Every good Arizonan knows the Five Cs of our early economy: copper, cotton, citrus, climate, and, of course, cattle. With ranching deep in the state’s roots, it’s no surprise the Valley knows its way around beef, which translates into great hamburgers.
From old-school mesquite-broiled classics to modern favorites stacked on Noble Bread buns, these 15 spots serve some of the best in the Phoenix area.
Aftermath Burger at Aftermath Bar and Kitchen
The signature Aftermath Burger is a favorite among Phoenicians. Made with a blend of wagyu and Arizona grass-fed beef, the patties are smashed thin on the griddle for a crisp crust and served on a locally-baked Noble Bread onion bun.
But the real surprise might be the controversial choice of melted Velveeta cheese, a nostalgic throwback to childhood. Finished with thinly-sliced red onions and pickles, it’s a simple combination that sings. 1534 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, aftermathphoenix.com
ZuZu Smash at ZuZu
When you have an ambitious chef who believes every dish should live up to its full potential, you end up with a smash burger too good not to rave about. At ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, Chef Russell LaCasce gets every detail right: house-made sauce, wagyu beef sourced from a local Prescott ranch, crispy bacon, Cooper’s Sharp American cheese, and a soft potato bun. It’s a standout burger procured one of Scottsdale’s neighborhood favorites. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, hotelvalleyho.com
The Chuckbox
Since 1972, The Chuckbox has served charcoal-broiled hamburgers cooked over an open mesquite fire using fresh, simple ingredients. Located in the heart of Sun Devil country, this burger joint with outdoor seating is the definition of casual.
It’s so old-school that you’ll need to bring cash before sinking your teeth into one of these classics. Best of all, a $10 or $20 bill still goes further here than at just about any other burger spot in the Valley. 202 E. University Dr., Tempe, thechuckbox.com
The Aioli Gourmet Burger at Aioli Burger
What happens when a Chopped Champion builds your burger? At Aioli Gourmet Burger, Tom D’Ambrosio, winner of Chopped episode Tacos n’ Tequila, crafts the Aioli Gourmet Burger with 100% grass-fed beef, house-made aioli, lettuce, tomato, and bacon.
It’s a burger that feels artfully composed rather than stacked for size. But what makes it stand out is that house-made aioli sauce. Don’t forget a side of Parmesan fries and fresh-squeezed lemonade.10652 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, aioliburger.com
The Scottsdale Baller Burger from Bourbon Steak
This is the most upscale burger on the list, located inside the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess steakhouse. Between a Noble seed bun you’ll find wagyu beef, aged white cheddar, iceberg slaw, onion jam, and seared foie gras, mankind for a truly memorable creation.
Prefer something a little simpler? Skip the foie gras, and it’s still very much an experience. Either way, don’t miss the duck-fat fries on the side. 7575 E .Princess Dr., Scottsdale, scottsdaleprincess.com
The Hush Burger at Fire At Will
Take two quarter-pound smash patties, top them with American cheese, caramelized onions, locally sourced pickles, and fancy sauce on a soft Noble brioche bun, and voilà—you have The Hush Burger. It’s the brainchild of chef Dom Ruggiero, a 2026 Foodist Award Top Chef. If that alone doesn’t win you over, the restaurant’s relaxed yet chic ambiance certainly will. 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108, Scottsdale, eatfireatwill.com
The Standard at The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe
This award-winning drive-through is a local hot spot. Here, beef is ground fresh each morning, produce is hand-selected, and the ranch, Stand sauce, guacamole, and honey lava sauce are made from scratch. The original burger is called The Standard, but order it “evil,” and you’ll get roasted jalapeño and a spicy version of the house-made Stand sauce. The gluten-free options also get two thumbs up. 3538 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, thestandphx.com
The Mile Burger at Miracle Mile Deli
You’d never guess that a local, popular deli known for pastrami would also make one of the best hamburgers in the Valley, but third-generation-owned Miracle Mile Deli does just that. The burger features a fresh, one-third-pound chuck patty topped with green lettuce, tomato, red onion, and the aforementioned pastrami, finished with melted pepper jack and Miracle Mile dressing. It’s a stacked masterpiece that delivers on flavor and structure. Warning, you will need plenty of napkins. 4433 N. 16th St., Phoenix, miraclemiledeli.com
The El Camino Burger at El Camino
Looking for a smash burger with bold Sonoran flavors? The El Camino Burger is topped with American cheese, grilled poblano peppers, and the restaurant’s signature pink mayo. You’ll also find a rotating “Burger of the Month” here featuring playful creations like a Monterey Jack cheese-topped smash burger starring jalapeño-ranch sauce and grilled sweet onions.
With a lineup of griddled-to-order classics and late-night hours until midnight, El Camino is a go-to for inventive, crave-worthy hamburgers in Old Town Scottsdale. 7133 E. Stetson Dr., Suite 105, Scottsdale, elcaminoarizona.com
The Wagyu Cheeseburger at The Henry
A 6-ounce, rich American wagyu beef anchors this rich burger packed with classic toppings. White cheddar and American cheese, over-caramelized onion, shredded romaine, and fresh tomato, are tucked into a toasted, garlic-buttered bun.
Cooked over high heat to develop a deep crust, then rested before adding cheese, the burger delivers a perfect sear-and-melt effect. It’s indulgent, balanced, and built to impress. Multiple locations, thehenryrestaurant.com
The Double Burger at Bad Jimmy’s
If you want a good time served with a great burger, Bad Jimmy’s promises exactly that. Patties here are made with 100% Arizona-raised K4 Ranch premium beef because quality clearly matters to owner James Piazza and his crew. Order the popular double burger with not-so-secret sauce, griddled onions, and pickles, stacked on a soft potato roll. Multiple locations, badjimmys.com
Sexy Burger’s Sexy Burger
Sexy Burger’s calling is to make hamburgers you’d never label as “junk food.” Its wagyu-Angus beef patties are cooked in butter and served on bread delivered fresh daily from a local bakery. With hand-crafted condiments and a completely seed-oil-free kitchen, Sexy Burger is all about bringing burgers back into the mainstream diet. Multiple locations, sexyburgeraz.com
The Classic Burger at the Original Hamburger Works
This longtime Valley staple, dating back to the 1970s, is all about old-school simplicity done right. Hamburgers are mesquite-broiled over real charcoal for a smoky, flame-kissed finish. The Classic Burger consists of a one-third-pound patty topped with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and your choice of cheese. Don’t forget to pile on extras at the legendary fixin’s wagon. 2801 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix,greatburgeraz.com
The Burger Brûlée at Paradise Valley Burger Company
If you’re craving made-to-order hamburgers so beloved by locals that it was featured on the hit TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this is your spot. Paradise Valley Burger Company serves everything from classic cheeseburgers to more gourmet creations, all made with fresh ingredients and plenty of local love.
It’s the kind of place burger enthusiasts seek out for the creative combinations, like the Burger Brûlée burger, with two beef patties, bacon, havarti, Thousand Island dressing, pickled onions, and an egg over a burnt-sugar brioche bun. 15689 Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, and 815 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, pvburgercompany.com
The Wineburger at Harvey’s Wineburger
Harvey’s Wineburger is a small neighborhood bar that happens to serve one of the most memorable hamburgers in the Valley. Despite the name there’s only a splash of wine that adds a quick steam bath while the made-to-order certified Angus chuck patty cooks.
Crowd favorites include the Mushroom Swiss, topped with grilled mushrooms, onions, Swiss cheese, and a splash of Worcestershire, as well as the Rodeo Burger with barbecue sauce, jalapeños, bacon, cheddar, and crisp onion rings. The wait can be long, so be prepared to grab a beverage and settle in. 4812 N. 16th St., Phoenix, harveyswineburger.com
