Two Arvada Burger Spots Make The Denver Post’s “Five most underrated burgers in Denver” list

The Denver Post | Miguel Otarola | February 4, 2026

Riot American Grill | Freedom Street Social | 15177 Candelas Pkwy

Riot (stylized R!ot) is the designated burger stand at three Colorado food halls: Freedom Street Social in Arvada, Junction Food & Drink in south Denver and Parkway Food Hall in Longmont. The Riot burger itself (listed $13.99 online, though fries are extra) has two smash patties, American cheese, pickles, fried onions and, tipping it to greatness, pickled jalapenos for the necessary kick. Riot also has chicken sandwiches, a falafel burger and the option to build your own burger. Though the city of Denver’s licensing department lists the operator as Pete Koury, little else is known about this burger concept’s origins.

Hamburguesas Don Jesus | 5318 Sheridan Blvd.

No one will come out of Hamburguesas Don Jesus thinking their hamburger was too small. Or too plain. If anything, they’ll take one look at the menu, then their basket of burgers and fries, and be humbled by their vastness. There may not be another Denver restaurant that piles as many toppings between two (toasted sesame) buns. The creations abound: The “revuelta” ($15 regular size) pairs the beef patty with chicken nuggets. The “queso fresa” ($15) adds strawberries. The “queso piña” ($13) has pineapple. The “Mar y Mar” ($16) consists of a fried fish filet with fried shrimp. All of the burgers come with sliced avocado, a slice of grilled deli ham, mayo and ketchup. If you don’t want any more than that, order the titular “Don Jesus” ($12).

See the full list at The Denver Post