March has been the month of many things—basketball madness, St. Patty’s Day shenanigans, the first day of spring. But it was also the delectable relaunch of DiningOut’s Prime Picks contest. Running every month and showcasing your picks for the best fare in Denver and Boulder, these capture the most delicious part about being a Mile High. This month, we decided to start things off with some true Americana—the classic burger. Here’s how you voted:
Clik here to view.
Elway’s Smash Burger—your Prime Picks winner | Photo courtesy of Elway’s
Number 1 Burger: Elway’s {Cherry Creek and Downtown locations}
Named after football legend John Elway, this upscale steakhouse has been drawing crowds since the ’90s for its elegant, lounge-like atmosphere, prime steaks, and upscale, creative menus. But there’s certainly no pretension in the mix; Elway’s spends as much good meat and magic on its inimitable Smash Burger as anything else on the menu. No wonder, then, that you loved this classic combo of prime beef, mushrooms, Swiss, and sautéed onions on a silky smooth bun.
Clik here to view.
Photo courtesy of Prohibition
Number 2 Burger: Prohibition {504 East Colfax Avenue, Denver; 303.832.4840}
Sister restaurant to SoBro favorite Leña, Prohibition is all about craft cocktails and beer, upscale pub fare, and good times. Chef Emily Hillier is the mind behind the restaurant’s self-described “gastro-tavern” fare, which must mean one thing: a killer burger. Your number-two pick for Best Burger in Denverland was well chosen; made with two short rib patties, special sauce, a brioche bun, and fresh-as-your-garden fixin’s, this is one classic burger that’s a must-have. Oh—and it goes smashingly well with a mountain of sweet potato fries. (P.S. Prohibition offers a one-patty burger, fries, and soda or beer special for lunch.)
Clik here to view.
HTB Angus Smashed Burger |Photo courtesy of Highland Tap & Burger
Number 3 Burger: Highland Tap & Burger {2219 West 32nd Avenue, Denver; 720.287.4493}
Juan Padro is serious about his meat. And Denver, in turn, has taken his elevated pub-style menus seriously, digging into countless burgers and pints at his flagship concept, Highland Tap & Burger in the Highlands. Padro has been busy of late, opening Tap & Burger at Sloan’s Lake in early 2017 and snagging the old Jezebel’s space off Tejon for another inventive concept. But it all started with burgers and beer. We toast Padro’s palate because there’s nothing quite like HTB’s 1/3lb Angus Smashed Burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and barbecue-bacon aïoli. It’s just made for a hop-happy Colorado IPA.
Runners-up: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and Cherry Cricket
Congrats to the winners! Keep an eye on diningout.com for April’s Prime Picks contest—featuring Mile High margaritas!
By Jeffrey Steen, Managing Editor
The post Prime Picks Winners: The Classic Burger appeared first on DiningOut Denver/Boulder.
