Bud’s Cafe and Bar – Sedalia, CO
A Historic Burger Haven Worth the Detour
Tucked away in the charming town of Sedalia along the scenic route between Denver and Colorado Springs sits Bud’s Cafe and Bar, a no-frills burger institution that’s been serving up simplicity on a bun since 1948. As part of our National Hamburger Month road trip series, we couldn’t resist pulling over to sample what locals have treasured for generations.
Walking into Bud’s feels like stepping back in time – the worn wooden bar, vintage beer signs, and intimate seating speak to decades of faithful service. Unlike trendy burger spots with encyclopedic menus, Bud’s keeps it refreshingly straightforward: burgers, fries, and cold beer. That’s it.
The star of the show is their classic hamburger – a hand-formed patty cooked on a well-seasoned flat top grill that’s seen decades of service. No fancy toppings here – just the essentials: ketchup, mustard, pickle, and onion. What makes it special? The perfect meat-to-bun ratio and that distinctive sear that can only come from equipment seasoned by tens of thousands of burgers past.
The fries arrive piping hot, hand-cut and crispy on the outside with a fluffy interior – the perfect companion to the straightforward burger. Wash it all down with an ice-cold beer or vintage soda, and you’ve got a meal that explains why this place has thrived for over 75 years.
A word to the wise: Bud’s is cash-only, so come prepared. And don’t expect any elaborate substitutions or special orders – this place honors tradition above all else.
For road-trippers seeking authentic Colorado dining experiences, Bud’s Cafe and Bar stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of doing one thing extremely well. In an era of trendy food fads and Instagram-worthy creations, there’s something deeply satisfying about a place that knows exactly what it is and hasn’t changed its winning formula in three-quarters of a century.
Road Trip Verdict: A quintessential Colorado burger stop that honors the art of simplicity. Well worth the detour for burger purists and history buffs alike.
