Who has the best burger in town?

I remember getting into this discussion with a group of local food and drink scribes, and before we could delve into the topic with much abandon, we had to agree on a set of criteria.

It was important to set up a classification system, splitting off trendy, silly designer burgers at the top, chainy theme restaurants in the middle and cutting out fast food at the bottom.

For bonus points, atmosphere and value (price vs. taste) played into the discussion, and we quickly found that we gravitated toward the same places. We came up with a fairly decent short list that strangely included (in no particular order) only bar-and-grill- type joints: The Cherry Cricket, Pint's Pub, My Brother's Bar, the Capital Grille and the Spot Bar and Grille. (I guess booze and burgers make good bedfellows.)

And now I have a new one to add to the list: The Hoffbrau.

I mean, sure, their proximity to the Auraria campus is a factor. The rooftop patio that makes it easy for smokers and nonsmokers to co-exist somewhat peacefully is another. The fact that it feels like the place is at least 50 years old and was carved into a building far older - one that recalls Denver in its youthful, leather-and-wood- trimmed, gleefully sinful gold-rush days - is a third.

But really, it's the burger. Juicy, cooked as ordered (I almost always order medium rare because kitchens almost always cook it medium) and slides down perfectly with a $2 draw.

And the capper? Ownership touts the fact that they've actually lowered prices on the menu in response to the struggling economy.

Sometimes, it's almost too good to be true.

* Last month, I wrote about the tragic loss of Sharon Rawles, longtime Herman's Hideaway manager and all-around fixture on the Denver local music scene. Tonight and Saturday night, Herman's is hosting a benefit/memorial in her honor.

Donations will be accepted at the door, and proceeds will be split to help with her burial expenses and make donations to some of her favorite charities in her name. Best of all, it's gonna be a who's who of local bands over the last few decades.

Tonight features Byron Shaw Projex, On Second Thought, Judge Roughneck, Rocket Ajax, Lion Souljahs and Chris Daniels.

Saturday night's lineup includes Hazel Miller, the Railbenders, Opie Gone Bad, Carolyn's Mother, Buckwild, Rexway and Wanker.

Doors open at 8 on both nights - get there early because it's gonna get packed and sweaty.

Hoffbrau Tavern and Grill

1301 Santa Fe Drive

303-825-1875

* Happy hour: 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight, daily; $2 draft, $2.50 well and wine

* They just lowered their prices. "Everything's pretty much a dollar or so cheaper now," according to bartender Christian. It's like gasoline, only tastier!

* The rooftop patio rocks.