When that craving for a perfect, juicy burger hits, it’s only a matter of time before the group chat lights up. One friend suggests a spot, another chimes in with their favorite, and suddenly you’re debating where to find Brighton’s best patty. To settle the debate, we’ve rounded up the 12 top burger joints where you can sink your teeth into excellence.
Village Inn
$ | (303) 659-8663 | WEBSITE
The main draw at Village Inn is its family-friendly atmosphere. Complete with a welcoming vibe, accommodating staff providing excellent service, and more kid-friendly options than most places, it’s one of the most pleasant dining spots in town. All of their burgers, like the new smashed burgers and the chicken and fruit salad with poppyseed dressing, are solid, but we’re big fans of the fries that come out hot and fresh.
Also, on a really busy afternoon when you feel the need to keep the kids happy, any of their kid’s menu items will at least help make the meal enjoyable for everyone.
South Philly Cheese Steaks
$ | (303) 558-0905 | WEBSITE
While South Philly Cheese Steaks is one of the best burger spots in Brighton, they’ve also got a chill atmosphere complete with simple booths, neon signs, and an open kitchen layout that will make you feel like you’re in a classic East Coast sandwich shop.
When you’re there with a few friends, prioritize the massive cheesesteaks and boardwalk fries (go for the Chubby with sweet Heat sauce on the side), and appreciate the fact that you can enjoy their consistently fresh, hot, and cheesy sandwiches even on busy afternoons when service might be a bit slow.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (720) 685-1095 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar offers a varied menu and a dining experience with generally attentive service. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible ramp and seating area that’s spacious and accommodating. The Brighton spot dishes out so much solid American fare that you may find yourself in a group argument deciding between ordering extra of the boneless wings, bacon bacon extra bacon burger, or just skipping straight to a crisp order of French fries for the table. If you can’t decide, just order it all.
The brewtus Margarita has received positive feedback, but the Bacardi bucket drinks were criticized for being overly sweet with a thick, syrupy texture. Servers like Toni, Nikki, and Liv have gone above and beyond to ensure a wonderful dining experience, though there have been instances where they could check on tables more frequently.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (720) 223-6380 | WEBSITE
With its bright red booths, family-friendly seating arrangements, and plenty of burger-themed decor and hanging signs, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews has one of the most welcoming dining rooms in Brighton. And because of this, you’ll want to arrive early before diving into a burger platter full of options like gluten-free buns and dedicated fryer fries or a classic cheeseburger perfect for sharing with friends.
The burger spot’s atmosphere is also spacious enough that when you bring a big group here, you won’t feel crowded even during busy hours, and servers like Simon and Scott ensure everyone gets prompt refills and attentive service without overhearing other tables’ conversations about their day or how the local sports teams are performing.
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
$ | (303) 655-0195 | WEBSITE
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard in Brighton has a straightforward setup with a drive-thru and a small indoor dining area similar to what you find at classic burger joints. They even have a few outdoor picnic tables that can fit up to four people and bright red booths and overhead fluorescent lighting.
They have customizable burgers with all-natural antibiotic-free beef and chicken, and sides like the popular Wild Fries with crispy texture and flavorful seasoning, and everything is reasonably priced at around $10-12 per meal and comes quick for takeout.
Big Daddy’s
$ | (303) 654-0532 | WEBSITE
The parking lot at this burger joint gives you a great view of Brighton’s main drag and all of the families piling out of minivans with kids in tow. Besides the convenient location, Big Daddy’s is somewhere you could just as easily use for a family dinner or pop in for a bite with friends and share some deep fried macaroni bites. When it comes to food, expect things like their signature Big Daddy burger, chicken sandwiches, and those crispy macaroni bites.
When it’s busy, their dining room is always 98% full, so you should either grab a table early or just post up in your car and wait—we’ve found that tables usually open up after about 15 minutes.
McDonald’s
$ | (720) 685-7855 | WEBSITE
The familiar golden arches and drive-thru setup are the first things you’ll see when you pull up, and it’s a pretty efficient scene—you have families grabbing Big Macs and fries and after-school crowds sipping on sodas and milkshakes. The Brighton burger spot also has plenty of quick-service options, like chicken nuggets and apple pies, so there’s something for everyone in your group.
Hamburgueseria La Sierra
$ | (303) 659-4359 | WEBSITE
Hamburgueseria La Sierra is tucked away in a corner of Brighton, and if you’re still having trouble spotting it, just look for the steady stream of locals heading in and out with satisfied smiles. They serve fantastic burgers that taste even better when you’ve worked up an appetite, and it’s where you should grab lunch any day of the week.
Even if you’re not in the mood for something elaborate, they still have a great value menu where you can get a classic cheeseburger for $8 and a basket of fries for $4.
The Grill on Main Street
$ | (303) 862-8274 | WEBSITE
The Grill on Main Street is in Brighton and you’ll feel the shift as soon as you walk in. It’s a little more worn and less polished than most places around town, but the burgers and beer are both great, and they have a lot of old wooden booths lining the walls. It’s a good option for a weeknight hangout, or really any time you want to spend the night drinking local drafts, eating a Philly cheese steak, and sitting under some dim, warm lighting.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (303) 659-2282 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill might be labeled as a fast-food chain, but there’s a lot more going on here than just burgers, fries, and soft-serve. Outside of having consistently friendly and attentive staff in both the dining and drive-thru areas, the service here is exceptional. Like all well-run spots, the restaurant is always clean, and almost all the food here (no matter what you order) should make your meal on any of their comfortable booths or tables.
Order the chicken strips with honey mustard, a classic Blizzard, and enjoy the quick, pleasant experience. If you want a more drive-through option, that service is fast and reliable too.
Wendy’s
$ | (303) 637-9252 | WEBSITE
Wendy’s has two dining areas you should consider. The first is the lineup of tables inside the main restaurant area. The second is their drive-thru lane—it’s efficient and happens to be one of our favorite Brighton spots to grab a meal when we want something quick. With friendly staff and a clean environment, you’ll have a straightforward experience ordering items like the Biggie Bag, which offers a burger, fries, nuggets, and a drink for a budget-friendly $6.
Come hungry, order simply, and enjoy a meal that families can share together without fuss.
Jordinelli’s Sports Bar And Grill
$ | (303) 659-1055 | WEBSITE
Jordinelli’s Sports Bar And Grill is the kind of place you can go to impress out-of-town friends who don’t think Brighton is a burger town. Hang out at their big bar, lit up with neon signs and sports memorabilia, while sharing standout dishes like thick juicy burgers, spicy green chili, and hot fresh onion rings. The wings are meaty and flavorful with a crispy exterior, and they’re some of the best in town.