After a day on the slopes or hiking the trails, I bet you are hungry for a big, juicy burger, right? Head to Empire Burger in Breckenridge, Colorado, when that burger craving hits.
Disclosure: This review of my dining experience at Empire Burger in Breckenridge, CO, contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase.
Empire Burger: Breckenridge’s Favorite Burger Spot?
Empire Burger, located on the second level of La Cima Mall, looks out over Main Street in Breckenridge, a small ski resort town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
I visited on a sunny September afternoon with temperatures in the 60s, and I considered dining outside on the restaurant’s patio, where diners look out to the mountain peaks.
The Main Street location is conveniently within walking distance of boutique shops, other local restaurants, craft beverage establishments, ski lifts, and lodging, including the vacation rental where I stayed.
Inside Empire Burger, the vibe was utterly cool. Classic rock played in the background, and natural Colorado sunlight poured into the open space.
Despite all that, it was clear the quality of the food and drinks was what really made dining at Empire Burger a “cool” experience. Year after year, Empire earns local residents’ votes for the “best burger” in the “Best of Summit County.”
The Main Dish: Burgers
Naturally, you should order a burger at an establishment with “burger” in its name. The menu lists 10 all-natural beef burgers, including the Kona burger topped with Swiss cheese, ham, a pineapple ring, and “firecracker” sauce.
Based on the bartender’s approval, I chose the 1/3 lb. Western burger topped with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, hickory bacon, pickles, grilled onions, and mustard. As promised, it was loaded with toppings and bursting with flavor. I’d definitely order this again.
In addition to the Harris Ranch beef burgers, Empire Burger offers bison patties, the vegan Impossible Burger, and gluten-free buns upon request.
On the Menu: More Than Burgers
Though the burger reigns over this empire, the menu features even more “not a burger” options, mostly sandwiches, salads, and sharable appetizers.
However, vegetarian main-dish options are limited to a veggie Cobb salad and a grilled cheese on Texas Toast.
A la carte, you can order hand-cut fries made daily from Idaho potatoes, onion rings, tots, or kettle chips. You also get your choice from a selection of 20 dipping sauces.
I ordered the fries with the sweet mango chutney, which I was told is a customer favorite. Pairing sweet mango with fried potatoes sounded like an odd flavor combination, but it was seriously delicious.
A side order of fries is definitely worth adding to your meal. Given the size of the burgers, you can probably share the fries and just order an additional sauce for 75 cents. I bet the Sriracha Mayo would go really well with the fries or onion rings!
At the Bar: Boozey Shakes & More
Empire Burger also offers a full bar with rotating beer tap handles, a selection of wine, alcoholic milkshakes, hand-crafted margaritas, and other seasonal cocktails. When I visited, one of the featured cocktails was a fruity, refreshing red sangria, but the margaritas also sounded tempting!
Empire Burger Essential Info
- Address: La Cima Mall, 500 S. Main St., Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Phone: 970-453-2329
- Website: empireburger.com
- Hours: 11 a.m. – Midnight daily
- Price: $$
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Reservations: Not available
- Takeout: Order here
- Gluten-free Options: Available
- Vegetarian Options: Limited
- Vegan Options: Limited
- Where To Stay Nearby: Range View Rentals’ Tannhauser 212
Is Empire Burger the Best Burger in Breckenridge?
If you ask the local voters in the annual “Best of Summit Co” contest, it is. Empire Burger has been named Summit County’s “best burger” since 2007!
Though I haven’t eaten burgers elsewhere in Breckenridge yet, I can’t argue with the locals based on my experience. That Western Burger hit the spot after the drive from Colorado Springs during my Colorado road trip.
If you are hungry after skiing the slopes, biking to a local brewery, or taking one of the best fall hikes in Colorado, sink your teeth into a mouthwatering burger at Empire Burger. Then, comment on this post to let us know if you agree with its “best burger” badge of honor!
Do you have another favorite burger in Breckenridge? I’d love to hear about your Breckenridge burger-eating experiences, too. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below this post.
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Not called EMPIRE Burger for nothing lol. Looks amazing and yes I have had a sweet mango chutney before with fries, yummy. And I’ll take that sangria too lol.
Oh, my, everything sounds so good! I love bison so that would be my choice for a burger. I had bison prime rib once in Denver. To die for!
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