Food Scene
Where To Find the Best Burgers in Tempe
June 14, 2024
10 must-try burger joints in Tempe.
We all know that burgers are a staple of the American diet — people in the U.S. eat an average of 50 billion burgers each year. We’re still awaiting a breakdown of how many of those burgers were consumed by a visitor, because burgers are also a traveler’s trusty go-to while getting to know a new city.
As a burgeoning culinary hotspot Tempe has more than its fair share of restaurants specializing in above average burgers. With so many worthy contenders — each with their own signature twist — this burger scene requires a guide.
From historic time capsules and nightlife spots to breweries and brunch venues, here’s where you can find the best, most unique and even unexpected burgers in Tempe.
Fast-Causal Burgers
The Chuckbox
202 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-4712
A Tempe mainstay with more than half a century of history, The Chuckbox is still serving up some of the best burgers in town. Here, mesquite broiled burgers are indicated by size: The Big One is made with a third of a pound of beef and The Great Big One features a half-pound patty. Kick it up a notch with the Guacamole and Bacon Burger. Either way, orders come out open-faced and ready for a visit to the fixins’ bar, where you can accessorize them however you palate pleases. Vegetarian Garden Burgers are also available here.
*Please note that The Chuckbox is a cash-only establishment.
Brews & Burgers
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-303-9967
As the oldest brewery in the Greater Phoenix area, Four Peaks is definitely known for its great beer. For one, Kilt Lifter — a Scottish-style amber ale — is the award-winning flagship brew. Peruse the menu beyond the signature beers and the 8th Street Innovation Series and you’ll find a lineup of equally impressive burgers. Regional enthusiasts will delight in the Southwest Burger, decked out with Anaheim chile, pepper jack cheese and sweet jalapeño sauce. Pub enthusiasts rally around the Bretzelburger, starring cheddar, bacon, Hop Knot whole grain mustard and between an 8th Street Pale Ale pretzel bun. For the vegetarians: Try the To Infinity and Beyond Burger, which comes dressed with roasted tomato, spinach and hummus on a WOW Wheat focaccia bun.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
690 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-256-1623
At Hundred Mile Brewing Co., owner Sue Rigler is combining her passion for Tempe and love of community with craft beer and delicious menu offerings. This bright and modern brewhouse, restaurant and craft-beer-and-cocktail bar is quickly became as known for its burgers as its brews. The handheld roster here includes the Brewer’s Burger, brisket and short rib patty, onion straws, white cheddar cheese; the Hatch Green Chile Burger, double smash burger patties, roasted Hatch green chiles and American cheese; and the Hundred Mile Burger; double smash burger patties, American cheese, pickles and applewood bacon. Pair your selection with a pint of Coyote West Coast IPA, Pinetop Pils, Desert Neon Hazy IPA, Crowd Surfer Mexican Lager (with lime and salt) or The Natural Blonde Ale and on bon appétit!
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S. Mill Ave., #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-314-2337
A haven for lovers of bikes, award-winning beers and dog-friendly patios, Pedal Haus is a triple threat. In 2023, this brewery was named Brewery of the Year by the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild, was named “Best Brewery in America” at the 2019 Copa Cervezas de América and has brought 17 gold medals from national and international competitions back to Tempe. It takes a pretty amazing burger to hold its own on a menu alongside this much. The Green Chile Smashburger punches up with double patties, hatch chiles, jalapeño American cheese, shredded lettuce and smoked paprika aioli. The BBQ Bacon Smashburger is another heavy hitter, with double patties, sharp cheddar, fried onion strings, applewood-smoked bacon, pickles and whiskey barbecue sauce. All burgers come on a fresh, locally made sesame bun … unless, of course, you’re checking out the gluten-free menu items. For the KO: Vegan options are also available. Pow.
Burgers & Vibes
Eureka! Tempe
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 173, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-242-4431
Open at Tempe’s Novus Place since February 2024, this new concept is a celebration of America’s finest food and spirits — which, of course, includes gourmet burgers. This scratch kitchen underscores the Eureka! philosophy of locally sources ingredients, innovative flavor combinations and elevated pairings. All-the-time burgers include the Eureka! American, Barbecue Bacon, Double Smash or the Crispy Veggie Beet. But the burgers of the day include Fresno Fig (Sunday and Monday), Bison (Tuesday), Jalapeño Egg (Wednesday and Thursday) and 28 Day Dry-Aged Bone Marrow (Friday and Saturday). And, if you’ve ever wanted to join a whiskey club, Eureka! has details for you here.
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-0578
Enter The Lodge and you’re transported to a woodsy cabin, complete with beamed ceilings, antler chandeliers, a stone fireplace, two pine-top bars and all the ambiance. Also, be prepared to indulge. While there are several juicy burger options to choose from, it’s the larger-than-life Sasquatch Burger this spot is best known for. It starts with double beef, double cheese and double bacon. Then fried onion strings, lettuce, tomato and onion. Bookended by two Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches. In other words, it’s massive. Equally delicious and slightly less daunting, The Pork Belly Burger — pork belly, short rib and sirloin patty — comes with a fried egg, American cheese, fried onion strings and is served on a salted pretzel bun. Bonus: Veggie patties can be swapped out on all burgers here.
The Porch
1128 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 602-777-1757
Located in South Tempe, The Porch is a funky, retro-inspired hangout that offering creative pub food, cocktails and neighborhood vibes. Not only is the weekend brunch (complete with live DJs) an absolute must, the burgers here are brunch approved, so you can give them a try no matter what time you visit. If we’re going for most unique, it’s the French Dip Burger, angus beef patty, Swiss cheese, horseradish cream, caramelized onions, au jus, on a brioche bun (feel free to add a fried egg or applewood smoked bacon). The Arcadia Meat Market Burger stacks grass fed beef patty, roasted garlic and thyme aioli, arugula, portobello mushrooms, havarti cheese, buttermilk bleu cheese and truffle salt on brioche bun. For the plant-based brunchers, the Beyond Beef Burger features a 100% vegan patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, avocado and vegan sriracha aioli on vegan bun. All burgers are available on lettuce wraps.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-2920
This modern gastropub, located at Tempe Marketplace, features a full bar with a large selection of beers on tap and a spacious patio that overlooks the entire shopping area. Here, it’s a choose-you-own-adventure burger situation. For starters, the Grilled Burger Sliders are a perfect preview of what’s to come. The BBQ White Cheddar Burger pack in flavor with the Black Butte BBQ Sauce, white cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings and garlic aioli on a toasted brioche bun. The Gastropub Burger is a gorgonzola-infused patty that’s is topped with grilled sweet onion, maple pepper bacon, white cheddar, arugula and horseradish cream on a grilled ciabatta bun. The Beyond Burger, is a grilled plant-based protein patty with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickles and 1000 Island served on a toasted brioche bun.
Burgers & Entertainment
Culinary Dropout at the Yard Tempe
149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-240-1601
Known for its artsy-cool atmosphere and a massive patio with yard games, Culinary Dropout is also home to two fantastic burgers: The Pub Burger, topped with havarti, bacon, house barbecue sauce, and The M.A.C. Burger, a double cheeseburger with onion, lettuce, pickle — both served with fries or a house salad. Pro tip: Don’t skip fan-favorite soft pretzels and provolone fondue or the Church Music IPA, a local brew from The Shop Beer Co. (located right around the corner).
Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-361-6644
Canadian-based restaurant Snakes & Lattes in Downtown Tempe is a game haven with more than 1,000 board games from cards to strategy (a one-time game fee per day gets you unlimited access to all games). With everything from espresso to cocktails and food served all day, it should come as no surprise that you can also find a great burger here. A nod to this location, the 6th Street Burger is anchored by chuck brisket with melted brie, caramelized onions, arugula and smoked barbecue sauce. Not far behind are the Classic Burger and the Impossible Burger (vegan) — all best enjoyed while playing a round of Hungry Hungry Hippos or Connect 4.
Sunbar Tempe
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-303-9967
Not only has Sunbar made a name for itself as a venue for live music and DJs, a vibey patio and an irresistible weekend brunch (with bottles of champagne for $0.01), but they have a way of infusing everything they set out to do with an effortless cool. And this includes the burgers. For example, wagyu. The Blackened-Spiced Wagyu Beef Burger comes stacked with wagyu beef with buttermilk bleu cheese, spring mix lettuce, sliced tomatoes and crispy tobacco onions on a Telera bun. The Blank Slate Burger also features wagyu beef, but with spring mix lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions on a Telera bun. Additional (optional) toppings include American cheese, cheddar, provolone, Pepper Jack, bacon, avocado, green chiles, caramelized onions and crispy tobacco onions. Time your dinner just right and you may be inspired to stay for a show, or grab a bite after. Check out the latest lineup by visiting the Sunbar website.
Vegan & Vegetarian
Green New American Vegetarian
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-941-9003
For the vegetarians and vegans still in search of the perfect burger, we present Green. This 100% vegan restaurant specializes in delicious comfort foods — both American classics as well as dishes with an international twist. In addition to the po-boys, crisp salads and noodle bowls, you’ll find a variety of delicious handhelds that include 100% vegan cheeses and plant-based meats. You’ll also find a variety of sweet treats to choose from. This fast-casual spot has an approachable, trendy vibe and affordable prices. We recommend the Big Wac. For additional meat-free dining recommendations, check out our guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tempe.
