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There’s no shortage of burger joints in Denver, but there’s always room for one more. On September 16, Sunnyside Burger Bar—an extension of TAG Burger Bar—opened its doors with a menu of 13 burgers along with salads, fried sides, boozy milkshakes, and a bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.
From a gastronome’s dream of mushrooms, onions, Gruyère, and truffle aïoli on the Umami to the Hipster’s house-made pimento cheese, spinach, and Tender Belly bacon (not ironically paired with a PBR), chef Troy Guard‘s list of burger and beer pairings will satiate any craving. The sumptuous standout, however, is the Hangover burger.
Served on your choice of bun (we opted for the classic brioche adorned with sesame, poppy, and sunflower seeds), this 6-ounce patty comes with green chile, bacon, fried potatoes, and a sunny side–up egg. While a hangover is not required to order this monster, it certainly has restorative qualities that we imagine would help in that time of need. When it arrives at your table, dripping with yolk and glistening with grease, give no second thought to the impending mess and take a big bite.
You might not expect a balance of textures and flavors from a burger with such an uncouth name, but all elements are present for a knockout combination. The potatoes and seed-laden bun lend a firmness to each bite, while the runny egg yolk is a creamy complement to the savory flavors of roasted green chile and thick-cut bacon. Pair this monster with the Sunnyside Wheat—a brew from Diebolt Brewing Company that’s exclusive to the restaurant.
When you drop in, note not just the creative menu but also the hybrid style of fast-casual and full-service intended to make for the best and most efficient experience.
3759 Lipan St., 303-736-2260, sunnysideburgerbar.com