Memorial Day is right around the corner, on May 27, which means the sun is shining and grilling season is upon us. As the weather warms up, there are endless spots to visit in the Centennial state. Check out this roundup of local spots below.
BurnDown
BurnDown, the three-floor bar and restaurant, is the perfect place to soak up the Colorado sunshine and grab a burger this Memorial Day. The restaurant is known to have the best views in town and offers several burger options to pick from. If looking for a summer classic, the Burndown classic burger is a must-eat ($15), or for something unique—guests can order the Instagram-worthy BurnDown Burger which is made with Waygu beef and topped with Tabasco-tossed fried onions, cheese, garlic aioli, arugula and is capped with a black charcoal-infused bun ($20). Those looking for a vegetarian option can try the Southwest black bean burger; topped with avocado, jalapeno ranch, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, this is a tasty option with a kick ($16).
Toro
Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, renowned for its Pan-Latin cuisine, reimagines the Memorial Day classic with its Bison Burger. This specialty features a flavorful bison patty topped with morita bacon jam, garlic crema, and chipotle jack cheese ($23). The bison’s lean, rich flavor pairs perfectly with the smoky sweetness of the morita bacon jam. The creamy garlic crema adds a cool contrast, while the chipotle jack cheese delivers a spicy kick. Served on toasted pretzel buns, Toro’s Bison Burger is a delicious and unique tribute to Memorial Day, blending Latin-inspired flavors with American tradition.
Elevated Q at The Orchard Town Center
For those who want to enjoy the taste of homemade barbecue without the mess this Memorial Day, Elevated Q at The Orchard Town Center offers the best quality meat prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Its specialties include Texas brisket, Carolina pork, KC burnt ends and Memphis ribs, which can be enjoyed with cornbread, mac and cheese grits and other tasty sides. Elevated Q’s offers are available for takeout, and the ribs, brisket, turkey and jackfruit can be purchased by the 1/4, 1/2 and one pound for a big Memorial Day party.
The Cherry Cricket
For an above-par version of the classic Memorial Day backyard burger, The Cherry Cricket serves up award-winning options at three locations or for takeout. With a menu that offers thousands of customizable burgers and a handful of Cricket Classics, there are options for everyone to celebrate with this Memorial Day. The Cherry Cricket’s 983 Big Cheesy and The Cricket Royale pair perfectly with their boozy shakes and refreshing craft cocktails, including Peachy Keen and Ranch Water in Paradise. Sit back, relax and enjoy The Cherry Cricket favorites.
Wynkoop Brewing Co.
Looking to enjoy a beer and some comfort food this Memorial Day? At Wynkoop Brewing Co., Denver’s very first microbrewery and brewpub, there’s something for everyone, from seasonally-rotating brews to crafted cocktails, tacos and burgers. Wynkoop’s laid-back atmosphere is a great way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends while being steps away from the city’s Memorial Day festivities.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
For those celebrating Memorial Day in the Springs, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. is a great place to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. With a large dining room, bars on every floor and a pool hall for some friendly competition, Phantom Canyon offers an unforgettable evening with great food and beer to celebrate! Guests can enjoy one of the brewery’s signature beers while munching on fried pickles, the Phantom Burger or the lemon Tabasco fried chicken and finish the night with a craft cocktail or the seasonal bread pudding.
In addition to the weekend festivities, Phantom Canyon offers an all-day Military Night Special every Thursday. This special includes 20% off all food and drinks in its second-floor pool hall to all active and retired military members to honor their service.
Inverness Denver
The historic Inverness has been a staple of the Denver community for decades, and this Memorial Day, the iconic institution is planning a massive barbeque available to all interested. The barbeque will feature a variety of smoked and grilled meats, vegetables and classic fixin’s. The event also offers families the opportunity to enjoy the long weekend and bond over cornhole, large tic-tac-toe and other yard games.
My Neighbor Felix
With four locations in Colorado, the casual Mexican spot offers good times, fresh food and margaritas to all who visit. Because Memorial Day is synonymous with grilled food, My Neighbor Felix’s extensive grilled items entice guests to stay and indulge. Fan favorites include the delectable grilled corn ribs ($12), the Pacifica grilled shrimp ($30) and carne asada fajitas ($58, serving two guests or more). And a classic addition to any meal is the mountain of My Neighbor Nachos ($15), which are topped with pork green chile, black beans, queso blanco, adobo sauce and chipotle crema. In the spirit of Memorial Day, mixologists at My Neighbor Felix will be rolling out red, white and blue margarita flights. A portion of the flight sales will be donated to charitable partner, Pikes Peak United Way. Those interested in visiting can browse menus and locations and make reservations here.