The fast casual Denver dining scene is now home to Hopdoddy Burger Bar. As I was recently in Austin, I thought I’d check out the original Hopdoddy. Hungry burger fans apparently line up and wait in a line stretching around the building, so, we couldn’t have gotten there at a better time. There was one customer in front of us ordering and within two minutes the line behind us was 30+ deep.
Green Chili Queso with Kennebec Fries were a must try, and I couldn’t stop eating them. The pile quickly disappeared from our tray.
Hopdoddy frequently runs new special burgers for a week or so at a time, and this week the special was a called Ghostland Burgatory and had ghost peppers, serranos, and habañeros for a special kick, and required the signing of a waiver. I didn’t go for this one, as I wasn’t in the mood for torture. I opted for the Continental Club, as it’s a turkey burger and I prefer them when eating burgers as I prefer turkey to beef.
The Continental Club was perfect for me with provolone, apple-smoked bacon, arugula, and basil pesto. The whole wheat bun had a sprinkling of pepitas on top, which added a nice occasional crunch.
We also tried their veggie burger, La Bandita, which is a black bean and corn patty topped with avocado, arugula, goat cheese, cilantro pesto, and chipotle mayo. Now, not to cheapen the other burgers, but, a lot of places can throw a bunch of toppings on a burger and make it taste great. Not every place actually makes a good veggie burger, so it’s a good marker in my book of a good burger place if they can make all of their diners happy.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar in an Austin favorite and has expanded to a few other markets, including Denver in the newly remodeled Union Station. If you haven’t been yet, allow me to suggest giving them a try the next time you feel like going out for a burger. This place not only does it right, they’re committed to serving meats that are from humanely and anti-biotic free animals, locally grown greens, freshly baked buns, craft beer, and the list goes on. See for yourself here.