Fizz’s top five burger spots in Denver

The Mile High City takes its burgers seriously, and whether you crave a greasy smash patty or an upscale wagyu stack, the metro delivers. Here are five spots where the beef is worth the trip.

1. CHERRY CRICKET 

Open since 1945, Cherry Cricket is the name locals drop first when the burger debate starts. The build-your-own format lets guests pile on everything from green chile to peanut butter, and the laid-back patio on East Second Avenue remains a neighborhood gathering spot. Their new Littleton location is sweet!

2. DALTON’S CHEESEBURGS at RiNo Country Club 

Don’t let the “country club” name fool you—there’s nothing fancy here except the food. Dalton’s presses its patties onto a flat-top, slides them onto Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls, and finishes with a proprietary “7 Hour Sauce” and minced onion. The bun is toasted on the bottom and steamed on top, delivering two textures in every bite.

3. MY BROTHER’S BAR 

Denver’s oldest bar (dating to 1873) serves one of its most satisfying burgers. The patty is neither smashed nor stacked—just a perfectly cooked American classic. I swear by the JCB, a cheeseburger slathered with jalapeño cream cheese. No TVs, no signage and classical music on the speakers set a vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

4. A5 STEAKHOUSE 

When a steakhouse makes a burger, expectations run high—and A5 clears the bar. The wagyu patty, dressed with butterkäse cheese, appears on the bar menu and becomes a steal during happy hour. Pair it with one of the house cocktails in the moody RiNo dining room for a date-night-worthy experience.

5. FAT SULLY’S at Atomic Cowboy

Better known for its New York-style pizza, Fat Sully’s quietly serves one of Denver’s best burgers. The Lights Out Burger features two smashed patties, aged American cheese, house-made pickles and special sauce on a garlic-butter-toasted brioche bun. Open late on the Colfax strip, it’s the ideal post-concert fuel stop.