Craving a burger that’s a cut above the rest? Glendale might not always be the first city that comes to mind for great eats, but its burger scene is hiding some seriously bold flavors and unexpected gems.
Let’s get to it.
The Local Sports Grill
At The Local Sports Grill in Glendale you get a true neighborhood sports bar vibe with a serious burger focus. They’ve got 16 TVs broadcasting games with real sound, not just some random playlist. It’s family-friendly too—you might spot kids taking turns at the claw machine between bites.
The burgers here are 100% beef, smashed and cooked to order, then double-stacked and topped with things like billionaire bacon or chipotle mayo. The Escobedo Burger brings a spicy kick, and the Pastrami & Sauerkraut Burger combines two classics in one. Crinkle-cut fries are standard, but you can upgrade to fries plus French Onion Dip for even more flavor.
Drinks rotate through craft and domestic beers on tap, and they keep mugs in the freezer so your pour stays icy cold. With local ownership, a fresh remodel, and plenty of Sun Devil and Cardinals spirit, the menu changes often—so there’s always a new burger to try, as long as you’re up for something with personality.
Arrowhead Grill
Arrowhead Grill strikes a perfect balance between casual burger night and a sit-down steakhouse feel—all wrapped up in a family-owned spot. You get full-service dining without any stuffy vibes, plus options to dress up or keep it super relaxed.
The AG Burger is a showstopper: Swiss cheese, crispy fried onions, creamy house mayo, and a pile of prime rib resting on an 8-ounce tenderloin-tip patty. If that’s too much beef, you can build your own with staples like blue cheese or avocado and bacon. Sliders are here too, from cheeseburger to crab cake, so commitment-phobes are sorted.
Sides cover all the bases, but the fries trio is the go-to for indecisive folks. There’s a full bar with martinis, a rotating craft-beer list, and a wine selection that actually gets attention. An indoor fireplace warms things up inside, plus a patio for outdoor fans. Daily happy hour, late-night weekends, and plenty of parking make Arrowhead Grill feel like it just gets what you want.
Wally Burger
Wally Burger goes all in on superhero style, with comic-book murals, giant Marvel figures, and free arcade games in the corner. The menu is fun chaos, and every burger rides on a fluffy King’s Hawaiian roll—something you don’t see every day.
You’ll find classic quarter-pounders up to a full pound of beef, or you can level up with the Spicy Mike’s or the massive Ultimate Wally. Veggies and dietary needs aren’t left out either: a BOCA burger and gluten-sensitive options really deliver on taste.
Fries are generously portioned, and the sides list includes onion rings or pastrami fries. Dessert here is wild—deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies, even candy bars, plus a rotating dessert special that ramps up the sugar. With no beer service, the spotlight’s on milkshakes and banana splits. It’s a chilled local hangout where nobody’s rushing you, and you’ll definitely leave full and pretty happy.
Starliner Diner
Starliner Diner feels like a time capsule of 1957 right inside Sanderson Ford in Glendale. Think chrome accents, neon signs, and jukebox tunes serving up flat-top burgers and old-school shakes. The menu sticks to essentials: single or double 100% beef patties, squishy buttered buns, plenty of melty cheese, and house-made sauce.
Toppings get creative too—the Deuce Coupe comes with green chile and bacon, the Tom Car features BBQ sauce and a crispy onion ring, and the California burger boasts avocado with provolone. You order at the counter under fluorescent lights, then the staff brings your tray over once it’s ready.
Every standard burger gets tortilla chips, which is a little odd, but you can always swap them for fries or go all in on the chili-cheese side. Finish with a hand-spun malt or a soda-fountain float. Starliner runs weekdays only, but if you’re craving burgers, shakes, and a shot of nostalgia, it’s worth a weekday visit.
Dazzo’s Dog House
Rolling down Glendale Avenue, you might catch the scent of something char-broiled—that’s Dazzo’s Dog House calling your name. Since 1979 they’ve been dishing up Chicago-style dogs, burgers, sausages and Italian beef sandwiches that locals rave about. The décor is pure mom-and-pop, with sports memorabilia covering the walls and a straightforward counter that shows they care more about flavor than frills. Inside seating is snug, but there’s a sunny patio if you prefer eating outdoors.
The hot dogs arrive in soft, locally baked buns, and the homemade fries can easily steal the show. Craving more? Order chili cheese fries for an extra kick. Burgers come as a classic quarter-pound single or double if you’re extra hungry, and you can always add cheese. The snack menu also features onion rings, pizza puffs, corn dogs and Chicago tamales. For dessert, pick from Italian ice in lemon, chocolate or banana. You’ll enjoy free off-street parking and a convenient drive-thru. Just remember it’s cash only, and the old-school prices make that an easy trade-off.
Kimmyz On Greenway Rock & Roll Bar & Grill
Walking into Kimmyz On Greenway Rock & Roll Bar & Grill, you’ll see why they call themselves the Home of the Half-Pound Burger. The beef patties are big, juicy and packed with flavor. You can’t miss the Western bacon cheeseburger topped with an onion ring and your choice of chipotle or BBQ sauce. There’s a Cali burger with bacon, Swiss and fresh guac, plus an Impossible option that even meat lovers enjoy.
The menu doesn’t stop at burgers. Specials rotate daily—Burger & Beer Wednesday, Philly Thursday, Fish Fry Friday and Reuben Saturday. Sides include tater tots, sweet potato fries and classic bar snacks that pair perfectly with your drink. The full bar pours domestic basics and rotating craft beers, so you’ll never run out of options. Live rock nights, biker gatherings and open-mic shows keep the energy high, but if you just want a burger, the spacious patio is a great spot to unwind. Open since 2009, they offer free parking and table service until midnight (2 am on weekends), making every visit feel easy and laid-back.
Burgers & Brews Glendale
Over at Burgers & Brews Glendale, burgers get a creative twist that goes beyond the usual lettuce and tomato. You can load your patty with fried egg, mac ’n’ cheese or even peanut butter and jelly. Of course they still offer the classics, but adventurous toppings like roasted Hatch chiles and spicy house sauce take things up a notch.
All burgers are cooked to order with juicy 80/20 Angus beef, and they tuck each patty into a buttery brioche bun. Grilled chicken, Impossible and veggie options are also available. The sides are pure comfort: hand-cut fries, cheese curds, onion rings and loaded “totchos” that challenge the idea of a simple appetizer.
With more than 20 craft brews on tap and tempting happy hour deals, it’s easy to settle in for a while. TVs streaming sports add to the casual vibe, and the seat-yourself setup keeps it friendly. Parking is a breeze and kids are welcome, so Burgers & Brews feels like the kind of local spot you eagerly tell friends about when they’re hunting for a great burger and a cold beer.
Times 3 Sports Grille
Times 3 Sports Grille brings that perfect neighborhood hangout vibe to Glendale. Launched by the Frilot family in 2013, the place is packed with TVs—both indoors and on the patio—so you’ll never miss a game. It’s got that “we know your name” atmosphere that just doesn’t get old.
The burgers are a highlight. Choose from the Classic Burger, Cheeseburger or go bold with the Ortega Chile & Swiss. Their biggest offering is the half-pound Arizona Ground Round patty, nestled in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. You pick your side, whether that’s tater tots or a warm bowl of soup.
Beyond burgers, you’ll find wings, tacos and fresh salads if you want a lighter option. The bar pours a huge range of beers and cocktails, and happy hour runs every weekday from 3 to 7 pm. The patio is a solid spot for catching rays or munching burgers after work. With fast service, kid-friendly options and a laid-back vibe, Times 3 is the go-to sports grill you’ll want on speed dial.
Yard House
Yard House comes at you like the ultimate sports bar—loud, lively, and always ready with a plan. Sure, you can dive into a burger, but let’s be real, the real draw is the lineup of 100-plus drafts on tap, from local crafts to one-offs you won’t see anywhere else.
Burger choices are a treat: the Black Truffle Cheeseburger sports house-made truffle cheese with tomato-bacon-onion jam, while the Pastrami Benedict Burger piles on a fried egg and béarnaise. Buns are brioche from a local bakery, sides are hand-cut fries or crunchy onion rings, and house-made sauces like garlic aioli steal the show.
Not in a beef mood? There’s lamb, turkey, pork, and plant-based options too. The vibe is rock playlists, high-top tables, and enough TVs for every seat. They’ve got a kids menu and staff who can actually chat beer, making it family-friendly. Founded in Long Beach in the ’90s, Yard House has spread everywhere but somehow still feels a bit special.
Throne Brewing
Throne Brewing in Glendale nails the neighborhood brewpub formula. It’s laid-back, local and serves food that outperforms most run-of-the-mill bar menus. Their hand-pressed half-pound Angus burgers are proof—they’re all fresh, never frozen. You’ll find four signature burgers, like the Cheddar Bacon and a spicy gorgonzola option loaded with green chilis and jalapeños. Swap in a pretzel bun and thank yourself later.
But the menu doesn’t stop at burgers. Brats, sliders and hand-cut onion rings share the spotlight with build-your-own mac and cheese and salads you actually want to eat. The real draw is the rotating house-brews—pilsners, IPAs and stouts you probably haven’t tried elsewhere. Every so often you’ll spot beer-infused sauces on the menu, which somehow makes sense here.
The space has a relaxed industrial feel without feeling forced. High tables, a wraparound bar, pinball machines and cozy booths create different vibes in one room. Head outside and the pet-friendly patio is roomy enough for a group. With easy parking, family-friendly service and no corporate fluff, Throne Brewing feels just right.
