There’s no shortage of tasty burgers in Scottsdale, from smash patties dripping with sauce to chef-inspired creations layered with unexpected flavors. Whether you crave a classic bite or something a little out there, the city’s burger joints offer something to satisfy every craving.
Let’s get to it.
UNiQ Burger
At south Scottsdale’s strip mall, UNiQ Burger makes plant-based burgers look unbelievably good. Inside, modern decor features black accents and a trendy vibe that shows they understand vegan cuisine. Order at the counter, find a seat, and get ready for smashed patties pressed thin and crisp on the griddle.
The signature burger comes with vegan American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, and a soft vegan brioche bun. Their house-made UNiQ Sauce adds a mysterious, tangy kick. For something fruitier, try the Paradise Burger with grilled pineapple, banana peppers, and teriyaki glaze.
Sides include golden crinkle fries, Parmesan truffle fries, and sweet potato fries. You can load any fries with grilled onions, vegan bacon bits, and chipotle aioli, which pairs well with plant-based chick’n sandwiches and wraps.
They do not have a drive-thru, but a patio and cold beer make dining in enjoyable. Finish your meal with dairy-free ice cream or mini vegan cheesecake bites. The atmosphere suits families, dedicated vegans, and anyone who loves bold vegan flavors.
Karsen’s Grill
Since 1991 in Old Town Scottsdale, Karsen’s Grill has been serving burgers with real personality. This family-owned spot stands out from chains with a welcoming atmosphere. You might see locals gathered before or after a ballgame or friends claiming loaded fries when they glance at one of the many TVs.
Burgers range from half-pound sirloin classics to patty melts on marble rye. Specialty options include the Mushroom Noir topped with pinot noir mushrooms, and the Vermont with poblano, sweet potato, and white cheddar on a brioche bun.
Sides cover steak fries and sweet potato fries. Sandwich lovers can order fried bologna, and dipping sauces like housemade queso or green chile aioli keep things interesting. The menu updates often with chef specials, and the bar offers cold beer and cocktails for all tastes.
Dress casually and relax in the private parking lot. The vibe is laid-back, sports-bar cozy, like Cheers but with better fries and more sauce choices.
Blu Burger Grille
At Blu Burger Grille, burgers are taken seriously in the best way. This family-run, locally owned spot builds a menu of patties that reads like a protein showcase: Black Angus, American Wagyu, organic bison, salmon, turkey, and even a falafel-style veggie option. Bun choices include brioche, pretzel, ciabatta, onion, whole wheat, gluten-free, or a lettuce wrap for low-carb diners.
If choosing toppings feels overwhelming, try one of the chef’s picks. The truffle brie burger delivers creamy mushrooms with melted cheese. The blue cheese and bacon option packs a salty punch. Both the goat cheese with fig jam and the Metropolitan burger blend sweet and savory in perfect harmony.
Sides are equally impressive with truffle fries, zucchini fries, and fan-favorite onion rings. The bar stocks craft beers, wines in half-bottles, and signature cocktails. After dinner, enjoy a scoop at the gelato bar. Warm service strikes the perfect balance between casual and genuine, and the patio captures that friendly Scottsdale neighborhood feel without any pretension.
Rehab Burger Therapy
Rehab Burger Therapy turns burger dining into an adventurous affair. The interior mixes beachy surfboards on the wall and license plates for a casual laboratory feel. Shaded patio seating lets diners enjoy the lively decor without glare.
The menu features over 20 burgers, from the PB&J Bacon Cheeseburger to the Ghost Burger with ghost pepper cheese on a pretzel bun. For a custom creation, the BYO Rehab option lets you build your own lighter burger. The Relapse pairs a hearty patty with bold toppings. All beef blends are ground in-house, and there’s a turkey burger and a black and white bean veggie patty for plant-based guests.
Sides include chili cheese fries and mac & cheese with poblano. Sweet potato tots offer a twist on traditional fries. Adults can indulge in “Speech Therapy” milkshakes or select a cold craft beer.
Families, vegans, and gluten-free guests will all find options here. Free parking in the lot behind the restaurant makes visits easy. The kitchen stays open late on weekends, providing a go-to spot in Old Town Scottsdale.
Paradise Valley Burger
Paradise Valley Burger Company is no ordinary fast-food joint. This local spot near Scottsdale has been serving beef since 2011, and their daily hand-pressed patties taste noticeably fresher than frozen alternatives. Classics like the Paradise Burger and Paradise Bacon Cheese keep things simple, but the menu quickly ramps up.
The signature Brûlée Burger features a brûléed brioche-style bun, Havarti cheese, bacon, a fried egg, caramelized onions, plus house thousand island dressing. It delivers layers of complementary flavors. For adventurous eaters, the Booze Burger comes with vodka cream sauce, whiskey-pickled jalapeños, and beer-battered patties, so the whole sandwich has a subtle kick.
Vegetarians aren’t left out. Impossible patties, portobello options, lettuce wraps, and a gluten-free bun mean everyone can join in. Sides range from seasoned fries to sweet potato tater tots. Dessert highlights the Lucky Charms marshmallow shake, a playful, sugary treat. The casual setup and bright decor make it a great spot for families or a quick bite with friends. Service is straightforward: order at the counter and grab a seat. Paradise Valley keeps the mood relaxed and fun, delivering quality burgers without the fuss.
AZ88
Operating in Old Town Scottsdale for over 35 years, AZ88 serves up burgers and cocktails with a contemporary swagger. This single-location spot feels proudly independent and retains its original personality.
The stylish late-night saloon atmosphere mixes dark wood accents with ever-changing art installations that catch the eye between bites. Burgers here use half-pound fresh ground sirloin patties grilled to order. The Burger Au Poivre features a peppercorn crust and red onion burgundy sauce. The Au Poivre II adds crumbled bleu cheese and thick Nueske’s bacon for extra depth.
The Bigger Mac swaps in a toasted sesame bun, thousand island dressing, and classic toppings, but tastes more handcrafted than chain-style. You choose your cheese or add more bacon. Sides range from crisp waffle fries to house potato chips dressed with smoked salmon. The bar menu includes classic cocktails and craft beers to complement the food.
No reservations are needed for small groups. A text-based waitlist system keeps things efficient. Lunch through late-night service means you can drop in anytime. With its unpretentious charm and reliable quality, AZ88 remains a standout in Scottsdale’s restaurant scene.
Happy’s Hamburgers
For a retro burger fix, head to Happy’s Hamburgers in Scottsdale. This family-owned shop offers a classic diner feel with black-and-white tile floors and a vintage jukebox in the corner. The retro decor sets the stage for what arrives on your plate.
Half-pound burgers come topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and toasted brioche buns. The signature smash burgers take things further. Each patty is pressed flat, seared to caramelize the edges, then layered with melted cheese and caramelized onions on a soft bun. Be sure to keep extra napkins handy.
Specialty options include the Pizza Burger with pepperoni and mozzarella and the Sonoran burger with jalapeños and melted cheese. Chicken parm sliders arrive with house-made marinara and melted cheese. Sides range from golden tater tots and onion rings to classic fries, all served with rotating dipping sauces.
Milkshakes and malts, from Oreo to peanut butter flavors, pair well with any meal. The relaxed, family-friendly environment stays open late, making it an ideal spot for late-night cravings.
Scottsdale Burger Bar
At Scottsdale Burger Bar, you’ll find fast-casual done right with premium Angus chuck burgers and a menu that cuts straight to the point. Inside, a simple counter setup and family-friendly vibe keep things relaxed. But once you hold that burger, you understand the hype.
Their signature lineup features bold combos like the Hangover, which layers a fried egg, avocado, bacon, and cheddar in one daring stack. If you crave heat, the Hot Cheeto burger blends flaming Hot Cheetos with jalapeños for a serious kick. The menu also includes Chicago-style dogs, Italian beef with crisp giardiniera, and Philly steak sandwiches that stand on their own.
Classic soft buns cradle your creation, and sides range from golden fries to sweet potato fries and crunchy onion rings. Wash it all down with a hand-spun milkshake—no cocktail menu here, just old-school shake perfection. Since opening in 2018, this independent local spot has mastered the art of serious burger toppings and an unfussy atmosphere that welcomes anyone craving a solid meal without the fuss.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger has built a reputation since 1948 for simple, high-quality burgers. The family-run chain sticks to a focused menu with fresh, never-frozen beef patties cooked to order. Each patty sits on a soft bun straight from In-N-Out’s own bakery.
Fries are hand-cut on site and cooked fresh. Fans recommend ordering them Animal Style with melted cheese, grilled onions, and tangy house spread. This same topping can be added to any burger for extra flavor.
The so-called secret menu offers additions like Protein Style lettuce wraps, triple and quadruple patty stacks, and pickled chilies. These options let customers customize their meal without cluttering the main menu.
Interiors feature red seats, palm tree decor, and retro touches that feel bright rather than dated. Outdoor patio seating caters to those who enjoy sunshine. With fast service and a welcoming atmosphere for kids, In-N-Out delivers classic Americana that retains its charm, even when the line gets long.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Since opening in Scottsdale in 2013, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has brought Austin-inspired flavors to Arizona. The menu showcases grass-fed beef, bison, sushi-grade tuna, and Beyond Meat patties alongside creative toppings and sauces. Each of the three daily-baked bun options ensures a fresh, soft foundation for every burger.
The Magic Shroom features goat cheese, mushrooms, and pesto for a rich, earthy bite. The Cadillac Wagyu takes it up a notch with bacon and truffle aioli on a Wagyu patty for an indulgent experience. Specialty builds also include seafood and vegetarian choices that cater to many tastes.
Hand-cut Kennebec fries are a must, or choose a fry bowl topped with truffle oil, queso, or hot honey sage. The shake menu ranges from Nutella Pretzel to boozy adult versions that double as happy-hour treats. A full bar and modern fast-casual layout with an outdoor patio keep the vibe energetic and welcoming. Free parking and a kids’ menu round out the experience, making Hopdoddy a go-to for quality, handcrafted burgers in a lively setting.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers feels like a hometown sports bar. Founded in North Scottsdale in 2011, this restaurant has expanded across Arizona, California, and Texas thanks to half-pound patties and a fun, casual vibe.
Burgers use fresh ground chuck or a brown rice veggie patty. You can stick with a classic cheeseburger or try bold builds like the Mmmac & Cheeseburger, the Jucy Lucy, or the Bacon PB&J. The menu extends beyond burgers. Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls and Tot Chos make perfect starters.
The beer selection tops 100 options, with beer buckets available for groups. TVs line the walls, keeping every seat within view of the game. The patio features roll-up garage doors, while inside offers a rowdy, friendly atmosphere.
For dessert, indulgent Skillet Cookies go well with sides like tots or fries. Family and dog-friendly policies mean everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re chasing a sports game or a burger challenge, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers delivers on taste and entertainment.
Zinburger
At Zinburger, the self-proclaimed wine and burger bar delivers on both fronts and then some. This chain earned its name with half-pound, hand-ground Angus burgers—big, juicy, and cooked just right. If you prefer something different, choose Kobe beef, turkey, or a house-made veggie patty. Every bun comes fresh from a local bakery, buttered and toasted until it gives a satisfying, gentle squeak when squeezed.
The menu feels like a grown-up choose-your-own adventure. You can build your own burger or pick one of the standouts: the Zinburger with Manchego cheese, Zinfandel onions, and silky mayo, or the El Diablo topped with pepper jack and spicy chipotle mayo. They’ll even add a fried egg and avocado if you ask for the Breakfast Burger.
Sides go beyond standard fries, though those hand-cut fries hold their own. Zucchini fries bring a welcome twist, and the shake selection is strong—classic flavors, rotating specials, even banana cream pie if you’ve saved room. With a wine list focused on Zinfandel, local craft beers, and a few playful cocktails, the space strikes a balance between modern steakhouse and casual diner. Zinburger makes burgers, shakes, and fries feel just a bit more grown up.
