Summer is here which means it’s prime season for an American pastime: the hamburger.
For those who love it, the hamburger is an American cuisine favorite, due to its convenience, ease of preparation and accessibility nationwide with the prevalence of fast-food chains.
Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day, Labor Day, International Burger Day, or just looking for an easy after work bite, Denver offers plenty of options to find a good hamburger.
Looking for the best burger in Denver?
The Denver Gazette asked users on social media platform X where their favorite spots to grab a burger in Denver. Here are five social media favorites, based on engagement:
The Cherry Cricket
Cherry Cricket’s “Cricket Burger with Grilled Onions and Pimento Cheese with Fries.” Photo Credit: Jeff Kearney
The Cherry Cricket is not only one of Denver’s most popular burger bars amongst locals, but has also gained national recognition with its appearance on shows like Food Network’s “Best thing I ever ate”.
The beauty of the Cherry Cricket lies in the customization options. Their extensive menu offers eight different burger base options (including Impossible, Bison and Turkey), three different bun options, nine different cheeses, a long list of 32 toppings, and 14 different side options. This means that a burger (with side) at the Cherry Cricket could be customized in over 96,768 ways.
You’ll find the main restaurant in Cherry Creek (2641 East 2nd Avenue), but it has since expanded to locations in Littleton (819 West Littleton Boulevard) and the Ball Park Neighborhood (2220 Blake Street).
The main location ranks 4.5 stars out of over 5,700 reviews on Google. Prices range from $9.50 for a quarter pound “Little Cricket” burger all the way up to $17 for their rotating burger of the month. Sides range from $3 for a small side to $8.50 for an order of fries and onion rings. Open until 2 a.m., the restaurant also offers a late-night fix.
“This trendy burger spot is a gem,” says Google Local Guide Igor Araújo. “It offers customizable, delicious burgers that cater to every palate, alongside perfectly crispy fries.”
My Brother’s Bar
While it’s been in operation under current ownership since 1970, My Brother’s Bar (2376 15th Street) bills itself as Denver’s longest operating, having existed under various names since 1873. It’s named after an actual pair of brothers, Jim and Angelo Karagas, who moved to Denver from Detroit over 50 years ago. The burger menu is wide-ranging including a jumbo sized “steerburger”, a bison burger (known as the Ralphie Burger), and a jalapeno cream cheeseburger.
My Brother’s Bar ranks 4.5 stars out of 2,488 reviews on Google. The price varies from $9 for a steerburger all the way up to $27 for a bison burger. Sides range from $3.75 for a small order of fries all the way up to $7.75 for a large order of onion rings.
“Simply the best,” says Google reviewer Jessica Renee Wichmann. “Oldest bar in Denver and home of the best burgers and onion rings ever. All the things I love about a dive bar but with exceptional food and drinks.”
Candlelight Tavern
The jalapeno cream cheese burger served at Candlelight Tavern in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood.
A hidden gem on our list, Candlelight Tavern (383 South Pearl Street) combines a dive bar ambience with a burger that brings through the nostalgia of backyard family cookouts. Like another cult favorite, Bud’s Bar in Sedalia, Candlelight Tavern keeps it simple: A burger with a bag of chips. Unlike Bud’s, however, you do have the option to order onion rings or fries on the side.
While the bar is open until 2 a.m., the kitchen closes at 11:30 p.m.
Candlelight Tavern ranks 4.6 stars out of 758 reviews on Google. The price range is $9-15 depending on which sides you order.
“A great spot for beers and a burger,” says Google Local Guide Manny Fanning. “The atmosphere is great! A neighborhood favorite.”
Crown Burgers
Crown Burgers (2192 S Colorado Blvd.) has been a staple classic fast food restaurant in the Denver area for nearly three decades.
Contrary to what some might think, this local, family-owned restaurant is not related to the Crown Burgers chain in the Salt Lake City area. The restaurant offers breakfast and Greek specialties like gyros, but a primary star on the menu is the pastrami burger, one of over 14 different options available on the burger menu alone. Pair your burger with either classic steak fries or their crispy onion rings.
Crown Burgers is ranked 4.6 stars out of 3,375 reviews on Google. Prices range from $6.25 for a one-fifth pound junior burger all the way up to $15.61 for a “double royal”, a burger with “two quarter pound beef patties with American cheese topped with hot pastrami, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house dressing.” An order of steak fries costs $4.99.
“Quarter pound burger and steak fries for $10! With a drink!” says Google local guide Pat Ryan. “Best burger deal in Denver! Tasty burger! Highly recommend! Plus, the staff is super friendly, and you get your food incredibly hot super-fast!”
Grandpa’s Burger Haven
Have your burger with a side of 1950s nostalgia. Grandpa’s Burger Haven (23 South Federal Boulevard) celebrated its 70th anniversary last summer. The restaurant comes with no frills, it’s takeout only with a picnic table. It’s old school. In 2024, they’ve yet to even launch a website.
Beloved for their steak burgers, their main specialty is a large double meat hamburger with fries and a large soda for under $15.
Grandpa’s Burger Haven ranks 4.4 stars on Google.
“Absolutely fabulous old school burger!” says Google Local Guide Rebecca Kneipp. “Truly a throwback experience and in not just the atmosphere (take out only, 80s style menu board, PA system, simple menu) but also old school in quality! Meaning EXTREMELY good quality for the price!”
