FOX31 Denver

This is where you can get the best burger in Colorado

Dara Bitler

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.