Denver’s Famous Mexican Burger

You may not know it but Denver is famous for its Mexican burger. Refried beans and a burger are stuffed in a tortilla and smothered with green chile!

You may not know it but Denver is famous for its Mexican burger.

This Mexican hamburger was actually concocted at a now defunct restaurant, Joe’s Buffet, in the 60’s.

What is a Mexican Hamburger?

Though this looks like standard Tex-Mex fare through research (that I didn’t do), I am happy to say that the Mile High City lays claim to this iconic beef burger that is grilled and placed on a flour tortilla spread with refried beans and topped with green chile.

It’s fun to read about famous foods from all over and I am happy to report that Denver is known for more than its Rocky Mountain oysters!

Don’t know what those are? Well, they are the part of the steer that a cow doesn’t have!

And yes, I had plenty in my college days when we used to go to Bruce’s Bar in Severance, Colorado and drank lots of beer and ate these fried “delicacies” with cocktail sauce.

Yes, Colorado is a great place to live!

Famous Denver Food

No Philly cheese steaks here, but we are know for our lamb, trout and local breweries.

Local produce such as Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford cantaloupe and Olathe sweet corn, all start showing up in early July.

But the Denver omelette is year-round!

It’s great to have local farmers close by and summer food really wets my taste buds.

Don’t forget Colorado style green chile which has pork and tomatoes and is different than my New Mexican style green chile.

Want to know some of my Denver favorites? Who knows-maybe you will come visit!

You can find really good Colorado style green chile at La Loma and El Taco de Mexico, which has been honored by the James Beard society.

Not a fancy place and no Margaritas, but really good food.

For Margaritas make sure you hit La Loma!

The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest restaurant and may as well be a history museum. Go for the steak!

It’s actually where we are going this year to celebrate Alex and Zoe’s 32nd birthday!

Ice cream on a warm summer evening?

By all means hit Little Man ice cream or Bonnie Brae-just because Zoe loves it and Evan used to work there!

I’m a fan of the Triple Death Chocolate!

Best burgers? There are so many, but we love The Cherry Cricket and soon they will be opening one by me. Hurray!

The Denver food scene is always evolving and yes, there is great food to be had here in the local restaurants, here in the Rocky Mountains!

Amazingly we also have great sushi and the freshest seafood is flown in daily by the owners of Izakaya Den and Sushi Den.

By all means if you love sushi, visit and also explore Pearl Street.

Denver restaurants often offer a great happy hour. In the DTC area we hit up Ocean Prime, Ruth’s Chris and Pappadeaux’s.

But the best restaurants-meaning not chains, are located near downtown.

It’s fun going to Denver’s original food halls.

The Source and Denver Central Market both are fun to explore.

My other fave is the Dairy Block which isn’t far from Union Station, which is a great place to go also.

The great hall is perfect for people watching.

Make sure to grab a gin and tonic from Ultreia and have a few tapas while you’re there.

Don’t forget to explore the River North arts district, and grab a New York bagel from Rosenberg’s bagels.

Really, they supposedly have figured out the secret of the water!

My favorite Italian restaurant is Bar Dough in the Highlands area, but a close second is Spuntino for handmade pasta.

Don’t miss the fabulous Rosales Mexican bakery across the street.

Leave time to walk around Cherry Creek North.

It is constantly changing but there are some unique boutiques, great restaurants and several new boutique hotels that have recently opened.

Play ping pong and eat dumplings at Ace Eat Serve on 17th.

Our art museum is fabulous, too.

But tasty dishes are what I’m about and just make sure you are on the look out for the Mexican burger.

Want a great breakfast and a Mexican burger? If you’re downtown go to Sam’s #3, another popular restaurant that kind of is a dive at the same time!

And if you have a car, don’t miss Red Rocks. Great for a concert, perfect for a hike and truly amazing views of Denver.

Plus if you’re into dinosaurs you can do the dinosaur trail near there.

Have fun exploring the mile-high city, but be prepared that restaurants do change.

So I’d always advise calling first!

But back to the the Mexican burger which everyone should be on the hunt for.

The Mexican Burger is smothered in green chile.

Often found at Mexican restaurants and diners, this burger can be easily made at home.

Now is the time to seek out chile roasters. I always head over to Federal Blvd to find mine. (Federal Blvd is also where the best Vietnames restaurants are found!)

I buy a bushel, clean them and then freeze for future use.

If the only thing you make green chile for is this Mexican burger, well that’s a mighty good reason to me.

Green chile is the best way to make everything taste better-just top your scrambled eggs with this and you will know what I’m talking about.

But the other great way to use green chile is making this smothered Mexican burger!

Now we’re talking good food, shall we?

This local favorite is just a good time to satisfy all your Mexican cravings!

Need Some More?

Chilaquiles

Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger

Mexican Poblano Cheese Casserole

 

Print