Road Trip Treasure: Bunkhouse Burgers – A National Hamburger Month Must-Stop
As we celebrate National Hamburger Month, our road trip adventures led us to a hidden gem that truly embodies farm-to-table at its most authentic.
From Ranch to Bun: A Colorado Legacy
Nestled in the heart of Canon City, Colorado, Bunkhouse Burgers isn’t just another roadside burger joint – it’s a genuine piece of Western heritage that should be on every road tripper’s must-visit list. What makes this place truly exceptional? The beef in your burger comes directly from the family’s own ranch!
The Chess-Shoemaker Ranch, a fourth-generation family operation that began as a homestead back in 1899, supplies the restaurant with all-natural, grass-fed beef that makes for a burger experience that’s simply unmatched. When brothers and sisters of the Shoemaker family opened Bunkhouse Burgers in January 2013, they weren’t just starting a restaurant – they were extending their ranching legacy directly to your plate.
The Burger Experience
Pull up to this local staple and you’ll immediately sense you’re in for something special. The menu offers a delightful array of burger creations, each featuring that exceptional ranch-raised beef that puts mass-produced patties to shame. Every bite tells the story of Colorado ranching tradition – juicy, tender, and with a depth of flavor that only comes from properly raised cattle.
The attention to detail extends beyond the beef – with house-made potato “shavings” (their take on chips) that regulars rave about, and a selection of unique sauces that complement rather than mask the star of the show: that incredible beef.
A Community Cornerstone
Since opening in 2013, Bunkhouse has become more than just a place to grab a great burger – it’s evolved into a Canon City institution. Led by Kathleen Shoemaker (who also serves as President of the Colorado Cattlewomen’s Association) and her siblings, this family business represents the best of rural American entrepreneurship.
Worth the Detour
For road trippers exploring Colorado’s magnificent landscapes, Bunkhouse Burgers offers something increasingly rare in today’s food scene – complete transparency about where your food comes from, because it comes from their own family ranch! In an era of food supply chains that span continents, there’s something profoundly satisfying about a burger with a provenance you can actually visit.
This National Hamburger Month, consider making the detour to Canon City. When you bite into a Bunkhouse burger, you’re not just enjoying an exceptional meal – you’re tasting Colorado ranching history, supporting a family legacy, and experiencing the true meaning of local food.
Bunkhouse Burgers isn’t just serving food; they’re serving their heritage, one incredible burger at a time.
Bunkhouse Burgers
2147 Fremont Dr
Canon City, CO
(719) 315-2218
www.bhburgers.com
