Bud's Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in Colorado

This is not a dream. Nor is it some bastardized foodie hallucination where your “burger” arrives on a gluten-free brioche pillow with aioli foam and a side of quinoa anxiety. No, this is Bud’s Bar—a dive so pure and untamed it feels like a whiskey-soaked transmission from an earlier, meaner version of America. One that didn’t need to ask your name to hand you a beer. One where a cheeseburger was a cheeseburger, not a lifestyle brand.

Let me set the scene: You walk in, and there’s no fridge in sight. That’s right. No cooler humming with kale water or kombucha. Just a wall of chip bags hanging like dusty trophies above the grill. If you want fries, go to France. Here, you get a handful of Lay’s—dry, honest, unapologetic. That’s your side. That’s the menu.

And the menu? It fits in the glovebox of a Harley. Hamburger. Double hamburger. Add cheese if you’re feeling reckless. That’s about it. No chicken sandwich. No vegetarian option. No QR code menu, either. There’s a faded board on the wall that hasn’t changed since Nixon was in office. You don’t need to ask what’s good. You already know.

The burger itself lands somewhere between brawny and balanced—not smashed into a sad pancake, but not a bulbous meatball either. It’s the kind of burger you dream about on the way home from a six hour round of golf. Thick enough to have a pulse, thin enough to not ruin your shirt. Cooked hot and fast. Comes out wrapped in nothing but gravity and intention, handed over by someone who’s seen some things.

Now, here’s the beauty: onions and pickles—on the side, every time. No questions. No substitutions. No “would you like that on it?” because Bud’s already knows what the hell they’re doing. It’s a system that works, and it’s been working longer than any app on your phone.

And of course, the Coors Light, cold and righteous, served in the bottle like the Founding Fathers intended. Not a can. Not a draft. Just that glorious, longneck silver bullet straight from the ice, condensation bleeding down its neck like the tears of your vegan cousin who wouldn’t survive five minutes in this establishment.

Cash only. No signs explaining it. Just the unspoken truth that this place doesn’t deal in plastic or pretense. You come here with paper in your pocket or you go hungry. Those are the rules. No exceptions.

Twenty bucks still covered it—my cousin had a bottomless Coke, the kind that comes in a red plastic cup with enough ice to sink a canoe, refilled without ceremony every time it dipped below the halfway mark. I had my Coors, she had her soda, we both had cheeseburgers and chips, and we walked out full, satisfied, and with change in hand. No apps, no Wi-Fi, no hassle—just lunch the way it ought to be.

Bud’s isn’t just a bar. It’s a time capsule full of heat, cholesterol, and righteous defiance. A shrine to the last real cheeseburger and the people who still know how to make one without asking how you want it cooked. You don’t come here to be seen—you come here to feel something.

God bless Bud’s. God bless that flat-top. And God help the man who tries to change...

Bud's is a "Perfect Name" for a place that makes you feel like you been to 100 times on your very first time.

I chatted with the owner on a Facebook post while visiting family. He had lots of good reason I should visit his place, so we did just that.

It's a great small town vibe, with matching atmosphere. Locals watching the news at the bar chatting about usual things. Signs and cool memorabilia hanging everywhere. And just honest smiles, warm attitudes, and mannerisms from the nicest staff.

We started with our usual, we always order onion rings no matter the time. These were very delicious, great batter, and most importantly made fresh.

We were told the burger was a winner and that also was very true. I really appreciated the owner and staff do everything to keep from having to use freezer food. These were hand patted burgers, fresh produce, the way every burger should be. Soft bun great flavors, just an all around good burger that is probably the same way every single time it's ordered.

We happened to be there on a Friday so we tried the Fried Chicken as well. I will say the skin could've been a tad more crispy, but they know how to season chicken! The flavor was absolutely there and only bones were left on the plate when we were done.

The Show stopper was the gravy that was made from the drippings. We raved about the mashed potatoes and gravy being freshly made no instant box here. Love seeing people still have passion for what they do when our entire world has moved to convenience.

Bud's Cafe & Bar is an easy choice for some delicious good home town food and people as well. I'll probably always sneak in here when visiting family for a delicious burger with "mashed potatoes & gravy" and a beverage.

If you enjoy cooking videos and reviews, feel free to follow us on socials. Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Hope you enjoyed the read of our...

This place is iconic! Lived in Castle Rock for 7 years. Finally caved and visited Buds last week. Honestly, the "NO FRIES" was what kept us from visiting....I mean, a burger with no French fries??!!?? Hard concept to swallow.

Atmosphere: quaint, homey, little tight but clean and friendly. Service: sweet, polite, felt like family. Drinks: we just got 2 seltzers, but had draft beer and a small bar. Food: this is minimalist at its best. But what they do is simplicity at its best. Burger, cheese burger or double. That's it. Chips are a tiny bag of Lays. No apologies, no excuses. That's it.

Standing room only. Take out line was long. The burgers were that good!! Nothing fancy, but simple perfection!

Highly recommend. Don't expect anything more than a friendly wait staff, simple restaurant with an...