Denver does not lack burgers, and the Mile High City is lucky to have so many great options. That said, not every diner is the same when it comes to how they like their patties, buns, condiments, and cheese put together.
Perhaps you enjoy the lacy edges of a smash burger. Or, your tastebuds crave a thick, meaty patty dripping with gooey melted cheese. From thinnest to fattest, these burgers literally measure up against each other. But one thing they all have in common, they represent some of the best cheeseburgers in the city.
Thinnest: Classic Smash at Grandpa’s Burger Haven
The thinnest patty out there is aptly dubbed the smash burger, and is known for its flattened meat with lacy, crispy edges. Recently the popularity of this type of cheeseburger has grown, becoming a buzz word that doesn’t always stay true to the origins.
Recently the iconic, 45-year-old burger joint got sold and bought, but the new owners have changed very little. Whether you order the single small patty or a double large cheeseburger, the burgers remain thin and the sides of the meat fanned out and crisped up. On the bun you’ll find a healthy slathering of mustard, sliced dill pickles, onion, tomato, and a lot of lettuce. Ketchup and mayo can be requested, and the staff will tailor your burger how ever you want it. 23 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, granpaburger.com
Getting Bigger: Not a Damn Chance Burger
The patty at Not a Damn Chance Burger (NADC Burger) in Larimer Square is made with American wagyu beef ranched on a farm run by a friend of the owners, chef Phillip Frankland Lee and professional skateboarder Neen Williams. It’s very thin, but since the eatery doubles the patty, it doesn’t lack a meaty bite.
Unlike other burger joints around town, there is only one burger on the menu here (as well as the newly introduced, single patty kid’s burger). On it you’ll find two gorgeous patties, American cheese, NADC sauce, onions, pickles, and “slightly tamed” jalapeños. Modifications are accepted, and you can always add a third patty. Include a side of fries done “beast mode,” and it’s a satisfying meal in the heart of Downtown Denver. 1441 Larimer St., Denver, nadcburger.com
A Perfect Smash: Fat Sully’s Lights Out Burger
Atomic Cowboy’s Fat Sully’s keeps things traditional. Enter the Lights Out Burger, a delightful iteration featuring two smashed beef patties, aged American cheese, housemade pickles, and a special sauce, all on a brioche bun toasted with garlic butter. Best part, it’s available during happy hour and all day Monday for just $7 all day long. Multiple locations, theatomiccowboy.com
Slightly Thicker: C Burger
The classic burger at Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality’s C Burger isn’t just thin, it’s also made from beef that comes from a ranch focused on regenerative farming. Technically it’s a smash burger, though not quiet as delicate as the original idea behind the item.
Located on West Pearl Street in the former Oskar Blues Taproom, C Burger joins the company’s Boulder portfolio of restaurants including Oak on Fourteenth and Corrida. But where the former places offer fine dining, C Burger fills the fast casual void while maintaining the group’s emphasis on environmentalism and its sustainability vision. Plus, this non fast food burger tastes so good, you’ll feel great in every aspect. 921 Pearl St., Boulder, cburgerco.com
Not Quiet Flat: Odie B’s Double Bodega Burger
Perhaps the lightness of a smash burger isn’t for you. That’s where Odie B’s comes in with a double “smooshed” patty. Between the meaty layers find two types of cheese and chef Cliff Blauvelt’s fancy sauce, all nestled in potato brioche bun.
It’s still compact enough to fit in your whole mouth, but don’t be surprised if you need a handful of napkins and a gentle nap later. Both locations serve the Double Bodega Burger, so you don’t have to play favorites between RiNo and Sunnyside. 2651 W. 38th Ave., Denver, and 1350 40th St. Suite 180, Denver, odie-bs.com
Happy Medium: JCB at My Brother’s Bar
Since 1873 My Brother’s Bar on Platte Street has existed in some capacity, though it didn’t start serving one of Denver’s best burgers until 1970. After decades in the burger biz, this dive bar classic remains largely unchanged with condiment caddies accompanying beloved parchment-wrapped burgers.
The patty is neither smashed nor stacked, it’s right in the middle, making it a true American classic. With the JCB the cheeseburger comes with jalapeño cream cheese, an addition that’s made My Brother’s Bar a go-to spot for a bite to eat and a no-frills drink. Of course you can get a basic hamburger and cheeseburger too, which are just as good. 2376 15th St., Denver, mybrothersbar.com
The Illusion of Height: Lucy’s Burger Bar’s Juicy Lucy
Yes, the Juicy Lucy at this Berkeley hot spot looks to be towering, but it’s all a tasty trick. Inside the meat is a pit of melty cheese, ready to ooze out and deflate the meatball-shapped burger. Let it. The burger is too big and the center too hot for comfort, but once the cheese cools and the beef rests, it’s a delightful and delicious experience. 4018 Tennyson St., Denver, lucysburgerbar.com
Sustainably Stacked: Sullivan Scrap Kitchen’s Classic Burger
The cheeseburger at Sullivan Scrap Kitchen in City Park West might feel heavy, but you’ll float on the good feeling of eating a burger that’s been thoughtfully created to be sustainable from meat to bread to fixings. The patty comprises local, grass-fed beef, and comes topped with bacon, a melted cheese blend, lettuce, tomato, carmelized onions, pickles, and sauce. This all comes on a housemade sesame roll and with zero guilt. 1740 E. 17th Ave., Denver, sullivanscrapkitchen.com
Towering Masterpiece: Cherry Cricket’s Cricket Burger
Look, you can go small at the Cherry Cricket, but why would you? Start with a half-pound Cricket Burger, and then keep stacking from there. Technically the patty isn’t the only thing giving the burger height, but since we made the rules, we’ll let it slide. There are over 30 things to add to any burger, but some highlights include a scoop of macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, corned beef, an egg in any style, grilled pineapple, a chile relleno, and so much more. Multiple locations, cherrycricket.com
