The Quest for the Best Burger in Parker, Colorado — Data Meets Taste
We blended public ratings, local editorial picks, and real-world burger experience to settle the “best burger in Parker” debate with numbers, not noise.
Quantitative (50%)
We combine average star rating with the natural log of review count, then normalize to a 0–5 scale. This rewards both quality and sample size, so 4.5★ with 2,000 reviews beats a 5.0★ with 15.
Qualitative (25%)
Credit for inclusion in respected local “best burger” writeups and menu uniqueness (e.g., Wagyu, bison). Small deduction for national chains to keep the list Parker-centric.
Experiential (25%)
Ground truth from burger style and consistent praise in reviews: smash vs. pub style, specialty toppings, execution, and how often the burger is called out as “the reason to go.”
Parker’s Best Burgers — 2025 Rankings
Scoring formula: Weighted Total = 0.5·Quant + 0.25·Qual + 0.25·Exper. The table shows final scores rounded to two decimals.
| Rank | Restaurant | Weighted Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tailgate Tavern & Grill | 4.68 | Massive review volume + strong ratings; locally beloved. Pub-styleCommunity fave |
| 2 | Black+Haus Tavern | 3.27 | Creative builds; quality execution; upscale tavern vibe. Creative burgerEditorial buzz |
| 3 | West Main Taproom + Grill | 3.15 | Wagyu signature; frequently cited in local lists. WagyuEditorial pick |
| 4 | Parker Garage | 2.92 | Chef-driven; bison option; consistent local interest. BisonChef-driven |
| 5 | 20 Mile Tap House | 2.71 | Strong neighborhood pick; balanced performance across categories. Neighborhood fave |
| 6 | Bourbon, Brews, Burgers of Parker | 2.50 | Dedicated burger concept; menu variety. Burger-focused |
| 7 | Hilltop Tap House | 2.15 | Classic tavern burger; steady community presence. Classic |
| 8 | FuNuGyz | 2.08 | Neighborhood sports pub with scratch-kitchen; burgers among popular items. Sports pub |
| 9 | Takoda Tavern | 2.03 | Sports-bar staple; mixed ratings but strong local name recognition. Sports bar |
| 10 | Red Robin (Crown Pointe) | 1.93 | Consistent chain experience; penalized in qualitative scoring to prioritize local spots. Chain |
Key Insights
- Tailgate Tavern & Grill takes the crown. The quant score (ratings × review volume) dominates in our 50% weight model.
- Black+Haus and West Main benefit from editorial mentions and creative builds (Wagyu, specialty toppings).
- Parker Garage remains a compelling chef-driven option with a notable bison burger.
- We keep this list Parker-only. Great nearby joints aren’t considered here.
Sources & Notes
See the scoring formula details
Quantitative = (Average Star Rating) × ln(Review Count + 1), then normalized 0–5.
Weighted Total = 0.5·Quant + 0.25·Qual + 0.25·Exper.
Scores shown above are rounded to two decimals for readability.