DENVER (KDVR) — More than 4,000 people shared their votes in the Big Burger Bracket, with more than 22,200 votes tallied through six rounds. A champion has been declared after an intense final round of voting.

The final matchup was Bud’s Café & Bar vs. Bob’s Atomic Burgers. With 57% of the vote in the final round, the 2023 Big Burger Bracket champion is Bud’s Café & Bar in Sedalia.

After being announced the winner, the café shared this on Facebook:

“Thank you to all who took the time to vote. It was fun. We appreciate you all. And we won!!! Great 75th anniversary present. Come on in and have the best burger in Colorado.”

Bud’s Café & Bar started out at number 14 overall in the initial ranking before voting began.

>> See the final Big Burger Bracket

Bud’s Café & Bar

Bud’s Café & Bar is located about 25 miles south of Denver at 5453 Manhart Ave. in Sedalia.

The Google description of the café says, “Bare-bones joint popular for its hamburgers offered with pickles, onion & chips, plus beer & liquor.”

What do Google reviewers say?

There are more than 1,000 reviews on Google for Bud’s Café & Bar.

Here’s a look at what some reviewers said:

“Cash only bar that has been serving the people delicious burgers since 1948! Burgers & Beer done right! The rules are as simple as their menu. Cash only. No Fries. 4 options between single and double hamburger or cheeseburger,” Matt Shared.

“Simple and wonderful. The perfect ratio of cheese to burger, no fries.. but they aren’t necessary. $5, great hospitality, and a crave-able burger. Be back soon!” Logan shared.

“Very satisfying no frills double cheeseburger, you get chips and a drink, and a side of onions and pickles. I know it sounds pretty basic, but sometimes that’s all you need,” Ron explained.

“They weren’t kidding. These burgers are some of the best I’ve ever tasted! Don’t ask for fries, they only make incredible burgers and serve them with chips, onions and pickles, as well as other condiments. So juicy and good!” Deanna explained.

How was the bracket order chosen?

The initial 64 places were selected through Google reviews in early March. A search was done for the highest rated burgers in each Colorado county. Any location which had at least 4.5 stars and 900 total reviews was included in the bracket. Any restaurants with more than one location were included once on the bracket, using the highest-ranked location.

Which burgers made it into the bracket?

Here is a look at the 64 restaurants that made the bracket, based on the above criteria. They were organized by highest rated first.

1. E.L.F. Grill – Dacono
2. Village Smithy Restaurant – Carbondale
3. The Shaggy Sheep – Grant
4. Bob’s Atomic Burgers – Golden
5. Sunshine Café – Silverthorne
6. Doug’s – Loveland
7. Big Burger World – Canon City
8. The Dish Room – Burlington
9. Zig Zag Smokin’ Burger – Greenwood Village
10. Winona’s Restaurant – Steamboat Springs
11. Creekside Cafe & Grill – Steamboat Springs
12. Boss Burgers and Gyros – Estes Park
13. The Pantry – Green Mountain Falls
14. Bud’s Cafe & Bar – Sedalia
15. Meta Burger – Multiple
16. The Little Diner – Vail
17. Crown Burgers – Denver
18. Manitou Brewing Company – Manitou Springs
19. Back Door Grill – Steamboat Springs
20. Carver Brewing Co. – Durango
21. Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – Boulder
22. Henry’s Pub – Loveland
23. Crave Real Burgers – Multiple
24. The Green Line Grill – Colorado Springs
25. Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse – Longmont
26. Briar Common Brewery – Denver
27. Collision Brewing CO – Longmont
28. Bin 707 Foodbar – Grand Junction
29. Three Sister’s Tavern & Grill – Colorado City
30. The Mayor of Old Town – Fort Collins
31. White House Tavern – Aspen
32. Owl Cigar Store – Canon City
33. Hamburguesas Don Jesus – Multiple
34. The Stone House – Montrose
35. The Rubi Slipper LLC – Alamosa
36. Burger Boy Drive In – Cortez
37. Hamburger Mary’s – Denver
38. Crash Burger – Montrose
39. The Cherry Cricket – Multiple
40. Skirted Heifer – Colorado Springs
41. Drifter’s Hamburgers – Colorado Springs
42. Great Scotts Eatery – Broomfield
43. Rosie’s Diner – Monument
44. My Brother’s Bar – Denver
45. Hungry Bear – Woodland Park
46. Kip’s Grill – Pagosa Springs
47. Bunk House Burgers – Canon City
48. Arapahoe Cafe & Pub – Dillon
49. Runza Restaurant – Loveland
50. The Keg Lounge – Manitou Springs
51. The Pullman – Glenwood Springs
52. Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs – Fort Collins
53. O’Malley’s – Palmer Lake
54. The Irish Rover Pub – Denver
55. Billy’s Inn – Denver
56. Park Burger – Multiple
57. Westbound & Down Brewing – Idaho Springs
58. Co. Ranch House – Glenwood Springs
59. Snarfburger – Multiple
60. 20 Mile Tap House – Parker
61. The Castle Bar and Grill – Littleton
62. Park & Co. – Denver
63. Mountain Standard – Vail
64. BJ’s Burgers & Fries – Lamar

There were six different rounds of voting that started on March 28. Voting ended on April 3 at 11:59 p.m.