5 Best Burger Spots in Lakewood, Colorado that Locals Rave About

Lakewood sits just west of Denver, and its burger game reflects that Front Range love of craft beer and hearty comfort food. These five spots are favorites when Lakewood locals start ranking burgers.

1. The Rusty Bucket Grill & Pub

A neighborhood pub that gets a lot of love for its straightforward, well‑executed burgers.

You’ll find several builds: classic cheeseburgers, bacon‑cheddar versions, mushroom‑Swiss, and occasional specials. Patties are juicy and substantial, buns are toasted, and toppings are generous without getting ridiculous. It’s the kind of burger that feels right at home with a local draft beer and a plate of fries while you watch the game.

2. Old 121 Brewhouse (with rotating food trucks)

While Old 121 is primarily a brewery, many Lakewood locals will tell you some of the best burgers in town come from the rotating food trucks parked outside.

Depending on the night, you might find smashburger specialists, gourmet burger trucks, or classic American grills doing thick patties and creative toppings. Grab a burger from the truck, a pint from the bar, and you’ve basically got the Lakewood ideal: casual, local, and very satisfying.

3. The Shack

A laid‑back sports bar that surprises a lot of newcomers with how solid the food is, especially the burgers.

Expect hefty, juicy patties, cheese melted properly, toasted buns, and toppings like bacon, green chile, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños. Many locals rave about the green‑chile‑topped burgers—very Front Range, very craveable. It’s a perfect stop for a burger, beer, and a game night.

4. Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner (Lakewood/Edge of Denver)

A classic roadside diner with a big sign and a very loyal following, Davies’ is all about old‑school Americana.

The burgers are simple, griddled patties on soft buns, dressed with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and cheese. No frills, nothing fancy—just the kind of diner burger that tastes exactly like you want it to, especially with a side of crispy fries or tater tots and a milkshake or soda.

5. Yard House (Belmar)

Yes, it’s a chain, but the Lakewood Yard House in Belmar is a go‑to for many locals when they want a reliable, bigger‑than‑average burger and a huge draft list.

Burgers are generously sized, cooked to order, and come topped with things like white cheddar, truffle aioli, bacon, mushrooms, caramelized onions, or pepper jack and jalapeños. The “House” or “BBQ Bacon” style burgers in particular get a lot of praise. Add in sweet potato fries or onion rings and one of a ton of beers on tap, and you’ve got a very solid Lakewood burger experience.

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