This Beloved Colorado Burger Stand Serves A Double Cheeseburger Locals Swear By

Located in Sedalia, Colorado (just south of Denver), Bud’s Cafe & Bar has been flipping burgers the old-fashioned way for decades.

This no-frills burger stand doesn’t need a fancy menu or trendy toppings to draw a crowd, just one legendary double cheeseburger that keeps locals coming back week after week.

If you’re searching for authentic comfort food and a taste of Colorado’s burger history, this is the place where simplicity meets perfection.

Since the Mid-20th Century

Bud’s Cafe & Bar has been serving hungry Coloradans since 1948, and honestly, not much has changed. The building still looks like it stepped out of a time capsule, complete with vintage charm and zero pretense. Locals appreciate that Bud’s hasn’t tried to reinvent itself or chase food trends.

What started as a simple roadside stop has turned into a beloved institution. Generations of families have made pilgrimages here, passing down the tradition like a treasured family recipe. Walking through the door feels like visiting an old friend who never lets you down.

Staying true to its roots has earned Bud’s a fiercely loyal following that wouldn’t change a thing.

The Menu That Refuses To Grow

Forget scrolling through pages of complicated options, Bud’s keeps it brilliantly simple. For its burger offerings, you’ve got three main choices: hamburger, cheeseburger, or double cheeseburger. That’s it, and that’s exactly how regulars like it.

The double cheeseburger reigns supreme as the undisputed champion of this minimalist menu. Why mess with perfection when you’ve nailed the basics? No specialty sauces, no gourmet cheese selections, no confusion, just pure burger bliss.

This streamlined approach means the kitchen can focus entirely on doing one thing exceptionally well. When you walk up to order, you won’t suffer from decision paralysis. Pick your burger, grab some chips, and prepare for straightforward satisfaction that never disappoints.

The Secret Behind the Patty

Here’s where Bud’s breaks from the burger pack, locals say the patties are steamed rather than grilled or fried, a tradition that gives them their unique tenderness. Sounds unusual, right? But locals swear this unconventional method creates a texture you won’t find anywhere else.

Fans say the steamed patties deliver a juicier, softer bite that contrasts beautifully with the toasted bun. Some burger purists might raise an eyebrow, but one bite typically converts the skeptics.

This cooking technique has been Bud’s signature move for generations. It’s the kind of quirky tradition that makes this burger stand special and keeps people debating the merits of steamed versus grilled long after they’ve finished eating.

Double Cheeseburger Doesn’t Lie

The double cheeseburger at Bud’s delivers exactly what it promises—no tricks, no gimmicks, just honest ingredients. Two steamed beef patties get sandwiched between slices of classic American cheese, all nestled in a soft, lightly toasted bun.

What makes this burger memorable isn’t exotic toppings or secret sauces. The magic lies in the perfect proportions and the quality of execution. Each component plays its role without overshadowing the others, creating a harmonious bite every single time.

Regulars rave about the surprising satisfaction this simple combination delivers. For the price, you’re getting substantial value and flavor that punches well above its weight class. Sometimes the best things in life really are the simplest.

Old-School Diner Vibes

Walking into Bud’s feels like stepping back several decades, in the best possible way. The interior embraces its bar-meets-diner personality without apologizing for the worn booths or the no-nonsense atmosphere. Everything about this place screams authenticity.

Don’t expect fancy sides here. Instead of fries, Bud’s serves its burgers with a small bag of chips, often Lay’s, a local favorite detail noted by fans. It’s unpretentious and perfectly fitting for the vibe Bud’s cultivates.

The focus remains squarely on the burger itself, not elaborate accompaniments or Instagram-worthy presentations. Fluorescent lights, simple tables, and straightforward service create an environment where the food does all the talking. Comfort doesn’t need to be complicated, and Bud’s proves that point deliciously with every order served.

Locals’ Weekend Ritual

Weekends often bring steady lines at Bud’s, and nobody seems to mind the wait. This burger stand has evolved into something bigger than just a meal; it’s become a genuine community gathering spot.

Regulars catch up with neighbors while waiting for their orders, swapping stories and sharing laughs. The atmosphere buzzes with friendly conversation and the kind of easy camaraderie you only find in small-town institutions. Kids grow up making weekend trips here with their parents, then bring their own families years later.

These burgers taste even better when they’re part of a cherished tradition. Bud’s has mastered the recipe for creating memories alongside great food.

Affordable Indulgence

In an era where burger joints charge premium prices for fancy ingredients, Bud’s remains refreshingly affordable. As of 2025, burgers range from about $4 to $8 depending on size and toppings, letting you walk out with a satisfying double cheeseburger without emptying your wallet.

The value proposition here is unbeatable, you’re getting genuine quality and generous portions at prices that feel stuck in a previous decade. This accessibility means families can make Bud’s a regular stop rather than a special occasion splurge.

Great food shouldn’t require a second mortgage, and Bud’s understands that philosophy perfectly. The modest pricing reflects the humble nature of the establishment itself. When flavor, portion size, and affordability align this well, you’ve discovered something truly special worth celebrating and sharing.