppings to the sauce combinations. The patties sizzle on the griddle while you watch, building anticipation for that first bite.
Popular among locals and Colorado School of Mines students, the atmosphere stays upbeat and friendly throughout lunch and dinner rushes. The double-burger option provides serious protein without breaking the bank, making it perfect for hungry mountain adventurers.
Retro touches like vintage signs and chrome accents complete the nostalgic dining experience. Vegetarian options exist too, but the beef burgers remain the undisputed stars of this atomic-themed menu lineup.
6. Twans Burger (Denver)
Twans Burger specializes in the art of smash-burger perfection, pressing patties onto a screaming hot griddle until crispy edges form. This small shop focuses exclusively on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than offering a bloated menu. The double patty option delivers twice the crispy, caramelized beef goodness that makes smash burgers so addictive.
Watching the cooks work their griddle magic through the open kitchen setup adds entertainment value to your meal. Each patty gets smashed thin, creating maximum surface area for those delicious crispy bits everyone fights over.
Simple toppings like onions, pickles, and American cheese complement rather than compete with the star attraction. Lines form quickly during peak hours, but the wait moves faster than expected thanks to the streamlined operation and efficient staff.
7. The Sink (Boulder)
The Sink has been feeding hungry University of Colorado students since 1923, making it a Boulder institution with serious history. Located on the Hill near campus, this spot serves classic Sinkburgers that you can upgrade to doubles for extra heartiness. The walls covered in decades of graffiti and signatures tell stories of countless burger lovers who came before you.
During my college days, late-night Sinkburgers provided fuel for marathon study sessions and celebration meals after tough exams. The double option satisfies even the most demanding appetites with thick patties and generous toppings piled high.
Casual atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal while soaking in the college town energy. Weekend brunches get packed, so plan accordingly or embrace the wait as part of the full Sink experience worth having.
8. Sam’s No. 3 (Denver)
Sam’s No. 3 operates as a Denver staple where the menu stretches for pages but burgers remain a top choice. This giant diner lets you customize your burger by adding extra patties to create whatever double or triple combination your appetite demands. The griddle stays busy from breakfast through late night, pumping out consistently good food.
Families, solo diners, and groups all find their place in the spacious dining room that buzzes with activity. The ability to add patties means you control exactly how much beef lands on your plate.
Classic diner sides like fries and onion rings complement the burgers perfectly without stealing the spotlight. Open early and closing late makes Sam’s the perfect spot regardless of when hunger strikes during your Denver adventures.
9. Steuben’s Food Service (Denver)
Steuben’s Food Service captures the spirit of classic American diners and drive-ins from a bygone era. The retro styling extends beyond just decoration into the menu featuring old-school burgers that locals genuinely love. Double cheeseburgers here balance nostalgia with quality ingredients that modern diners expect.
Comfort food reigns supreme with burgers that remind you why simple preparations often work best. The patties arrive juicy with cheese melted just right, tucked between toasted buns that add textural contrast.
Friendly servers and upbeat atmosphere make every meal feel like a special occasion even on ordinary weekdays.
10. Pete’s Kitchen (Denver)
Pete’s Kitchen has anchored Denver’s late-night dining scene for decades, serving hungry night owls and early birds alike. This classic diner keeps the conversation going about who makes the best burgers in town. The double cheeseburger option provides substantial fuel whether you’re starting your day or ending a long night out.
Something magical happens when you bite into a diner burger at 2 AM after a concert or night with friends. The 24-hour operation means fresh-cooked burgers arrive at your table regardless of what time appears on the clock.
Regulars occupy the counter stools sharing stories with staff who’ve heard it all before. Cash and card both work here, making it easy to grab a satisfying meal without worrying about payment logistics late at night.
11. Brakeman’s Burgers (Colorado Springs)
Brakeman’s Burgers keeps things refreshingly straightforward in Colorado Springs without any pretense or unnecessary complications. This unassuming spot focuses on solid, no-nonsense burgers that deliver exactly what you expect from a good double cheeseburger. The patties cook to proper doneness while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Sometimes the best meals come from places that look completely ordinary from the outside but surprise you with quality. Brakeman’s fits that description perfectly with burgers that punch above their weight class.
The meat tastes fresh, the toppings stay crisp, and the whole package comes together in satisfying harmony. Prices remain reasonable enough to become a regular stop rather than just an occasional treat for Springs residents and visitors alike.
12. Drifter’s Hamburgers (Colorado Springs)
Drifter’s Hamburgers brings local fast-food charm to Colorado Springs with burgers made right and served quickly. This neighborhood favorite keeps things simple while executing the fundamentals better than most chains manage. The double burger arrives hot and ready to devour within minutes of ordering.
Well-made burgers don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated preparation methods when you start with quality beef. Drifter’s proves this point repeatedly with straightforward doubles that satisfy cravings without breaking the bank.
The casual setup encourages quick stops for lunch or dinner when you need something filling fast. Repeat customers know exactly what they’re getting every single visit, which explains the loyal following this modest spot has built over time.
13. Skirted Heifer (Colorado Springs)
Skirted Heifer stands out in Colorado Springs for creative burger combinations that go beyond basic toppings. This small-town joint earns high marks for bold flavors and hearty portions that leave you completely satisfied. The double cheeseburger options pack serious beef alongside inventive ingredient pairings that surprise your taste buds.
Quality shines through in every bite from the perfectly seasoned patties to the fresh toppings that add layers of flavor. The kitchen clearly takes pride in their work, sending out burgers that look as good as they taste.
Friendly service and quirky atmosphere make dining here feel like discovering a secret that only locals know about. Portions run generous, so arrive hungry or plan to take home leftovers for another meal later that same day or tomorrow.