Colorado’s highways connect mountain towns, high plains, and urban centers, making road trips a practical way to experience the state’s geographic variety. Burgers are a popular roadside meal, reflecting both traditional American diner culture and Colorado’s reputation for quality, locally sourced ingredients including grass-fed beef and green chiles.
Here are ten well-reviewed burger stops across Colorado that are accessible for travelers. Each section highlights the restaurant’s location, signature items, and characteristics that set it apart from others on the route.
1. Crave Real Burgers, Colorado Springs & Castle Rock
Sometimes road trips call for a burger that goes beyond the ordinary. At Crave Real Burgers, you’ll notice right away that creativity is on the menu, with options like the Fatty Melt, where a patty sits between two grilled cheese sandwiches, or the Luther, which swaps out the bun for a glazed doughnut. Bold eaters and the simply curious both find something worth trying.
Situated conveniently close to Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs and Castle Rock, Crave’s locations make it a practical stop during your travels. The restaurant sources high-quality beef and offers an extensive variety of toppings, allowing guests to craft an experience tailored to their preferences.
Quirky combinations such as peanut butter or fried eggs wouldn’t be out of place here. For travelers who appreciate a sense of adventure in their meal, Crave Real Burgers stands out as a memorable, accessible choice along Colorado’s central corridor.
2. Bud’s Café & Bar, Sedalia
For more than 75 years, Bud’s Café & Bar has kept things refreshingly straightforward. There’s no printed menu to pore over, and choices are limited to a classic cheeseburger and sides, a reflection of its old-school roots. Locals and travelers alike gather in Sedalia for a taste of tradition that’s just as relevant today as it was in 1948.
The restaurant’s location along Highway 85 south of Denver makes it a reliable meeting point for those exploring Colorado’s front range or heading toward the mountains. Friendly staff and well-seasoned flat-top burgers lend a sense of comfort and nostalgia to every visit.
Patrons often mention the Juicy Lucy-style burger, where the cheese is melted inside the patty. Bud’s continued popularity rests on its focus: a simple burger, made right, in a setting where history is part of the flavor.
3. Cherry Cricket, Denver
Step inside the Cherry Cricket and you’ll find a lively Denver institution that’s been serving burgers since the 1940s. What stands out immediately is the freedom to create your own version of the classic, with toppings that range from traditional lettuce and tomato to local specialties like green chiles. Each visit can be a different flavor adventure.
Located in the Cherry Creek area, the restaurant is easily accessible for those traveling through Denver. It’s a popular stop for both residents and visitors, drawn by the relaxed environment and the ability to tailor each burger order.
The Cricket Burger, featuring green chiles, is a perennial favorite. The welcoming, unfussy atmosphere and broad menu keep regulars coming back, making it a practical and enjoyable destination for travelers seeking variety just off the city’s main roads.
4. Crown Burgers, Pueblo
Travelers along Interstate 25 often find Crown Burgers in Pueblo to be a convenient spot for a substantial meal. Known for its green chile, smothered burgers, the restaurant highlights a regional specialty that sets it apart from typical fast-food options. Generous portions are the expectation here, drawing those hungry after a long drive.
The setting is unpretentious, with a straightforward menu and quick service that appeals to those eager to get back on the road. Regulars suggest pairing your burger with hand-cut fries or onion rings for a satisfying roadside lunch.
Its location makes it a practical midpoint stop for people journeying between Denver and New Mexico. The green chile topping adds a distinct southwestern character, giving diners a taste of local culinary tradition in a laid-back setting.
5. Skirted Heifer, Colorado Springs
Few places spotlight cheese like Skirted Heifer, where the signature burger arrives with a golden, lacy ‘skirt’ of cheddar extending past the bun. This playful twist has earned the spot a devoted following, especially among those who appreciate textural contrasts and creative touches in classic fare.
The restaurant sources natural beef and focuses on fresh, locally inspired toppings. Its downtown Colorado Springs location makes it an easy lunch stop for road trippers passing through the area or visiting nearby attractions.
Skirted Heifer’s casual, family-run atmosphere is part of its appeal. The emphasis on quality ingredients and whimsical presentations ensures each burger is distinct, offering a taste experience as memorable as the surrounding mountain views.
6. Larkburger, Edwards (Vail Valley)
Larkburger began as part of a Colorado-based burger chain, but today the Edwards location operates independently as the last remaining restaurant under the name. Known for its focus on eco-friendly practices, it still uses compostable packaging and emphasizes quality ingredients such as grass-fed beef.
Menu staples include the signature Larkburger and truffle fries, both longtime favorites with locals and visitors. Conveniently located off Interstate 70, it’s a practical stop for those traveling to or from the Vail Valley resorts.
The Edwards restaurant retains the original spirit of the brand, simple burgers with thoughtful sourcing, while offering a modern, welcoming space for road trippers to recharge in the mountains.
7. Jim’s Burger Haven, Thornton
Classic car enthusiasts and burger fans alike find common ground at Jim’s Burger Haven. Open since 1961, this Thornton drive-in is known for its oversized patties and 1960s-style neon signage, offering a nostalgic nod to America’s roadside dining heyday. Many visitors recall family memories made here during cross-town drives.
Jim’s is easily accessed from Denver’s northern suburbs, making it an ideal pit stop for anyone headed toward the foothills or northern Colorado. The retro ambiance extends to both the décor and the burger presentation, lending consistency to the experience.
The menu remains focused and approachable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning customer, the classic roadside atmosphere and hearty servings deliver a distinct sense of time and place on any Colorado road trip.
8. Mountain Burger, Edwards
What’s better than a burger with a mountain view? At Mountain Burger in Edwards, that’s exactly what awaits, along with a focus on locally sourced beef and fresh ingredients. The menu emphasizes quality and simplicity, making it a favorite among those traveling to nearby ski resorts or scenic destinations.
The dining room’s large windows make the most of the picturesque surroundings, inviting guests to savor both the food and the landscape. Community tables encourage conversation among travelers and locals alike.
Mountain Burger’s approach is unpretentious but attentive, with staff happy to share recommendations based on your taste. The combination of scenery, hospitality, and thoughtful ingredient sourcing provides a distinct stop along the I-70 corridor.
9. My Brother’s Bar, Denver
My Brother’s Bar holds the distinction of being Denver’s oldest bar, with roots dating back to the 1870s. The setting is filled with old photographs, wooden booths, and a sense of history that carries through to the menu. Here, the emphasis is on simplicity, a well-cooked patty, basic toppings, and an inviting atmosphere.
Located near downtown, it’s a convenient stop for urban explorers and road trippers alike. The bar’s unassuming charm and quiet ambiance offer a break from busier stretches of the city.
Patrons often appreciate the straightforward approach, enjoying classic burgers served on checkered paper. The blend of history, location, and no-nonsense food makes My Brother’s Bar a reliable waypoint on a tour of Denver’s culinary and cultural landscape.
10. The Sink, Boulder
The Sink in Boulder is hard to miss, thanks to its vivid graffiti murals and a history that stretches back to 1923. Located on University Hill, the restaurant draws a lively mix of students, locals, and travelers with its quirky décor and inventive burgers. Over the years, the walls have been signed by famous guests, including musicians and presidents.
The kitchen is known for bold combinations, with burgers featuring unusual toppings like chipotle mayo or house-made sauces. Each burger is designed for flavor and personality, mirroring the eclectic energy of the space itself.
The Sink’s playful atmosphere and storied past make it a destination in its own right. Visitors looking for a meal with a side of character find this iconic Boulder stop to be a memorable part of any Colorado adventure.
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