Denver's most beloved hot dog cart turned restaurant, Biker Jim's serves extraordinary gourmet sausages made from elk, wild boar, pheasant, and other unusual proteins with creative toppings.
Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs began as a hot dog cart on the 16th Street Mall and grew into one of Denver's most idiosyncratic dining destinations — a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2148 Larimer Street that has retained every ounce of the original cart's personality while expanding the menu of wild game sausages into a fully realized dining experience. The concept is rooted in a single insight: that the hot dog format — a tube of seasoned meat in a bun with creative toppings — is a vehicle for extraordinary ingredients if you source the right proteins.
The elk and cheddar sausage ($9) is the gateway drug of the menu — a Colorado-raised elk blended with aged cheddar that produces a mild, clean game flavor for guests new to wild protein. Wild boar sausage ($10) is more assertive and fattier, with the forest-floor character that defines the species. The rattlesnake and pheasant dog ($10) is the menu's most theatrical item, a blend of two Colorado wild proteins that produces a surprisingly delicate sausage with a lighter texture than the elk or boar options. Toppings range from cream cheese and caramelized onions to jalapeño salsa and house-made chili.
The restaurant space is unpretentious — counter service, picnic-style seating, exposed brick, and the smell of sausages cooking on a flat-top that permeates the room. It operates as a lunch and early dinner destination, closing by 10 PM on weekdays. Lines form at peak hours, particularly during downtown events and Rockies or Nuggets game days. The location near Coors Field makes it a natural stop before evening games.
Biker Jim's has been featured in national media and on television cooking shows, but the quality and pricing ($9–$10 per sausage) remain grounded in the cart's original working-class ethos.
Signature dishes
- Elk and cheddar sausage — $9
- Wild boar sausage — $10
- Rattlesnake and pheasant dog — $10
Good to know
- Known for
- Gourmet wild game sausages - elk, bison, wild boar, rattlesnake, and more
- Hours
- 11AM-10PM Mon-Sat
Location
2148 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
39.7549, -104.9866 View on map
Highlights
- Wild game sausages from elk, wild boar, rattlesnake, pheasant, and other unusual proteins
- Denver institution that grew from a street cart to a restaurant without losing its original character
- Elk and cheddar sausage is the best entry point for guests new to Colorado wild game proteins
- Located near Coors Field — an ideal pre-game stop before Rockies or Nuggets events
- Featured in national media for bringing high-quality wild game to an accessible street-food format
Tips for visiting
- Order the elk and cheddar first if unfamiliar with wild game — it is the mildest and most approachable option.
- The rattlesnake and pheasant dog is worth trying for its novelty and surprisingly delicate flavor.
- Lines move quickly; the counter format means even a 10-person queue clears in under 10 minutes.
- Arrive 30 minutes before Coors Field game times to avoid the pre-game surge.
- Toppings are half the experience — the cream cheese and caramelized onion combination is a classic pairing with the elk dog.
Accessibility
Biker Jim's is a counter-service restaurant at 2148 Larimer St in Denver's RiNo neighborhood. The space is on one level with step-free entry. Counter height and compact seating may present challenges for some wheelchair users; guests with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to call ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of meat is used in Biker Jim's sausages?
Biker Jim's specializes in wild game and unusual protein sausages including elk, wild boar, rattlesnake, pheasant, bison, and reindeer. The proteins are sourced from Colorado and regional suppliers. Standard beef and pork options are also available.
How did Biker Jim's start?
Biker Jim's began as a hot dog cart on Denver's 16th Street Mall, operated by Jim Pittenger. The cart's success and cult following led to the opening of the Larimer Street restaurant, which maintains the same counter-service format and menu philosophy as the original cart.
Is Biker Jim's suitable for guests who don't eat wild game?
Yes. While wild game sausages are the restaurant's focus, conventional beef, chicken, and vegetarian sausage options are typically available for guests who prefer to avoid game proteins.
What are the hours?
Biker Jim's Larimer Street location operates Monday through Saturday from approximately 11 AM to 10 PM. Hours may vary around major Denver events; checking before visiting is advised.