The high-country stretch from mexico/" class="ddd-auto-link">New Mexico through Montana might be famed for ski lifts and sweeping vistas, but it’s also home to some seriously crave-able burgers—many of which have earned airtime on the Food Network series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurants below run the gamut from decades-old counter service to retro-modern comfort cafés, yet each slings patties that left Guy Fieri nodding in approval. Plot them on your following road-trip map or enjoy the virtual flavor tour.
1. Crown Burgers — Salt Lake City, UT
A family-run institution since the late 1970s, Crown Burgers melds classic American drive-in vibes with a touch of Greek influence. The menu spans plenty of fast-casual staples, yet the over-the-top burger lineup landed the joint on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Expect char-grilled beef, generous toppings, and a come-as-you-are atmosphere cherished by generations of Salt Lakers, especially after Utah Jazz games.
2. The Sink — Boulder, CO
Tucked beneath a mural-covered storefront on University Hill, The Sink has been feeding CU students and locals since 1923. The spot’s irreverent attitude, eco-minded sourcing, and commitment to scratch cooking resonated on its Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives segment. While pizzas and sandwiches hold their own, the burgers—often dressed with locally baked buns and house sauces—steal the show, pairing perfectly with Colorado craft beer on tap.
Don't lose this list! Drop your email and we'll send it to you, so you've got it handy next time you're hungry or planning a trip.
3. Boise Fry Company — Boise, ID
True to its name, Boise Fry Company puts fries first, offering multiple potato varieties and cut styles. Yet its burgers—built from sustainably raised Northwest beef and bison—proved flavorful enough for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to pay a visit. Customization is the game’s name: patrons select not only their spud of choice but also the burger size, protein, and a rainbow of house-made sauces, all served in a modern, eco-friendly space.
4. Steuben’s — Denver, CO
Housed in a restored mid-century auto garage, Steuben’s celebrates American regional comfort fare—think lobster rolls, gravy-smothered turkey, and, of course, burgers. The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives cameras highlighted the kitchen’s meticulous approach: grinding beef fresh, toasting buns on a flattop, and layering each component so the sandwich eats as neatly as it looks. The result is retro yet refined, perfectly at home in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood.
5. Highland Tavern — Denver, CO
This laid-back neighborhood bar just north of downtown Denver garnered Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives D fame for scratch cooking that goes well beyond typical pub grub. Burgers anchor the menu, featuring house-cured bacon and buns delivered fresh daily. The convivial vibe—complete with shuffleboard tables and local beer—makes Highland Tavern a relaxed spot to refuel after exploring the city’s breweries or bike paths.
6. Jambo Bobcat Bite — Santa Fe, NM
Perched along Old Las Vegas Highway outside Santa Fe, Bobcat Bite began life as a trading post lunch counter for nearby ranchers. Its appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives cemented national respect for a New Mexico specialty: burgers finished with roasted green chiles that add gentle heat and an unmistakable desert aroma. The rustic setting fosters a come-together spirit among locals, hikers, and cross-country road trippers alike.
7. Mountain Shadows Restaurant — Colorado Springs, CO
In a converted 1930s house, Mountain Shadows feels more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than a commercial restaurant. While the cinnamon rolls earned plenty of screen time on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, locals know the burgers are just as satisfying—thick, seared on a flat-top, and paired with simple sides such as potato chips or cottage cheese. Few meals taste better after a hike through the Garden of the Gods.