Here is where you can find the most delicious burgers in Phoenix, AZ next time you are over that way.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
721 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert. 480-497-2739, azwbeer.com.
Critic’s pick: Apple and Brie Burger ($13.99)
This Gilbert brewery slings a mean burger that nails the basics, providing a great foundation for creative toppings like slices of creamy Brie with wedges of gently spiced, stewed apple.
Critic’s pick: Hawaiian Wilderness Burger ($13.99)
After trudging through too many burgers topped with metallic canned pineapple, it’s a joy to encounter a thick and juicy slab of fresh fruit glazed with a little spice and paired with dark caramelized onions.
Critic’s pick: Peanut Butter and Jalapeño Jelly Burger ($13.79)
PB&J burgers abound, but here’s your best in show by a wide margin. Bits of toasted peanut anchor a “peanut butter sauce” that’s set against genuinely spicy jalapeño jelly, with crisp bacon rounding out the sweet/nutty/salty trinity.
The Attic Ale House
4247 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-955-1967, theatticalehouseaz.com.
Critic’s pick: The Ivan ($12)
A hefty monster with a thick patty and sturdy, flavorful pretzel bun, The Ivan adds a smear of chipotle mayo for punch and defies the rule that spring mix doesn’t belong on a burger.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Luhrs Building, 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com.
Critic’s pick: Dragon Dumpling Burger ($13)
Bob Tam’s shengjianbao-inspired creation channels the spirit of a juicy soup dumpling into the body of a burger, complete with Sichuan-style pickles and dumpling dipping sauce.
Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse
7217 E. First St., Scottsdale. 480-404-9984. Also, 3375 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, 602-996-4228, bootleggersmokehouse.com.
Bootlegger burger with muenster cheese, whiskey onions, confit slab bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dijonnaise, house sauce and pretzel bun at Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse in Scottsdale, AZ. (Photo: Dominic Armato/The Republic)
Critic’s pick: Bootlegger Burger ($16)
An exercise in excess, here’s one for drippy burger fans. Muenster and slices of tender pork belly join whiskey-caramelized onions and creamy-tart slaw in a sweet and smoky mess of barbecue and condiments.
Citizen Public House
7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. 480-398-4208, citizenpublichouse.com.
Critic’s pick: Green Chile Burger ($16)
Too many spicy burgers are an overly busy mess, but Citizen Public House’s stays focused with a tart and smoky green Anaheim chile sauce, fresh corn relish with a nice crisp bite and a bit of queso Oaxaca.
All credit for this delicious list goes to AZ Central. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/dominic-armato/2018/05/23/best-burgers-phoenix/613934002/
