Molly Martin
Audio By Carbonatix
From newer spots to old-school favorites, Denver has a lot of burger options. One of the oldest is Grandpa’s Burger Haven, a small stand at 23 South Federal Boulevard that celebrated its seventieth anniversary last year.
It was originally part of the local Jim’s Burger Haven chain, which was founded in Thornton by Jim and Arlene Moser in 1961; Jim’s still has locations in Thornton and Westminster. The Federal spot split from Jim’s and became Grandpa’s in 1980; it’s known for its wide, six-inch burgers – “#1 on the big bun,” as the sign says.
Now Randy Goddard has sold Grandpa’s to a new owner. And in their comments on the Westword Facebook post of the news, regulars chew over what the change could mean. Says Paul:
Love me some Grandpa’s.
Offers Gerard:
I hope they keep the essence.
Adds Greg:
I hope they don’t change a damn thing.
Counters Brian:
Good. Maybe the new owners will make a consistent schedule for business hours. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone there and they were closed in the middle of the day or closed hours before they were supposed to.
Responds Kyle:
That’s half its charm.
Adds Donald:
I’m sure it is closed at some time in the day. It’s not called Grandpa’s without a reason.
Notes Darrel:
They are so proud of the original smashburger. Never mind that they start with a thin patty and smash it so much you can use it for shoe sole.
Adds Miguel:
Hopefully they will make the patties a li’l thicker ‘cuz they’re paper thin now. All you taste is bread when you bite in. Highly recommend getting the double patty burger
Recalls Alvin:
I grew up eating at this place since it was Jim’s Burger Haven.
Concludes Christopher:
The best one was Tami’s Burger Haven across from Lakeside Mall.
What’s your favorite old-school burger joint? Who serves the best burger in town? See our burger guide here, then post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.
