Buffalo burgers (sometimes known as bison burgers) offer diners a heartier, richer flavor than traditional beef patties. They’re touted as a healthier option, too, with less fat per serving and just as many grams of protein. Bison burgers with myriad fixings are all the rage in Denver, Colorado, right now and have moseyed their way over to a few of the state’s eateries. But who knows? Maybe in the new year it’ll surge in popularity, and kamaaina will be able to get their hands on one whenever the craving strikes.
1. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1747 Wynkoop St.
(303) 446-2337
hopdoddy.com
Bite into a good-sized Buffalo Bill burger at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, where thick patties, flavorful toppings and sides reign supreme. Expect the unexpected across the Hopdoddy’s menu, which runs the gamut from burgers to salads and shareables (think flavor-town fries) and shakes.
In the biz’s signature Buffalo Bill burger, a bison patty serves as the foundation for a mix of steakhouse bacon, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, sassy sauce and the classic additions of lettuce, tomato and onions for an out-of-this-world, mouthwatering experience. It’s hands-down a must-try when visiting the Mile-High City.
PHOTO COURTESY HOPDODDY BURGER BAR
2. Cherry Cricket
2641 E 2nd Ave.
(303) 322-7666
2220 Blake St.
(303) 297-3644
cherrycricket.com
Check into one of Cherry Cricket’s two Denver locations for a hefty one-third pound Colorado bison burger. Open since 1945, Cherry Cricket has been serving up good food and cold drinks for decades, now. And, although much around the Denver area has changed over the years, the establishment has remained true to its mission of serving up legendary bites best shared with friends and family. And, best of all, the burgers at “The Cricket” are build-your-own, so don’t hesitate to get crafty with the numerous toppings that include everything from peanut butter to corned beef. (Don’t worry, there are also more traditional extras like cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and bacon.)
PHOTO COURTESY CHERRY CRICKET
3. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
240 Milwaukee St.
(303) 377-3032
baddaddysburgerbar.com
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Wild West when biting into a Western Burger from Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. The 100 percent all-natural buffalo burger is topped off with melted Monterey Jack cheese, seasoned fried onion straws and BBQ sauce. Pair it with one of the Bad Daddy’s signature beers, like the Amber Ale, or ever-famous Bad Ass Margarita — so good and potent (it comes with “mucho tequila”) that it’s limited to two per customer. Also, check out Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar’s Spotify channel that’ll put you in the mood for one of these bad boy Western Burgers — or any buffalo burger, for that matter.
PHOTO COURTESY BAD DADDY’S BURGER BAR
4. Ted’s Montana Grill
1401 Larimer St.
(303) 893-0654
tedsmontanagrill.com
Bison is king at Ted’s Montana Grill where it’s the staple meat on the menu, and is even featured in some of the restaurant’s non-burger items like a meatloaf sandwich, brisket, short ribs and chopped steak. Those who like things spicy can opt for the Green and Hot Burger, which pairs fresh guacamole and grilled jalapenos for a Southwestern-influenced flavor profile that’s sure to please. Want a more classic take on the bison burger? Try George’s Classic Cadillac (with cheddar cheese and tangy BBQ sauce) or the Avalon Burger (caramelized onions, bacon and blue cheese combined with housemade roasted garlic aioli and crisp arugula).
PHOTOS COURTESY TED’S MONTANA GRILL
