I am giving 2 stars because I heard the food was good. I'm a local yocal and decided to try this place out. They wanted to charge us 50 cents to buy a mask. We asked if we could just order the food and wait outside. This wasn't a option. Only 7 feet away from Us was an seated unmasked family. Do the germs stop at 3ft high? So we went to another establishment in town and had a much better experience. read more

My husband and I went to get shakes for his birthday. Two people came 5 minutes after us and ordered food and a shake. Got theirs before us. This is why you don't let kids run your business. Shameful. read more

This little hidden gem is awesome!! Was driving through on our way to Winter Park and had some ice cream. So yummy! Don't pass this up if you're in the area!! read more

**Note: CASH ONLY I'm not the only local that can say it's turned into a tradition to stop at this place on the way home from a ski day. Empire Dairy King serves up delicious burgers, fries, shakes, and malts. Portions are always very generous and of high quality. My go-to is a quarter pounder cheeseburger and a chocolate malt (with a basket of fries to share!). The zucchini fries are also very good! The people are friendly, and it's a very "home-y" place to relax before heading home. read more

When you look up the definition of 'Mom & Pop" burger joint in the dictionary, there is only one that truly exemplifies the phrase: Dairy King! It's not just the fact that it's a locally family owned establishment. The food it fantastic after a long day of skiing. I highly recommend a double cheese burger and a medium chocolate malt. SOOO GOOD! TOURISTS BEWARE: Dairy King is not the major source of income for Empire, Colorado. Their biggest revenue earner is a zero tolerance, kangaroo court backed speed trap. When the sign says 25mph, they mean 25mph. They will pull you over on a slow day for going 26. It is criminal. And there is no fighting it, because I think the Cop and the Judge are the same guy. read more

It's like hamburger stands days gone by The food is not four star it's nostalgically comfort The ice cream is top of its game will be back read more

I really do enjoy stoping here anytime I travel to and from on Berthoud Pass. I think I look forward to it because of the memories that I have of eating here with my dad. I have to say five stars for the ice cream - I mean what's better then yummy shakes and sundaes after the traffic of I 70 or the pass. The rest of the menu is good- it satisfies. It's not gourmet but that's not what this place is about - it's just good filling kinda just what you want before or after a trip in the mountains. I do think they could work on safer parking area and eating space - not complaining about outside only during Covid but when this place is busy it's hard to enjoy eating at the location and honestly who wants a driver trying to scoop sundae on I70 or the pass. Crossing the street is at times like a game of frogger. read more

Good 'ol classic greasy burger joint and shakes. Highly recommend. Katelyn is super nice! I love being a regular there. My co worker loves the fried zucchini there. read more

Not good. Ordered a chocolate milkshake, tasted nothing like chocolate. Burger was fine. So were the fried pickles. That's Colorado for ya.

Came in for my first time. I ordered a veggie burger, fries and a banana/peanut butter shake. The shake was really good. The fries and veggie burger were good. I learned while trying to pay that they do not accept credit cards. Luckily I had enough cash on me to cover the bill and a tip. It's a nice little spot in Empire, when looking to get some food. Service was decent, average, and standard. read more

Food is amazing! My favorite fast food place hands down. Everything is always fresh and the selection of shakes is astounding. They use real ingredients rather than just syrups. The service can be slow but they are always friendly. Not much seating but they've recently added outdoor heating for when it gets cold! Have never written a review before. This place is worth it. read more

Driving by on our little road trip outing saw this place on the side of the road. Went ahead stopped for an ice cream cone. Waited in line for a good ten minutes. My turn to order, this customer who already ordered and left the line came back. Stepped in front of me and ordered some merch and the cashier allowing this to happen. Then after he was done paying she looked at me and said one second and walked away. She finally came back and proceeded to attend that same customer who bought a couple of T-shirt's. Then she proceeded to take my order. I ordered a scoop of butter pecan cone also medium strawberry shake. How long do you think It would take to get that order? Well I waited another 5-10 minutes. I had to ask the person who made the shake if she could give my shake to me. Shake was just sitting there made. So that's the reason for me having to ask for it. The ambiance if you want to call it that. There were flies, the kitchen floor had garbage laying around. Saw a gallon size can of I guess It was supposed to be chocolate syrup. The can looked rusted,chocolate running down the side flies all over. Won't be returning here. read more

I came in here fully expecting to deduct a star or two for not taking credit cards. But food like this needs five stars. My burger was delicious, and obviously put together with care and love. I also give major props for allowing patrons the choice of about a half dozen different types of cheese to top the burger - nice touch. My son and I shared a large basket of fries, and we almost couldn't finish the large portion. But we did, because they were perfect. Nice crispness to the outside, kept me coming back for more. No meal of burgers and fries is complete without some type of ice cream. Today's selection was a strawberry milkshake made with soft serve (also have the choice of hand dipped ice cream for an additional charge). The shake did NOT disappoint, although I was almost wishing I'd gone a size larger...but I was seriously stuffed. We will be back whenever possible. This meal was flawless. The woman who took our order was kind and low key - suited this place perfectly. read more

Empire Dairy King - Perfect fries. Just add ketchup! - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

See all

Amazing! Unassuming spot on the way to Winter Park. Had a peanut butter almond shake and it was AMAZING. I'm definitely stopping by on my next trip! Portions are big (picture is a small)! Staff was extremely friendly and patient. Stop by this place! read more

Empire Dairy King - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

My ski buddies and I always stop here after a trip to Winter Park. Hot Sandwiches, fresh coffee, and your favorite soft ice cream. What a place to relax before attacking I-70 read more

Empire Dairy King - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

Topics: allergies and hours. We love this place. My husband and I spent time here as kids. Now we get to share it with our kids. They were able to accommodate our food allergies. Nuts and eggs are our biggies. I'm attaching a picture of the hours. I couldn't find it on here so hope that helps. Highly recommend this place. read more

Empire Dairy King - Hours!! - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

See all

If you're headed up Berthoud Pass and find yourself in need of a snack be sure to forego the typical fast food stops and hold out for a visit to the Empire Dairy King. This locally owned and operated burger and ice cream joint has some of the best grub around! I salivate thinking of their bacon cheese burgers with golden fries, while my husband can not resist their thick, rich butterscotch milkshake. There are other options on their handwritten sign as well. Know that this is a cash only establishment and that the place is a bit divey, but it's certainly a diamond in the rough! Grab some goodies and enjoy their little patio or take it for the road, but don't drive by the Empire Dairy King without stopping for a treat. read more

See all

The food here is worth any wait and cost is reasonable. We have been stopping in to The Empire Dairy King for over 22 years, including again, tonight! We ordered 2 double burgers (one with everything, one without mayo), regular fries and fried zucchini. Fries and zucchini were perfectly golden fried and the juicy burgers with fresh toppings, truly melt in your mouth! read more

Empire Dairy King - The burger is literally as thick as half of a 12oz soda can! - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

Delightful little gem. Burgers where excellent simple but seasoned well and cooked just right! I always love a nice toasted bun few places will take the time to do this extra step. We had a chocolate malt and they did not skimp on malt power such a perfect blend! read more

Empire Dairy King - chocolate malt - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

We have often passed this sweet gem going up or coming down Berthoud Pass but decided today we'd treat ourselves to soft serve ice cream. Once in, my teens spotted the rather large menu for such a small establishment and they went to town ordering not only shakes but French fries and hamburgers. My small serve chocolate vanilla twist was just right, very cold and refreshing. My daughters' shakes were good and the hamburger was a decent good ol' hamburger. The seating area was spit spot clean and pleasant with a slow moving ceiling fan the moved the air just perfectly. The teens serving us were very nice, quick and efficient- like pros! I loved the soft indie music playing and would recommend this spot to any traveler or local looking for good decent food and a local, easy quaint atmosphere. read more

See all

So freaking cute. Very kitschy very quaint. Just a tiny little place in Hwy 40 in a little place called Empire. I had a mango Italian soda. So yummy!! read more

Empire Dairy King - Cute!! - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

So tasty! I crave this place. Their burgers and delicious, fries are amazing, and there are so many options a for their ice cream. Highly recommend hot fudge sundae. read more

Great food and beverages. The burgers are awesome and they come with everything. The fries are beyond outstanding, and my chocolate shake was super tasty! Stop here for awesome frosty cones, ice cream, burgers and shakes! read more

Solid burger joint serving up ice cream. Also has chicken sand which onion rings and fried zucchini. Limited seating.

This place is a Burger Joint and makes no apologies for its tight space. I've been coming here for over 20 years and just love how authentic everything is that they do. What do they do right - BURGERS - with a butter toasted bun that can easily handle a quarter pound hand pattie of beefy goodness - a wide variety of cheeses- and fresh cold tomatoes, lettuce and onion. SHAKES - With a variety of flavors that will blow you mind and the ability to combine those flavors to make it your own. As for me my favorite is the Chocolate/Peanut Butter Combo. Thank You Dairy King - I can't wait to devour another burger and another shake with gusto and fervor for the simple things in life that make me happy. read more

Empire Dairy King - 1/4 Pound CHEDDAR BURGER and a CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SHAKE...YUMMO !! - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

See all

What a classic! I eat here all the time when I stay in empire to ski wp. The bison is definitely worth the upgrade and the onion rings are golden brown and deliciously battered. Great menu and well executed every time! read more

Empire Dairy King - a view of the town - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

Didn't expect much but the palisade peach shake and chicken tenders were great. Perfect stop off the hill!

This a great place to stop and get the fam an ice cream. The employees are amazing and are doing the best they can to stay open. I was just here and observed an awful woman yelling and cussing at the young lady behind the window because she wouldn't serve her till she put on her mask. I appreciate they are trying to follow the state mandate and keep our community safe. Way to hold your ground Dairy King! Lastly, can anyone tell me "Where did the love go?" read more

The milkshakes are the best here. Always ask what the seasonal or the special flavor currently is. Sweet potato fries are better then regular fries in my opinion. Not a huge fan of the buffalo chicken and blue cheese sandwich, while I like that it's grilled everything kind of falls off. Maybe a dry rub or marinating the chicken would work better. Burgers are always a solid choice here. Will be back very soon. read more

We only had ice cream but it was delicious! Super friendly staff with DOZENS of different ice cream creations. The burgers smelled & looked good but we were only there for dessert. Cool little spot in a tiny little mountain town. read more

Really great stopping point since it has really good ice cream. Burgers and fried mushrooms are quite good as well. Public bathroom nearby. There is also a new park for kids (minton park) south of town 1 min. We recommend stopping with kids and enjoy them all. read more

We came down after a day in Winter Park. The place looked good and had great reviews on yelp. After parking on the street, we got in a (long) line and waited to order. Wanting to place the order, we were told when it came time to pay that it's cash only. They suggested we go to the atm at the gas station. Of course, the atm was out of order. There is no signage stating cash only - I checked as we left because I felt like a chump waiting for so long. So all in all, a waste of time and overall frustrating experience, especially when you have kids in tow. read more

Everything is made to order so you get your food hot! Best fries in CO. They dress up the burgers well & use good soft buns. Shakes & ice-cream are worth the stop. Squeeze on in & try them for yourself. Limited indoor seating in the winter. Cash or in-state checks only. We almost never pass the Dairy King w/o stopping- unless they're closed. read more

I was lucky enough to call Dairy King my home hamburger joint when I lived in Empire. Now that I'm a city girl, I still visit this diamond in the rough whenever I'm up that way, because it's just that freaking good. Not to mention, the portions are huge and prices are minimal. A bison burger for $6?!!?!? Wha whaaaaat? My most recent trip with my fiancé was after three long days of riding mountain bikes. We gorged on bison burgers, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries (helllllo lovely! These are AWESOME!), a blackberry shake, and a Reese's Pieces flurry. Lots of calories, lots of goodness. Food was served fast despite two young kids working the counter. It gets busy here fast, but I've never had to wait very long for food. The only downside, if you don't know ahead of time, is that they are cash or local check only. There's an ATM close by if you need it, though. Do yourself a favor, if you're passing through the tiny town of Empire on your way to or from the mountains and you find yourself hankering for a good meal, make this your stop. They have chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and BLT's if burgers aren't your thing. Sit outdoors and enjoy the mountain air, or inside if that suits you. Just don't miss this little piece of heaven! read more

Empire Dairy King - Bison burgers, zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, Reese's Pieces flurry, blackberry shake. Yum. Yum. Yum. - Burgers Near Me - Empire, Colorado

So delicious. I'm super thrilled I'm only 10 minutes away now. The burgers are exceptional the milkshakes are dangerously good. If you're driving by and looking for good food at great prices stop here.. If I didn't care about not weighing a ton I would likely eat here every day. read more

Best stop after a long day on the mountain. Look forward to going every time! Great food and great staff

Sad to say but I drive out here almost every weekend because this place is so good. Friendly staff. That guy in the kitchen flipping burgers, just straight chillin. Stress free. Burgers, onion rings, chocolate shakes... Anybody giving this place 1 star is a bag of weenies. This place is great. read more

I ordered 3 items and the woman taking the order made the each incorrectly. She was super nice though & I chalked it up to her being high as a kite. Food didn't taste good. read more

You're on your way back from Winter Park and ya need some carbs but aren't up for another round of pulled pork bbq tacos at the Lewis Sweet Shop in Empire (viz), so whaddaya goin' do? You're gonna head across the street to the Dairy King for a very well made burger from the friendly folks who've been there forever. Good onion rings/fries and excellent malts and ice cream (soft and regular (Dreyers)) make this place an excellent choice for apre-ski/hike/anything munchies. read more

Nom, nom, nom! This place is adorable and ridiculously good. Probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long time (up there with the Cricket.) The bun hugs the burger, cheese and fresh veggies right 'til the last bite. After hitting up the mountains at Winter Park we walked into a shoulder to shoulder line but not an incredibly long wait. You've got your shakes, malts, scoop and soft serve ice cream, 6 different sized burgers, BLTs, fried zucchini, french fries, etc. They have even added a fancy pesto on ciabbatta bread sandwich. There were probably only 15 or 16 chairs inside the joint but surprisingly, there wasn't a wait to get a table to chow down. More seating is on the outside deck for a warmer day. Soft serve root beer float and hard scoop chocolate malt were incredible. French fries..delicious. Skip Dumont's Subway and Idaho's Spring's McDonalds and try this place on your way through! read more