In a city packed with burger buzz, from longtime institutions to chef-driven newcomers, it’s easy to default to the usual suspects. But when we asked our team at RE/MAX of Cherry Creek to share their personal go-to spots, a different list emerged: the under-the-radar favorites that locals quietly swear by. Consider this your insider’s guide to Denver’s most underrated burgers: the ones worth going out of your way for.

• My Brother’s Bar (Platte Street): “No gimmicks—just a perfectly seasoned patty and simple toppings that somehow come together perfectly,” Amanda Maxwell says, calling out the bison burger as a standout. It’s a sentiment echoed by Jon Koneman, who praises the famously seasoned flat-top grill and goes straight for the jalapeño cream cheese burger. 
• Grandpa’s Burger Haven (Athmar Park / South Federal): Koneman’s other top pick leans nostalgic and unapologetically old-school. “A classic smashburger spot with huge buns and simple toppings,” he says. This longtime local favorite is known for its straightforward approach and retro feel, earning a reputation as one of Denver’s beloved hole-in-the-wall burger joints.
• The Bull & Bush (Cherry Creek / Glendale area): For Ken Malo, it’s all about the experience as much as the burger. He points to “creative, good-size burgers” paired with a more elevated, pub-style atmosphere that feels a step above your typical burger stop, ideal for when you want something classic with a slightly upscale twist.
• NADC Burger (LoDo / Larimer Square): Kristie Nelson keeps it simple: “They have one burger—and it’s the best.” That streamlined approach is intentional. NADC has built a following around doing one thing exceptionally well: a double wagyu smashburger with cheese and house sauce, a concept that’s quickly gained attention in Denver’s burger scene. 
• Odie B’s (Sunnyside and Rino): Laura D’Ardenne sums it up perfectly: “Soooo delicious.” Known for its crispy-edged smashburgers, Odie B’s has become a neighborhood favorite for its balance of rich flavor, melty cheese, and just the right amount of sauce.
• Poppies Restaurant & Lounge (University Hills): Shannon Gillespie appreciates the consistency: a hearty half-pound burger cooked exactly how you like it, paired with great fries. It’s the kind of reliable, classic spot that doesn’t chase trends…and doesn’t need to.
• Murphy’s Mountain Grill (Evergreen): Taking things beyond city limits, Macey Franko highlights this cozy creek-side gem. “There’s something for everyone,” she notes, from beef to elk to chicken burgers, with standout options like the Black & Bleu and Southern Charm. The inviting patio and mountain-town atmosphere only add to the appeal, making it as much about the setting as the burger itself.

The takeaway? Denver’s best burgers aren’t always the loudest or trendiest, they’re the ones locals keep going back to, again and again.