Illegal Burger - Writer Square

BEST MEAL IVE HAD IN DENVER!! We are from Chicago so to be…read morehonest, traveling can be difficult when it comes time to eat. Not only did the food raise the bar for other places in the area, the fries were some of the best we've ever had period. lol Staff was amazing and super accommodating not only to us but other patrons! I'm very observant and definitely noticed how friendly they were with a customer with special needs. I realize this is a chain so I want to not only commend the Denver team, but the entire company. Can't wait to eat here again!

We sat outside with our dog after we arrived from the airport at Union Station. Very convenient…read more Cadillac Wagyu burger was very tasty. I would get this again. Side of fries $5 were ok. Chipotle ketchup was good. Doddy Melt Patty Melt was alright. It could use a little more sauce for flavor. We used the leftover chipotle ketchup from the fries on it. Oreo milkshake (large) was a huge waste. And we couldn't even drink it thru the straw so we had to use a spoon. It honestly just tasted like cream. Next time get a different flavor and the taster size. Def too much food with two burgers, side of fries and large milkshake.

Outside patio

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Gluten free

Pony Up

4.6(476 reviews)

0.3 mi•Lodo, Northwest

On a cold snowy day in May (I wish I was kidding) I was told I needed to head over to Pony Up for…read moreby far the best french dip sandwich. When I say that I could have eaten another one immediately after finishing, is an understatement. The sandwich was incredible. The bread was toasted to perfection, the meat melted in your mouth and the dip was incredibly rich and full of flavors. We did share the crispy potatoes lived up to their name and were a good compliment to the sandwich. This is a MUST have when you are in downtown Denver.

Ended up here after a recommendation from someone on a late night when everything else was closed…read more Make sure to bring your ID because they do check it when entering. We sat ourselves, and a waiter came over to greet and bring us menus. There were tons of different versions of French dip, and lots of their menu items seemed to have Asian influence. we ordered the Karaage, the Saigon, and crispy potatoes. Everything came out super hot and fresh. The Karaage was like thin chicken strips with a batter with subtle Asian flavors (ginger/garlic). The crispy potatoes were VERY crispy- to the point that they were a bit overdone. The Saigon had flavors of a banh mi but with beef. It was an odd combination and I felt like the potion of meat was lacking but the Sandwich still tasted great. The jalapeños added a pretty spicy kick so keep that in mind if you don't like that hotness. Overall, it was an enjoyable meal and the ambiance was very laid back and chill.

French onion soup was really good

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Happy hour Boulevardier. Such a great cocktail'

NADC Burger

4.2(178 reviews)

0.1 mi•Lodo, Northwest

Our go-to spot on Larimer Square for an incredible burger and fries. Every visit hits. Food is…read moreconsistently excellent, and the team keeps the energy high even late after an Avs game. Big shoutout to Chris at the front. He runs the door like a pro and sets the tone from the moment you walk in. Great to hear new locations are coming to Las Vegas and LA. We'll be there.

Our group visited on a Sunday afternoon, they were virtually empty around 3 pm which was good for…read moreus. We had immediate service and food was ready within a few minutes. It is a small menu so be prepared as it's just burger and fries, which was fine for us. 2 burgers (a double NADC, a kids burger), 1 side of fries and 1 cocktail = roughly $45. That's not a cheap burger and Fries lunch ... without the cocktail it's about $30. Just something to keep in mind. Burgers were good, a little greasy, they allowed burger modifications to remove items but you can't items. Personally I wished they had the option to swap out cheeses but understand they want a limited menu at this restaurant for a reason. Fries were crispy and a good portion. Sadly this place just didn't hit all the marks for me based on price and options for me. Worth a try though as I like to visit new spots.

View inside

Fries and a cola

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Tom's Watch Bar

4.0(517 reviews)

It is located near parking garage, close to stadium, great outdoor seating/ambiance. Drinks and…read morefood delicious.

Whoever the marketing person is for Tom's does an excellent job and I wish I had that talent my…read moregoodness. Also, our waiter Oscar was awesome!!

Avs watch party

The Crispy Chicken & Cornbread Pancake was made with sweet cornbread pancake topped with premium hand-battered chicken tenders.

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40oz Voodoo Ranger!

5280 Burger Bar

4.1(2.1k reviews)

0.5 mi•CBD, Northwest

Thanks for wasting my time - Update your hours to show that your closed please, the food here is…read moregreat but I got skunked the last two times I tried to come here.

If you're a burger bar, you should cook a burger properly... especially your most expensive burger…read moreblend. I ordered medium and it came out almost well done... The bun was nicely done though, but I'd rather have moist meat, than nice buns. I'd actually prefer both, but you can't have it all, I guess. The Chili Relleno egg rolls were so good though... Crispy and cheesy with a decent dipping sauce. That was the highlight of the meal for me, which is a crime at a burger bar.

Rotating burger specials on the regular.

What The Guac.

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Hand Cut Fries and Buns made from scratch in house.

Hayter's & Co.

3.4(225 reviews)

This was an unplanned stop for a quick bite to eat and honestly middle of the road with nothing…read morenoteworthy. If you are looking for a sports bar to watch a game while enjoying a drink and bite to eat this may be the spot for you. Maybe due to being no major sporting event it was extremely dead on Sunday around dinner time. Which was fine with me cause it was nice not dealing with an overly loud crowd. They had a large amount of drink options including some good beer options with tons of cocktails/full bar available as you'd expect from a sports bar. The bartender was friendly after some conversation but at first seemed in an off mood. I suppose possibly due to the fact work was so dead may be why. Thankfully the best part was the Philly Cheesesteak and fries we split. Both were tasty, even more so than I honestly expected. Like I said if you're looking for a sports bar experience with friends this could be the spot for you. Just was so so in my opinion for our visit.

We always start here as a pregame after the pregame at home to catch the groups vibe, then move to…read morethe bigger clubs. Very social - everyone hangs out upstairs. Home base!!

Bar

Burger and fries

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Gaia Masala & Burger

4.5(115 reviews)

0.1 mi•Lodo, Northwest

Lunch special was $16 and came with fries and a drink. It's pretty good value…read more The masala cheesesteak was interesting -- in a good way. We also had the baba ghanoush which came with really good homemade naan bread. I appreciated the service and knowing that almost everything there is made in-house.

Our group tried a bit of everything: the Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala Cheesesteak, Veggie…read moreTikka Masala Burger, and the Honey Pizza. * The Flavors: Most of the food was excellent with a really nice heat level. * The Portions: The naan portions are super generous. While the Tikka Masala portion felt a bit smaller than other spots, the taste was spot on. * The Honey Pizza: This was a standout for me! It's unique and really tasty, though it was a bit polarizing for the rest of the table. * The Service: The staff is incredibly attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better. The Chicken Tikka Masala Cheesesteak was supposed to come with tzatziki, but I didn't see or taste any on mine. The Veggie Tikka Masala Burger was also a bit of a letdown--it's essentially a standard burger with a side of masala sauce for dipping. We were hoping the burger itself would be infused with those Indian flavors rather than just relying on the extra sauce.

Bar TVs

Honey Pizza

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Restaurant Front

Burgers & Dreams

2.6(8 reviews)

Review as a potential customer but was yelled at by the old man sitting behind the register looking…read moreat his phone. Walked up looking at the menu for a minute and the man was just looking at his phone not acknowledging me at all. I walked up.. still was on his phone and I ordered. I had my airpods in but could hear everything he was saying.. then he yelled "I can't hear you.. you have to speak up". Repeated myself and then he yelled again. THEN repeated my order.. so he could hear? Why would I want to order food from a grumpy old man who yells at people? Walked off happy not to support a place with such angry employees.

The rudest and most unsanitary employees I have ever encountered. Left feeling violated.read more

0.6 mi•Five Points, Northwest

Chicago hot dog

Double with liked in added giardiniera

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Mobile order website through Toast

Cherry Cricket - Downtown

4.0(532 reviews)

Happy hour specials

Full bar

This place is probably absolutely buzzing on game days. It's a pretty large space that can…read moreaccommodate a lot of people. They have an arcade in the back and a big tropical fish tank in the front. The fish tank seems out of place but I'm sure there's a story behind it. I ordered the crispy chicken wrap and that thing was huge. It was stuffed full of all the good stuff, not just lettuce. It was filling and tasty.

Solid burger experience, known for over the top combinations. You can choose from lots of options…read moreor BYO, and then dial in your size and protein, which is nice. The place is open with lots of seating and a full bar with plenty of beer on tap. The service was decent, but we did have to hunt down our waitress a few times. It was pretty busy, but she was friendly and helpful when we got her attention. Its across from the Ball Park so parking can be challenging while there's a game.

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Jackson's

3.4(317 reviews)

0.4 mi•Northwest

Dame was great! Very hospitable and great attitude…read more Thank you for great service late at night.

I'm a Colorado native and visited this place frequently in my 20's (2010-2027). Now I usually visit…read morebefore Rockies game and it's great for a beer stop but the food is less than impressive. The nachos came out and looked nothing like the picture. I also ordered shredded chicken and think I must have gotten pork because it was SO salty. They're still using QR codes instead of real menus. It's huge and you'll be able to find seating.

Mike Tyson's Big Helper T.

Chicken nachos

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Bills Sunday!!

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Gustavo P.

Elite 24

350

217

3969

2 years ago

I'm still reeling from the phenomenal experience at Illegal Burger, Writer Square! This unassuming gem has earned a permanent spot on my burger bucket list, and I'm hooked! The real MVP, however, is Larry, whose exceptional customer service deserves a standing ovation! The Slinger Burger and Illegal Cheese Burger are absolute masterpieces. Juicy patties, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh lettuce and tomato, all sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun. Each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more! Larry's warm welcome and attentive service made us feel like royalty. He took the time to explain the menu, offered pairing suggestions, and ensured our every need was met with a smile. His passion for the food and dedication to customer satisfaction shine through in every interaction. Illegal Burger, Writer Square, you've raised the bar for burger joints everywhere! Don't miss out on this culinary gem. Order the Slinger and Illegal Cheese Burgers, and ask for Larry - your taste buds and service expectations will thank you! Five stars, ten stars, a million stars... it's a game-changing experience! read more

Lauren Y.

8 years ago

The burger was great! The guy working at the front, however, was awful. He was rude and unhelpful. I had an issue with my online order (the confirmation told me it would be over an hour) so I called to double check and he was rude and super defensive about it being busy. Then, when I finally did go pick up my order, the guy up front was rude again saying my order wasn't ready. I sat down and waited and he never said another word to me. Then, another person working (who was great) eventually got me my food. Unfortunately, my food was cold which was especially shocking since they acted like I was early to pick up my food. I would go back because the food was great, but I would hope for a better experience. read more

Spencer C.

2 years ago

The burgers were so good and very delicious with great patty. The patty was good and well-seasoned, meaty and very juicy. Good amount of sauce and cheese. The buns were good too and tasty. The fries on the side were very tasty and well-cooked. Definitely so good and very delicious. The place has great vibe with a cool setting. Good prices too. read more

Anthony P.

2 years ago

The Mushroom Swiss and slinger burger were ordered for takeout. Went there earlier and the staff was friendly. The patty was well-cooked. It was so meaty and lots of cheese. Amazing crispy bacon too. The sandwiches were amazing and has nice quality. The establishment was modern and very clean. Staff were friendly and helpful. read more

Zavala B.

7 years ago

I love their illegal fries. They actually make their own ketchup and it is the best thing! Their sweet potatoes comes with their own condiments and I'm not sure what it is, but it is pretty good, kinda cinnamony. My favorite burger from them is the mushroom one. read more

Tyler P.

182

10 years ago

Burger was under cooked. I also noted to go light on the condiments. It was still a mess. Then topping it all off my $3 cream soda didn't even make it. So all in all my money was wasted. read more

Erin M.

135

9 years ago

It's...ok. Bad daddy's, smash burger & crave are all wayyy better but this place is decent in a pinch. Staff was very nice. The adult milkshakes are bomb & a decent price. read more

Sal B.

20 days ago

The food was really good and Larry was the best. He did an amazing job on making su that we were all taken care of and it was really fast.

Christopher C.

Elite 20

430

1638

348

8 years ago

Had the chicken club here, pretty good sandwich, will have to come back for a burger, they have 10 barrel cucumber sour which is a plus.

Tasha B.

7 years ago

Fantastic burger! Flavor was amazing. Fries were also delicious...lots of flavors to choose from. Staff was very friendly as well.

Nina L.

7 years ago

YUM! That is really all I can say about this burger... one word says it all! You will not regret eating here.

Nayeli G.

3 years ago

So good would eat again good energy and good people !!!!!!!!! Very helpful and always checking up on you!

Ray S.

4 years ago

I loved this place. Nice burgers. Everything you'd expect from a nice burger place and more.

1 year ago

I agree with Diddy's Lil Helper. He helped clear a lot of things up about Illegal Burgers.

Pam H.

8 years ago

Some of the best burgers I have had. Went to the one in Evergreen a few times. Excellent

Karen D.

2 years ago

This is our favorite burger joint. Burgers are fantastic and truffle fries are amazing!

Aevin P.

1 year ago

: I would rate this 6 stars if I could--it's so insanely good it makes you wanna cuss! read more

John B.

8 years ago

wonderful food, prices are a little up there but definitely worth it

Ethan S.

6 years ago

Come here all the time, always good food and quick service!

Gabrielle C.

8 years ago

Forgot my milkshake and didn't make my burger correctly.

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Illegal Burger - Writer Square - burgers - Updated September 2026

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The Cherry Cricket has the kind of old-school neighborhood bar atmosphere that works perfectly for…read morea burger joint in Cherry Creek. Our group of six was seated without any trouble, and the staff kept things friendly and straightforward throughout the meal. The burgers came out hot, fresh, and seriously juicy. The sides are generous, especially the onion rings, and both the crispy tater tots and coleslaw were solid choices. There's also a strong drink selection with local craft beer, cocktails, shakes, and soft drinks. Good portions, well-made burgers, and a laid-back atmosphere make this place an easy recommendation.

WOW! We got a gift card from the manager due to our last experience and this time was amazing…read more Despite it looking super busy, we got sat right away and it was a weekend night, so we definitely got lucky. We told the waitress about our previous experience regarding my boyfriend's burger being super raw and she suggested that he get his burger cut in half, which worked! It was cooked well. I got the tuna melt and it was pretty standard, but delicious regardless. The star of the show, however, had to be the appetizers. We got the wings of two flavors that the waitress recommended. I don't remember the names, but one of them had a mustard taste to it and I really enjoyed it. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with the pretzels. They are soft, warm, and go perfect with the dip so well. Cherry Cricket this time was a great experience and we would come back for the pretzels alone.

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Stopped by this place with my friends after grabbing a few drinks downtown, looking for wings! We…read morecame and were immediately greeted by our server Tyler, literally the most hospitable guy i've met in a while, shoutout to him forsure. He recommended the smoked wings so we got 3 orders including the mango habanero, buffalo, green chili hot honey, all delicious!! It's rare for a place to smoke their wings but they did it to perfection and we all enjoyed them. Thankfully we pulled up for late night happy hour so we indulged in some beers and cocktails to everyone's delight. Again, our host Tyler made sure we were all set and we were hyped that all the games were free to play! Me and my homie played a few games of darts while we downed our on-tap Modelos. If you're downtown for sure stop by, good apps as well including the fries and fried pickles!

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