Why This Steamboat Springs Burger Joint Reigns Supreme in Colorado
Tucked away on a quiet side street in Steamboat Springs, behind an unassuming building that most tourists drive right past, lies one of Colorado’s best-kept culinary secrets.
There’s no flashy neon sign or towering billboard to announce its presence; just whispered recommendations from locals and the steady stream of knowing visitors who’ve discovered what insiders call the state’s ultimate burger destination.
This is Backdoor Grill, a place where dollar bills paper the walls like mysterious wallpaper, where burgers arrive impossibly fast and impossibly good, and where a simple takeout window grew into something that has food lovers traveling from across the country.
Voted “Best of Boat” by locals who guard their secrets jealously, this hidden gem has quietly earned its reputation as one of Colorado’s best burger destinations.
What Makes Backdoor Grill’s Burgers Legendary
Look, I’ve chased down burgers from food trucks in Bangkok to hole-in-the-wall joints in San Francisco, and I can tell you that most ‘best burger’ claims are total BS.
But Backdoor Grill actually earned their reputation, and here’s why: They obsess over the details that matter.
Every morning, they hand-cut their french fries and onion rings. Every single burger is made with 100% all-natural Colorado beef. No shortcuts, no frozen patties.
The burger patties themselves are about ¼ inch thick; this is what food nerds call a “chubby smash burger.”
But the genius part is they use minimal seasoning and let the quality of that Colorado beef shine through.
The Menu: Where Classic Meets Completely Insane
Backdoor Grill divides their burger menu into two categories that tell you everything you need to know about their philosophy: “Old School” and “New School.”
Old School is exactly what you’d expect.. classic cheeseburgers, doubles, and traditional combinations that don’t mess with perfection.
New School is where things get interesting (and slightly unhinged)…
The G6 comes loaded with queso, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and onion rings. The John Wayne pays homage to the American West with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and onion rings. The Black & Bleu satisfies your sophisticated side with blackened seasoning and blue cheese.
And then there’s the burger that sounds like it was invented during a late-night dare: a burger served on a glazed donut with peanut butter, bacon, fried egg, hash brown, and cheddar. I watched my brother-in-law demolish one of these, and honestly, it looked like he was having a religious experience.
For those wanting something with a tropical twist, the Mahalo delivers with grilled pineapple, Swiss cheese, and teriyaki sauce.
The point is, whether you want a perfect classic or something that pushes every boundary of what a burger can be, they’ve got you covered.
The Complete Experience
(And Why You’ll Want to Stay)
The burgers are the star, but Backdoor Grill has turned the entire experience into something special.
The hand-cut fries I mentioned are “fried just right, crispy” and served in portions that will make you question your ability to finish them. Try the curly fries (you’ll be in heaven).
Beyond the burgers, their menu delivers across the board: chicken strips that actually taste like chicken, tacos that hit the spot, and jalapeño poppers that pack the perfect punch.
What I love most is the atmosphere at Backdoor. Upstairs transforms into the adult hangout zone with a full bar, high-top tables, and TVs showing extreme sports. Meanwhile, downstairs and the outdoor patio become family headquarters, where you can enjoy that fresh mountain breeze while your kids devour burgers.
Backdoor is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day. Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, featuring discounted drinks and select food items.
From Backdoor Window to Burger Empire
You know those success stories that sound too good to be true? Well, Backdoor Grill’s origin story is exactly that… except it actually happened.
Dave Eliason wasn’t some culinary school graduate with dreams of burger stardom. He was a seasoned restaurant manager who’d worked everywhere from Red Tracton’s in San Diego to the upscale Couloir in Jackson Hole.
When the LaRoche brothers (including former MLB player Dave LaRoche) recruited him to run their new steakhouse, E3 Chophouse, in Steamboat Springs, Dave thought he’d found the perfect gig.
Everything should have been perfect. Except for one thing – Dave was craving something that didn’t exist on E3’s upscale menu: a really, really good burger.
Not the fancy stuff. Not the $30 wagyu creation with truffle aioli. Just a damn good burger.
So in June 2014, Dave did what any logical person would do: he started selling burgers out of the literal back door of Ghost Ranch Saloon. He had a tiny takeout window, and that was it. No dining room, no fancy setup, just Dave slinging incredible burgers to whoever was brave enough to try the mysterious “backdoor” operation.
And it worked. Like, really worked.
Within months, he had lines of people waiting for these backdoor burgers. By November 2014, he had outgrown the tiny window setup and moved into the former Spostas World Sushi and Salads location at 825 Oak Street.
Beyond Steamboat: The Empire Expands
Success breeds expansion, and the Eliasons haven’t been sitting still. They now own four restaurants in Steamboat Springs: Backdoor Grill, O’Neil’s Tavern and Grill, How Ya Doin Pizza N Eatz, and the Cupcake Mini Bar.
Each restaurant serves a different purpose in the Steamboat dining scene. O’Neil’s provides that cozy Irish pub atmosphere with shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, while How Ya Doin Pizza brings street-style pizza vibes to the west side of town, complete with graffiti artwork that makes you feel like you’re in Chicago or New York rather than a mountain town.
What I love about their approach is that they’ve stayed true to their original philosophy across all their ventures. Whether you’re grabbing a burger at Backdoor, enjoying late-night food at O’Neil’s (they serve until midnight), or getting pizza delivered to the west side neighborhoods, you’re getting that same commitment to quality ingredients and fair prices.
The Recognition
(And Why It Matters)
Backdoor Grill has been voted “Best of Boat” locally and earned recognition from TripAdvisor as serving some of the best burgers in Colorado. Food bloggers consistently rave about the place, and travel writers like us regularly include it in their “must-visit” lists.
As Dave Eliason puts it, “We built it for locals, not to make a bunch of money. We wanted good burgers for our family and we’re proud to serve our guests the same thing.”
That authenticity comes through in every aspect of the experience, and it’s probably why the recognition feels so genuine.
Why Backdoor Grill Matters
In an era of corporate chains and assembly-line food production, Backdoor Grill represents something increasingly rare.. a family-owned restaurant that prioritizes quality, community, and genuine hospitality over profit and expansion.
Their commitment to Colorado-sourced ingredients, demonstrates a dedication to supporting local agriculture and providing the freshest possible food.
The success speaks for itself. They consistently see crowds of diners, and as Dave notes, “I never expected to do as much business as we’re doing.”
Planning Your Trip To Steamboat Springs
If you’re convinced (and you should be), here’s how to make the most of your trip to Steamboat Springs:
Where to Stay
Steamboat Springs offers accommodations for every type of traveler and budget.
If you’re visiting during ski season, The Steamboat Grand offers luxury ski-in, ski-out accommodations directly opposite the gondola. For something more intimate, The Victorian B&B provides boutique luxury right on the mountain.
Families should consider Residence Inn by Marriott in the Pine Grove neighborhood, which includes kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast, or Homewood Suites by Hilton for extended stays with full amenities.
Things to Do
Steamboat Springs is officially trademarked as “Ski Town, USA,” but locals have a saying: “come for the winter, stay for the summer.” After spending time here, you’ll understand why.
Summer Adventures
Start your day with a hike to Fish Creek Falls, where you can choose your own adventure: a 0.5-mile walk to the first waterfall, 5 miles to the second waterfall, or 12 miles to Long Lake. For something more challenging, Mount Zirkel Loop offers incredible views of Routt National Forest, with Gilpin Lake providing the perfect picnic spot. Mount Zirkel is my favorite.
Don’t miss floating the Yampa River, which is one of Steamboat’s most popular summer activities. Start at Rotary Park and enjoy the scenic float through town. Just pack sunscreen and water for the journey. When you’re done, the free bus system will get you back to your car.
Mount Werner transforms from world-class skiing in winter to summer adventure playground. Take the gondola up for Sunset Happy Hour (typically Thursdays and Sundays), where you can enjoy craft beer and live music while watching the sunset over the Yampa Valley.
Pro Tip: Hike up and ride the gondola down for free.
Hot springs hopping is essential to any Steamboat visit. While Strawberry Park Hot Springs is the most famous, tucked back in the national forest, you can also visit Old Town Hot Springs right downtown or discover other hidden gems throughout the area. Find out more about hot springs in Steamboat here!
The Free Summer Concert Series at Howelsen Hill has been a Steamboat tradition for over 25 years, featuring musical acts in a beautiful outdoor setting.
>> Find more things to do in Steamboat Springs here!
Winter Activities
Obviously, the skiing is world-class, but Steamboat offers so much more. The Core Trail provides excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, while the town’s numerous restaurants and bars offer perfect après-ski experiences.
For more winter things to do in Steamboat, check out my post here!
Creating the Perfect Steamboat Day
Here’s how I’d structure the ideal day in Steamboat Springs:
Morning: Start with a hike at Fish Creek Falls or a bike ride along the Core Trail to work up an appetite.
Lunch: Head to Backdoor Grill for their famous burgers and hand-cut fries. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the full experience.
Afternoon: Explore downtown Steamboat Springs, browse local shops, or relax at one of the hot springs. You can also hop on the Yampa River and and float for the afternoon.
Evening: Catch live music at one of the local venues, enjoy dinner with a view along the Yampa River, or head up to Mount Werner for Sunset Happy Hour if it’s the right day of the week.
The Final Verdict
Backdoor Grill isn’t just one of Colorado’s best burger joints, it’s proof of what happens when passion, quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality come together without compromise.
The speed of service is impressive, the portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality consistently exceeds expectations.
From its humble beginnings as a takeout window to its current status as a must-visit Colorado destination, Backdoor Grill proves that sometimes the best things in life really are simple.
Backdoor Grill Details
- Address: 825 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Daily 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Make sure to add Backdoor Grill to your Colorado bucket list. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll finally understand why this unassuming spot on Oak Street has earned such a devoted following among food lovers throughout the state and beyond.
