It’s National Hamburger Day — And Yes, Denver Takes This Very Seriously

Look, if there’s one holiday that absolutely nobody needs convincing to celebrate, it’s National Hamburger Day. No awkward family gatherings. No expensive gifts. Just you, a juicy patty, and zero regrets. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the Denver metro area, you’ve got some seriously solid options to work with.

America’s Love Affair with the Burger (It’s Not Complicated)

Let’s talk numbers, because apparently we needed surveys to confirm what everyone already knew: Americans really, really like hamburgers.

According to a YouGov survey, 73% of Americans say they like meat-based burgers. And fewer than one in 11 people say they actually dislike burgers — that’s just 8%. So basically, if you’re anti-burger at a cookout, you are statistically the odd one out. Own it.

It goes even deeper than that. Americans surveyed from 13 of the country’s main cities are still in love with their patties on buns, with 75% citing hamburgers as a food they enjoy. The American staple is followed by Mexican food (72%), thin crust pizza (67%), and lasagna (65%). Burgers. Still. Winning.

And if you thought it was just a casual fling, think again. According to a 2024 YouGov survey, burgers are among the top three most popular foods in the U.S., tied with fried chicken and bested only by French fries — and chains where burgers are the star of the menu generated $110 billion in sales in 2024. That’s not a food trend, that’s a food empire.

According to the USDA, Americans consume an average of 2.4 burgers per day — which works out to about 50 billion burgers per year. To put that in perspective, that’s a whole lot of people not eating salad.

Oh, and Denver specifically has a little something to brag about. According to a stone marker at 2776 Speer Blvd., Denver was home to “Colorado’s first drive-in,” the Humpty Dumpty Barrel, where Louis Ballast trademarked the word “cheeseburger” on March 5, 1935. You’re welcome, America.

Denver’s Best Local Burger Spots — Where to Actually Go Tonight

Nearly nine decades after that famous cheeseburger trademark, there are so many delicious versions of burgers in a wide variety of categories in the metro area that narrowing it down is genuinely painful. But we did it anyway. Here are the spots worth the trip.

Cherry Cricket — Cherry Creek, Downtown, Littleton & Broomfield

If Denver had a burger hall of fame, the Cherry Cricket would have its own wing. Established in 1945, the Cherry Cricket is one of Denver’s best burger joints, consistently rated as one of the top burgers in town. They just snagged Best Burger AND Best Fries in Denver in Westword’s 2026 Readers’ Choice awards — and that’s three years running.

The recipe is simple: an 80/20 blend of Angus beef dusted with salt and pepper and flame-grilled over lava rocks. The fun comes with adding your choice of toppings, which range from standard burger accoutrements to more imaginative add-ons like peanut butter, grape jam, corned beef, grilled pineapple, and a whole, deep-fried chile relleno. No, that’s not a typo. Yes, it works.

The Food Channel’s Aaron Sanchez once told viewers the Cricket burger was “the best thing I ever ate,” and the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food showcased it as “one of the best burger joints in America.” So yeah — this place isn’t messing around.

Split Lip — RiNo (inside Number Thirty Eight)

For those who like their burgers with a side of American folklore, Split Lip is your spot. Located in RiNo’s popular drink hall, Number 38, this burger-and-chicken-focused eatery slings regionally inspired patties from around the U.S. — like the Mississippi Slug Burger, a fried patty made from a mix of beef and bread crumbs, piled high with “too many” pickles and drizzled with “sawse,” a riff on Thousand Island dressing.

West Coast aficionados can get their kicks with the Washington Goop Burger, assembled from a smashed bacon-beef patty, American cheese, and pepperoncini peppers — best enjoyed on their expansive, family-friendly patio while listening to live tunes.

Split Lip was Westword’s 2022 Best of Denver pick for Best Hamburger, thanks to its playful offerings based on hyper-regional burgers. Quirky? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

5280 Burger Bar — Downtown Denver (16th Street Mall)

5280 Burger Bar in Denver Pavilions started in 2014, and it’s hard to argue against it serving one of the best hamburgers in Denver — its kitchen churns out an astonishing selection of burgers from all-natural local beef. With local ingredients and scratch-made everything, you get gourmet flavors without the gourmet attitude — and yes, you should absolutely add a handspun milkshake.

Bob’s Atomic Burgers — Golden

The list of add-ons at Bob’s Atomic Burgers in Golden starts by having you fill out a sheet of paper with your picks for free toppings — lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, fresh jalapeños and banana peppers — plus upcharge options like grilled mushrooms, guacamole and bacon. It’s retro, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely a vibe.

Lucy’s Burger Bar — Berkeley Neighborhood

Thanks to Minneapolis native Michelle “Meesh” McGlone, Denverites can taste the magic of the Juicy Lucy — a molten delicacy made with two quarter-pounders wrapped around a hunk of cheese that melts into gooey perfection as it cooks. Fair warning: wait a beat before biting in — it’s served piping hot. Patience is a virtue. Especially with molten cheese.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a purist who just wants a classic patty with cheese and pickles, or you’re the type who will absolutely order a burger topped with a chile relleno and zero apologies — Denver has you covered. And with National Hamburger Day landing right at the unofficial kickoff of summer, there’s really no excuse not to get out there and do your patriotic duty.

As Americans dust off their barbeques and prepare for the long weekend, hamburgers will likely be among the first summertime staples to grace their grills.

So go ahead. Order the burger. Add the toppings. You’ve earned it.