Colorado is home to some of the most flavorful wild game dishes in the country, and elk burgers sit right at the top of that list. Rich, lean, and packed with a deep, savory taste that beef just cannot match, elk burgers have become a beloved staple across the state.
From historic Denver steakhouses to cozy mountain hideaways, these restaurants have mastered the art of the elk burger. Whether you are a longtime fan or curious for your first bite, these spots are absolutely worth the trip.
Buckhorn Exchange – Denver, Colorado
Denver’s oldest restaurant has been feeding hungry guests since 1893, and the Buckhorn Exchange wears that history like a badge of honor. Walking inside feels like stepping into a Colorado time capsule, with over 500 mounted animals covering the walls.
Their elk burger is a true standout — seasoned simply to let the meat’s natural richness shine. Locals swear by it, and first-timers are almost always converted after just one bite.
The Cherry Cricket – Denver, Colorado
Ask any Denver local where to grab a legendary burger, and The Cherry Cricket will almost certainly come up. This beloved neighborhood spot has been a Cherry Creek staple for decades, drawing regulars who know exactly what they want before they even sit down.
The elk burger here comes loaded with creative topping options, letting you build something truly your own. The relaxed, buzzing atmosphere makes every visit feel like catching up with old friends.
Park Burger – Denver, Colorado
Park Burger keeps things refreshingly straightforward — quality ingredients, honest preparation, and burgers that genuinely deliver on flavor. The elk burger here has earned a loyal following among health-conscious diners who want something leaner without sacrificing taste.
Elk meat is naturally lower in fat than beef, making it a smart swap that still satisfies. Park Burger’s relaxed, neighborhood vibe makes it a perfect weeknight dinner stop or a laid-back weekend lunch destination.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Greenwood Village, Colorado
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is not shy about bold flavors, and their elk burger proves it. Known for inventive combinations and generous portions, this Greenwood Village location attracts burger enthusiasts who appreciate a little extra creativity on their plate.
The kitchen takes pride in sourcing quality game meat and pairing it with toppings that complement rather than overpower. Pair your elk burger with one of their craft shakes and you have got a seriously satisfying meal.
The Fort – Morrison, Colorado
Perched dramatically above Red Rocks with sweeping mountain views, The Fort is one of Colorado’s most iconic dining destinations. Built as a replica of Bent’s Old Fort, this Morrison gem has championed Rocky Mountain cuisine since 1963.
Their elk burger is a nod to Colorado’s rich frontier history, prepared with the same care as their celebrated game entrees. Eating here feels ceremonial — the kind of meal that sticks with you long after you have left.
Bruce’s Bar and Restaurant – Severance, Colorado
Bruce’s Bar and Restaurant in Severance is the kind of place that reminds you why small-town restaurants often beat the big-city spots. Famous for its quirky Rocky Mountain oyster festival, Bruce’s also quietly serves one of the most satisfying elk burgers on the Front Range.
The atmosphere is unpretentious and warm, with regulars who treat newcomers like neighbors. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the elk burger delivers that smoky, earthy richness that keeps people driving out of their way.
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – Boulder, Colorado
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery has been Boulder’s beloved community gathering spot since 1993, known for handcrafted beers and a menu that takes local ingredients seriously. The elk burger fits right into their philosophy of thoughtful, quality-driven cooking.
Pair it with one of their rotating seasonal brews and you have got a combination that feels made for Colorado. The laid-back, tie-dye-tinged atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food itself.
Trailhead Restaurant – Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park sits at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Trailhead Restaurant captures that adventurous spirit perfectly. Hikers, campers, and wildlife watchers all find their way here after a long day on the trails.
The elk burger is a natural fit for the setting — hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying after hours of mountain air. Locals recommend it with a side of their seasoned fries to round out a meal that feels completely earned.
The Grubsteak Restaurant – Estes Park, Colorado
Few restaurants in Estes Park carry as much local pride as The Grubsteak. Open since 1967, this cozy spot has served generations of families who return year after year for the food and the familiarity.
Their elk burger comes stacked with classic toppings and cooked to a perfect medium, letting the meat’s bold, slightly sweet flavor take center stage. It is the kind of burger that tastes even better because of the stories shared around the table.
Handlebars Food & Saloon – Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is a town that feels frozen in Colorado’s mining era, and Handlebars Food & Saloon fits that character completely. The energy inside is loud, fun, and unapologetically western — exactly the kind of place where an elk burger makes total sense.
Their version is bold and satisfying, built for appetites sharpened by Silverton’s high-altitude air at over 9,300 feet. The saloon atmosphere adds a layer of charm that turns a simple meal into a genuine Colorado adventure.
High Mountain Pies – Leadville, Colorado
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States at over 10,000 feet, and the food scene there punches well above its elevation. High Mountain Pies is a local favorite known for creative comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Their elk burger brings a welcome twist to the menu, offering that rich game flavor in a satisfying, approachable format. After exploring Leadville’s fascinating mining history, stopping here feels like the perfect reward.
Big Horn Restaurant – Estes Park, Colorado
Named after the majestic bighorn sheep that roam nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Horn Restaurant embraces Colorado’s wild spirit in every dish. The elk burger here has become a signature item that regulars request without even glancing at the menu.
Seasoned confidently and cooked with care, it delivers a depth of flavor that surprises first-time elk eaters. The friendly, unhurried service makes this spot feel like a genuine home away from home in the mountains.
Twin Owls Steakhouse – Estes Park, Colorado
Tucked inside a stunning 1930s log cabin at the base of Twin Owls rock formation, Twin Owls Steakhouse brings an air of romance and refinement to Estes Park dining. Known primarily for exceptional steaks, their elk burger holds its own with remarkable confidence.
The kitchen treats game meat with serious respect, allowing its natural complexity to shine through. Dining here feels like a special occasion even on a regular Tuesday, and the elk burger is a big reason why.