Molly Martin
Audio By Carbonatix
Long before Whataburger returned to Colorado in 2022, it operated several locations here in the late ’50s. When the brand pulled out of the state decades ago, the location at 595 East 88th Avenue in Thornton was turned into Jim’s Burger Haven by Jim and Arlene Moser in 1961.
Over the years, Jim’s expanded and contracted; in addition to the Thornton original, a second location still operates today in Westminster. But by 1980, the only Denver location, at 23 South Federal Boulevard, had split off to become Grandpa’s Burger Haven.
The similar names often cause confusion, which is exacerbated by the fact that the two spots also have very similar menus, including the same signature item: a large, smashburger-style patty served on a massive six-inch bun. The two burgers have more in common, too, but only one reigns supreme, as Molly Martin revealed this week.
On the Westword Facebook post announcing her winner, readers serve up their own opinions. Says Michael:
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Grandpa’s is a better experience all around, IMHO. Better pickles, better IQF fries and they take the time to get it right. The Arvada Jim’s has been slowly getting sloppy over the last few years. Their other location is fine. But just fine. Always the same and never great.
Counters Justine:
I’m going to go with Jim’s, but Tammy’s was my favorite before it closed twenty years ago.
Adds Casey:
Jim’s Burger Haven is better, but only at the Thornton location. The other location has gone to trash. Grandpa’s is a VERY CLOSE second, though.
Responds Denise:
I did a comparison of these recently as well, after I posted my Grandpa’s burger on Tiktok and everyone told me to go to Jim’s. So I did. They definitely look the same, but I agree that on the flavor alone, Grandpa’s is better. But forget waiting fifty minutes for a basic burger. For that reason, I would go to Jim’s.
Replies Enrique:
Jim’s sucks now; their new buns kinda screw everything up
Comments Angela:
I ate a giant burger from one of those places and had a gall bladder attack the next day. That shit is not meant for human consumption.
Concludes Corey:
That photo looks exactly like Whataburger, so clearly that is the burger winner here!
Have you tried both Grandpa’s and Jim’s? Which do you prefer? And what’s your favorite burger in metro Denver? Post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.
