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Must-Try Burger Experiences in Greater Phoenix

Craving a burger while you're in Phoenix? Our local spots serve up some of the most distinct burgers in the country.

From Wild West ambiance and neighborhood nooks to intimate diners and vibrant patios, there are countless spots to sample this city’s brag-worthy burgers. Here are the top places to pair flavor and experience in Phoenix:

Matt’s Big Breakfast: Big Butter Burger

First things first: breakfast here is as absolute must – a rite of passage, a coming of age (no, but seriously). However, if you’re not in the mood for scrambles or waffles, there’s always lunch. Known for adding an elevated twist to American breakfast and lunch staples, Matt’s Big Breakfast is the perfect place to satisfy hearty appetites. If it’s a burger you’re craving, you can’t go wrong with the Big Butter Burger. While this burger doesn’t have any fancy toppings, the whopping half-pound of Niman Ranch ground chuck, grilled in butter – topped with American cheese, and served with a pickle and kettle chips, macaroni salad or coleslaw – is worth diving in to.

*Vegan/Vegetarian alternative: You’re out of luck here. Check out our Vegan and Vegetarian blog post for more everyone-friendly selections.

Downtown: 825 N. First St., Phoenix
602-254-1074 

Biltmore: 3118 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-840-3450

Tempe: 400 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
480-967-5156

Website

Southern Rail: Muffaletta Burger

The muffuletta sandwich, which originated in New Orleans, is made with sliced meats, handmade bread, and Italian olive salad. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to the Big Easy to get a taste of this Southern classic. Southern Rail – named among Phoenix’s best restaurants for 2019 by Food Network – offers its own version made with cured meats, provolone cheese, tomato, olive salad and creole aioli, served on a sesame brioche bun. To make it a true down-home experience, opt for collard greens, gumbo, or red beans and rice on the side.

*Vegetarian alternative: According to the menu, you can ask your server about making the Muffaletta Burger vegetarian.

300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-200-0085 | Website

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. DTPHX Beer Garden: Peanut Butter and Jalapeño Jelly Burger

Because nothing goes together better than burgers and beer, it only makes sense that Arizona Wilderness Co. offers an all-star lineup of tasty burgers. When in downtown (there’s also a Gilbert location), you can’t go wrong with the Peanut Butter and Jalapeño Jelly Burger, sourced from Arizona Grass Raised Beef Co. and loaded up with toasted peanut butter sauce, spicy jalapeño jelly and crispy bacon for a sweet and salty mix. Order the duck fat fries and a frosty pint of their award-winning brew (ranked No. 1 in the world among breweries that opened in 2013, but ratebeer.com) and enjoy the people watching along Roosevelt Row from downtown’s newest beer garden.

*Vegan/vegetarian alternative: Order the veggie burger or black bean burger; make it vegan by omitting the egg wash brioche bun. And don’t forget to request the fries be cooked in the alternate oil.

201 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
480-462-1836 | Website

Welcome Diner: Champion Burger

Taking comfort food to a whole new level, the Garfield District’s Welcome Diner serves up burgers like nobody’s business. You can’t go wrong with any of the three tasty options on the menu, but the Champion certainly lives up to its name. Layered with a six-ounce beef patty, bacon jam, cheddar, Thousand Island dressing, tomato and arugula, it’s a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy, and a whole lot of delicious. Sides include fries, coleslaw or seasoned Brussels sprouts for a little extra. Bonus points: this spot’s open until 2 a.m. every night of the week and the patio comes with a heaping helping of Phoenix people watching.

*Vegan/vegetarian alternative: The Jackfruit Po’ Boy is a bundle of plant-based, barbecue goodness.

929 E. Pierce, Phoenix
602-495-1111 | Website

The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe: The Standard

When you’ve been named one of the “31 best burger joints in America” by popular food blog Thrillist, you’ve got a lot to live up to. Thankfully, this classic burger joint (complete with drive-thru) more than delivers with its signature burger The Standard, featuring 100 percent beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and homemade Stand sauce. Or go a little wild with such versions as the Evil, with roasted jalapeño; the Grande Royale, with thick-cut bacon; and the Big Kahuna, with pineapple and honey lava sauce. Whatever you choose, be sure to pair it with a hand-spun shake, available in different flavors, including salted dulce de leche. Pro tip: Both indoor and patio seating can be limited at this fast-casual fave.

*Vegan/vegetarian option: Add an Impossible Burger patty (plant-based) to make any of the menu offerings vegetarian (eliminate the bacon, cheese and applicable sauces for a vegan delight).

3538 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-314-5259 | Website

Ingo’s Tasty Food: Paris Texas Burger

Located in the heart of Arcadia, Ingo’s is a charming respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Dine at the counter or outside on the patio, and soak in the cool vibes of this neighborhood nook as you pore over the tantalizing menu (we also recommend a pour of the Farm Table Rosé). If you’re ready to feast on a juicy burger, though, the Paris Texas Burger is where it’s at. Made with grass-fed beef topped with a smoky-sweet apple barbecue sauce, smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce and dill pickle, it’s everything a burger should be. Rather than classic French fries, you can opt for their “shattered chips” – a glorious mix between a potato chip and fry, with some spicy jalapeño sauce.

*Vegan/vegetarian option: This black bean burger comes topped with spicy nut cheese.

4502 N. 40th St., Phoenix
602-795-2884 | Website

The Original Hamburger Works: Fiesta Burger

For a rustic Wild West-inspired experience that you won’t soon forget, head on over to The Original Hamburger Works. Here, mesquite-broiled burgers are cooked over an open flame and presented to you fast-casual style. While we don’t recommend ordering the Retirement Burger, the menu price for which is $1,050,069.00 and includes the restaurant and the company car, you can’t go wrong with the Fiesta Burger, topped with guacamole, bacon and jalapeno cheese. Then mosey on over to the “fixin’s wagon” to pile on your choice of additional toppings and condiments. The full-service bar perfectly complements a Cardinals, Suns or Diamondbacks game. Y’all come back now, ya hear!

*Vegetarian option: The Garden Burger (vegetarian patty) is available with fries or cottage cheese and all the toppings your heart desires.

2801 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix
602-263-8693 | Website