“When in Phoenix, do as Phoenicians do.” If that means staying in air conditioned confines during the summer, we’re doing it. If that means sticking with local culinary fare, not so much. Blame that on “Only in Arizona,” a travel and lifestyle publication from the good folks who bring us “Only In Your State.” A recent edition of Only in Arizona celebrated a “Phoenix Burger Joint” that “Has Cooked Over Real Mesquite for 40 Years.” As if mesquite grilled burgers aren’t enticing enough, the article boldly declared “The green chile cheeseburger, with jalapeño cheese and a grilled green chile on top, is the one that converts first-timers into regulars. Hmm, a green chile cheeseburger in Arizona that might actually be pretty good; it just hasn’t been my experience.
Admittedly, I’ve only had fewer than a handful of green chile cheeseburgers in the Grand Canyon State. Any memorability they have can be attributed to how mediocre (or worse) they’ve been. Arizona would never be able to entice savvy staycators and Hatch familiar visitors to the “Arizona Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail.” That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try. They might first want to spend some time on New Mexico’s trail to see how it’s done. Better still, leave it to the pros at the Land of Enchantment…or at least, Only in Arizona might want to steer readers toward “Only In New Mexico” for burgers which will convert first-timers into visitors.
There’s so much to love about the aptly named Orignal Hamburger Works. A condiments cart has nearly everything with which you might want to adorn a burger, making it truly “The Works” in the style of Dagwood Bumstead. Then there’s the enticing aroma of mesquite charcoal (as much as 120 pounds each day) which emits a bold, earthy and intense “campfire” aroma when burned property. It imbues griled foods with a rich, savory smoke. You’ve got to give the restaurant’s smoke masters credit. The improper use of charcoal can emit a bitter, pungent odor comparable to burning tires or road tar. That’s something you’ll never find at the Original Hamburger Works. Is it any wonder it was named Arizona’s representative in “Only In Your State’s” feature on the “50 Best Burgers Across The U.S.”
The Original Hamburger Works’ website invites guests to “Relax and enjoy our casual and friendly dining atmosphere where all our burgers, from the Small One to the Super Great One, along with our half pound chicken breasts are all prepared to delicious, savory perfection over real mesquite charcoal…never gas! Then you pile on your choice of condiments and fixin’s at the legendary fixin’s wagon.” That’s pretty much how the restaurant has operated for nearly five decades. Originally opened in September 1977, and modeled after The Chuckbox in Tempe, The Original Hamburger Works has been a mainstay in Phoenix’s Encanto area.
Just as the aroma of mesquite will trigger memories of campfires, youll be instantly transported back in time through the eclectic décor that is will remind you of years gone by. Walls are covered with memorabilia — from S&H green stamps to Carnation Ice Cream, along with dozens of advertising signs from previous eras and more. It’s truly a trip down memory lane. More than any restaurant we’ve visited recently, the Original Hamburger Works knows how to help thirsty guests survive the blazing heat. In addition to the usual Coke or Pepsi fountain drink suspects, you can enjoy such beverage rarities as Barq’s Cream Soda. Adult beverages are also available.
Diners can order a burger from a quarter pound up to the “Super Great One,” which is a whole pound of beef. Also available are mesquite broiled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, broiled fish sandwich, garden burger and fish and chips, as well as go-to sides and salads. Original Hamburger Works offers a wide variety of specialty burgers: the Big One (The Best 1/3 lb burger anywhere) is a classic choice, plus there’s the Border Burger (jalapeño cheese & grilled green chili), Fiesta Burger (guacamole, bacon, jalapeño cheese), Hawaiian Burger (teriyaki, pineapple, provolone), and a Bacon Cheese Burger.
Mesquite-grilled burgers smell different (better…much better) than flat-top burgers. There’s smoke in the crust, char in the bite, and a depth of flavor that a griddle simply can’t replicate. Nor can a smash burger. One way or another, I was sure to like, maybe love the border burger (spicy south of the Border burger with jalapeño cheese and a grilled green chile on top). In some ways, I loved it more than many burgers I’ve had across the Land of Enchilement. That mesquite grilled beef was unbelievably delicious. What I didn’t love was the green chile, two strips of insipid beef lacking any sort of pungency or piquancy. The young lady at the counter was unable to tell me the chile’s genesis. My guess was New York, not New Mexico. I also didn’t love myself for not having ordered the beef at half a pound instead of a third-pound. Dressing the burger with the myriad condiments was also a love affair.
The counter girl was also unable to tell me what distinguished the “Arizona fries” from your standard, run-of-the-mill fries. Not quite as thick as steak fries or Texas fries, these fries were nothing special. My usual treatment for fries that don’t stand alone is a mixture of ketchup and Tabasco hot sauce. Unfortunately Original Hamburger Works didn’t have Tabasco and I won’t use Cholula because it reeks of cumin. Observing other diners, I noted most of them seemed to be enjoying the onion rings. That’s what I’ll have next time.
Original Hamburger Works may not have a burger worthy of the New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, but it does offer a tempting array of other burger options. Mesquite grilling gives them a great start. It’s up to you and the condiments you select to make the burgers even greater.
Original Hamburger Works
2801 N 15th Ave
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 263-8693
Website | Facebook Page
LATEST VISIT: 15 July 2026
# OF VISITS: 1
RATING: N/R
COST: $$
BEST BET: The Border Burger, Arizona Fries
REVIEW #1531