Tucked along 13th Street in Boulder, Colorado, The Sink has been flipping burgers and winning hearts since 1923. What started as a quirky college-town hangout has grown into a full-blown Boulder institution, famous for its Sinkburgers, Ugly Crust Pizza, and a vibe you simply cannot fake.
With over 3,000 five-star reviews and a century of history painted — literally — on its walls, this funky little diner punches way above its weight. If you have ever wondered where the best cheeseburger in Colorado might be hiding, the answer might just be at The Sink.
The Legendary Sinkburger That Started It All
Some burgers are good. Some are great.
And then there is the Sinkburger — the kind of burger people drive hours for and still talk about weeks later. At The Sink in Boulder, CO, the burger is not just a menu item; it is a statement.
Made with quality Colorado beef, each patty is seasoned and cooked to deliver bold, beefy flavor in every bite. The house-made pickles add a tangy crunch that takes the whole thing to another level.
Reviewers have called it “the best burger in recent memory,” and the restaurant has even won the title of Best Burger in Boulder.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime local, ordering the Sinkburger is practically a rite of passage. Pair it with a side of chili or crispy fries, and you have got yourself a meal worth remembering.
A Century of History Written on Every Wall
Walking into The Sink feels like stepping into a living scrapbook. Every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered in hand-painted murals, graffiti, drawings, and artwork contributed by students, artists, and regulars over more than 100 years.
Founded in 1923, The Sink is one of Boulder’s oldest restaurants and has served generations of University of Colorado students, locals, and travelers passing through. Even President Barack Obama reportedly stopped in for a burger during a campaign visit — a fun fact that still gets mentioned with pride.
A video board inside the restaurant shares stories from The Sink’s long history, giving diners a sense of connection to the place beyond just the food. It is the kind of atmosphere that feels both lived-in and special.
You are not just eating a meal here; you are becoming part of a story that started over a century ago.
The Straw Burger With Crispy Onion Straws
Crunch lovers, meet your match. The Straw Burger at The Sink takes the classic cheeseburger concept and adds a satisfying twist — a generous pile of crispy onion straws stacked right on top of the patty.
One reviewer raved about ordering “the burger with onion straws” and described the experience as nearly speechless-good. The combination of juicy beef, gooey melted cheese, and shatteringly crisp onion straws creates a texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
It is bold, filling, and unapologetically indulgent.
The Sink uses quality ingredients throughout, and the onion straws are no exception — fried to a perfect golden crisp without being greasy. If you are someone who believes toppings can make or break a burger, the Straw Burger will absolutely make your day.
Add a cold local microbrew on the side and you have got yourself a Boulder-worthy meal.
Tres Fuego Burger for the Spice Seekers
Not every burger is built for the faint of heart, and the Tres Fuego Burger at The Sink is proof of that. Designed for people who like a little heat with their meal, this fiery creation layers bold spicy flavors onto a juicy Colorado beef patty.
Reviewers who have tried it describe it as “delicious” with a kick that satisfies without overwhelming. The Sink knows how to balance heat with flavor — something that is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and a spicy sauce work together to create a burger that warms you up from the inside out.
Colorado beef is known for being some of the best in the country, and the Fuego Burger lets that quality shine even through the spice. If your idea of a perfect lunch involves a little sweat and a lot of flavor, this burger deserves a spot at the top of your order list.
The Bacon Jammin Burger — Sweet Meets Savory
Sweet and savory combinations can be hit or miss, but the Bacon Jammin Burger at The Sink absolutely nails it. Featuring bacon and a rich, flavorful jam layered onto a juicy beef patty, this burger is the kind of thing you keep thinking about long after the last bite.
One reviewer shared that they split the Bacon Jammin Burger with their partner and “loved” it, especially when paired with the restaurant’s house-made pickles, which they described as “extra yummy.” That sweet-tangy-salty balance is what makes this burger stand out from a crowded field of competitors.
The Sink has been refining recipes like this for over a century, and that experience shows in every detail. From the quality of the beef to the homemade condiments, nothing feels accidental here.
Ordering the Bacon Jammin Burger feels less like a meal choice and more like a flavor adventure worth taking every single time.
Award-Winning Cowboy Reuben Sandwich
The Cowboy Reuben at The Sink is not your grandmother’s standard deli sandwich — it is a beefed-up, Boulder-style reinvention that has earned serious fan loyalty. Reviewers describe it as one of the restaurant’s standout menu items, right alongside the famous burgers.
Loaded with hearty fillings and served with the Sink’s signature flair, the Cowboy Reuben leans into bold, rich flavors. Some diners note it skews a touch on the sweeter side, which gives it a distinct personality compared to a traditional Reuben.
Another reviewer highlighted the brisket Reuben version as a must-order, calling it “awesome.”
The Sink has been praised for its Reuben so consistently that it practically shares top billing with the Sinkburger itself. If you are visiting Boulder and cannot decide between a burger and a sandwich, good news — the Cowboy Reuben makes that a genuinely tough call worth agonizing over.
Ugly Crust Pizza That Is Beautiful in Every Way
Do not let the name fool you. The Ugly Crust Pizza at The Sink is one of the most talked-about items on the menu, and for good reason.
Cooked in a wood-fired oven, each pie comes out with a beautifully charred, thick crust that has a smoky depth most chain pizzas could never dream of achieving.
Reviewers have raved about the goat cheese pizza, the small cheese pizza piled high with toppings, and the wood-fired crust itself. One customer described the sauce as “tasty” and the crust as “nice and thick” — exactly what you want from a Colorado-style pie.
Another praised the Fuego pizza experience as a perfect companion to a cold craft beer.
The Sink has been winning pizza fans over for decades, and the Ugly Crust lineup proves that a little char and a lot of quality ingredients can make something truly memorable. Order a whole pie — you will not regret it.
Brisket Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show
Mac and cheese is comfort food royalty, but the Brisket Mac and Cheese at The Sink takes that crown and runs with it. Tender smoked brisket layered over creamy, rich macaroni and cheese creates a dish that reviewers consistently describe as a highlight of their entire visit.
One diner shared they were “near speechless” after trying the brisket mac and cheese, calling the flavors “excellent.” Another visitor drove in from Colorado Springs specifically to try the menu and singled out the Burnt Ends Mac and Cheese as one of the best dishes they had anywhere. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to fake.
For a restaurant best known for its burgers, pulling off a mac and cheese this good is genuinely impressive. The Sink manages to make even its side dishes feel like destination-worthy experiences.
Skip the mac at your own risk — it is the kind of dish that turns first-time visitors into regulars almost immediately.
The Chili That Has People Dreaming From Other States
Sometimes a side dish surprises you so much that it becomes the whole reason you plan a return trip. That is exactly what happened to one Illinois visitor who ordered a side of chili at The Sink and found himself rating it among the best chilis he had ever tried in his life.
He wrote that the chili was “completely unexpected” and admitted it was tempting to ask if they could freeze and ship it to him. That kind of reaction from a casual side order says everything about the kitchen’s commitment to quality at every level of the menu.
Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, the chili at The Sink pairs perfectly with a burger and fries. Whether you order it as a side or on its own, it delivers a warmth and depth that feels intentional rather than afterthought.
Boulder’s best chili might just live at 1165 13th Street.
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie You Cannot Skip
Saving room for dessert at The Sink is not optional — it is a survival strategy. The skillet chocolate chip cookie is one of those desserts that reviewers cannot stop talking about, even weeks after their visit.
One diner described still dreaming about the skillet cookie long after finishing their meal, calling it an absolute must-order. Baked fresh in a cast iron skillet, the cookie arrives warm, gooey, and golden-edged — the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table reach for a fork without asking permission.
It is the perfect sweet finale after a savory, satisfying Sinkburger experience.
The Sink has always understood that a great meal deserves a great ending, and the skillet cookie delivers every single time. Whether you are sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself, this dessert is proof that sometimes the simplest ideas, executed perfectly, are the most unforgettable ones on the entire menu.
Local and Regional Microbrews on Tap
Colorado is one of the best craft beer states in the country, and The Sink takes full advantage of that by stocking a rotating selection of local and regional microbrews. Whether you are a hophead or a mellow lager lover, there is something on tap that will pair beautifully with your meal.
The combination of a juicy Sinkburger and a cold local craft beer is the kind of simple pleasure that makes Boulder feel like the best place in the world. Reviewers frequently mention grabbing a cold brew alongside their food, with one noting it as the perfect complement to the Fuego Burger and Ugly Crust Pizza.
Beyond beer, The Sink also shakes up creative cocktails like espresso martinis, margaritas, and lavender-infused drinks that have earned their own fan base. The drink menu is as thoughtfully curated as the food, making The Sink a genuinely well-rounded spot for a full night out in Boulder.
An Atmosphere Unlike Any Other in Boulder
There is no shortage of restaurants in Boulder, but The Sink has something most of them simply cannot buy — genuine character built over 100 years. The low ceilings, hand-painted murals, graffiti-covered walls, and eclectic mix of art create an atmosphere that feels both chaotic and completely intentional.
Reviewers consistently describe the vibe as “cool,” “awesome,” “kooky,” and “a must-see.” One visitor called the interior “a living piece of art,” while another noted the video board inside the restaurant shares stories from The Sink’s long history, adding a warm, homey dimension to the experience. Even the quirky ceiling — a hazard for tall visitors — adds charm rather than frustration.
The energy inside The Sink is upbeat, lively, and genuine. It is the kind of place where music feels right, conversations flow easily, and you leave feeling like you actually experienced Boulder rather than just passed through it.
Come hungry. Stay for the atmosphere.
Dog-Friendly Patio Worth Knowing About
Boulder is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Colorado, so it makes perfect sense that The Sink keeps that spirit alive with a welcoming patio where four-legged guests are more than just tolerated — they are genuinely welcomed. One reviewer specifically mentioned how respectful the staff were of their dog during a patio visit, making it a standout experience for pet owners.
The outdoor seating offers a great way to enjoy your Sinkburger with fresh Colorado air and a relaxed, neighborhood feel. Whether you are catching a sunny afternoon or winding down after a hike, the patio adds an extra layer of comfort to an already welcoming spot.
The Sink is open until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a flexible option for both lunch crowds and dinner plans. Grab a table outside, bring your pup, and let Boulder’s best cheeseburger experience unfold at a pace that suits you perfectly.