The other month we posted an article about the best smash burgers around, and many people had something to say about it. So, we listened and went out to try five of the places on your list. Find out who we featured and what the verdict was.
Got another tip? Let us know where we should go to next.
Odie B’s
For $15 diners can order the Doubleodburger (pictured above), a crowd-pleasing smash burger with all the fixings. Chef and owner Cliff Blauvelt knows how to make a sandwich, so it’s natural his burger skills are off the charts as well.
Between the bun find a blend of American and cheddar cheese, dill pickles, and “the fanciest sauce on a potato brioche,” aka secret sauce. While the combo is perfect on its own, diners have the option to add green chilies ($1), bacon ($2), and an egg ($2.50). This recommendation proved solid, though as a fan of Odie B’s (ne Bodega), I wasn’t surprised. 2651 W. 38th Ave., odie-bs.com
Grandpa’s Burger Haven
In 1980 this small take-out restaurant went from Jim’s Burger Haven to Grandpa’s Burger Haven, and today it’s owned by Randy Goddard. The slogan is “#1 on the big bun,” and it’s 100-percent accurate.
When we ordered the large, double-patty smash burger ($8.93) at this Barnum neighborhood eatery, it was as big as my 10-year-old’s head. The other kid got the small double cheeseburger ($6.37), a more manageable size for those who aren’t starving like a pre-teen.
On the bun was a healthy slathering of mustard, sliced dill pickles, onion, tomato, and too much lettuce. Ketchup and mayo can be requested, and the staff will tailor your burger how ever you request it. Was this one of the best smash burgers? No, but for the overall value, history, and size novelty, it’s worth checking out. Only catch, there’s no seating at Grandpa’s Burger Haven, unless you want to park at one of the plastic tables flanking the busy Federal Boulevard. 23 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, no website.
Jim’s Burger Haven
If the name sounds familiar, you would be right, it’s the precursor to Grandpa’s Burger Haven. Jim and Arlene Moser opened Jim’s Burger Haven in Thornton in 1961, and its outpost on Federal Boulevard split off to become Grandpa’s in 1980. Since the beginning, Jim’s has been known for its six-inch smash burger, and not much has changed over the decades.
Using locally-sourced beef, each six- or four-inch patty comes on an Aspen Baking Company bun with yellow mustard, shaved lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Get it with or without American cheese, and pile up to three patties on each burger. As far as classic smash burgers go, it’s pretty good, though not particularly memorable. However, for $6.99 for a double six-inch burger, you won’t break the bank taking the family out. Plus the decor hits all the right nostalgia buttons, with vintage car pictures decking the walls and classic burger diner vibes. 595 E. 88th Ave., Thornton; and 7855 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, jimsburgerhaven.com
Tawnsburger
Getting to Tawns may prove a bit tricky. For starters, the food truck resides inside Finn’s Manor, a bar and venue in RiNo. It’s only open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours running 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday, and Sunday 2 to 7 p.m. But once there, the smash burger is 100-percent worth the planning.
The double patty cheeseburger runs $13 and comes with traditional toppings such as shredded lettuce, house-made pickles, white onion, double slices of American cheese, and burger sauce. Opened in 2021 by Wolf’s Tailor and Uncle Ramen alumni Antoine “Twan” Villaume, this version of a smash burger definitely slays, and we appreciate the tip. 2927 Larimer St., Denver., no website
Monkey Barrel Bar
Until a reader recommended this Sunnyside bar, I had never been. It’s like the 1990s exploded memorabilia around the place through posters, video games, music, and other fun decorations. The patio is huge, and in general it’s a great place to hang out with friends, dogs, kids, or even a fun second date.
However the smash burger didn’t pass as one of the best, which is too bad since it’s just $7.25 for the basic cheeseburger and the relaxed setting makes me want to be there. The smashed patty comes with american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and the venue’s own secret sauce. Despite the layers, the actual smash burger didn’t have much flavor. While I will go back to Monkey Barrel to drink and play games, I wouldn’t order the burger again. Instead, it’s chopped pickles, sauce, and onion laden Monkey Fries ($7.95) for me. 4401 Tejon St. Denver, monkeybarrelbar.com
