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| - First off, this place has a great name. One of the most famous burger places in the Valley, and definitely the most famous in Tempe. The building itself is pretty iconic. It's an all wood shack that you'd swear should be next to a swamp somewhere in Louisiana. Inside, you're immediately smacked in the face with a smokey aroma as they use a wood-fired broiler to give the burgers a mesquite flavor. It's set up cafeteria-style and kind of feels like you're expected to know how to order as it's all customizable with a selection of toppings, cheeses, and bun types. For the veggies and sauces, there's a self-serve salad bar style set up for further customization.
The Burger - 7.5 (out of 10)
The marquee aspect of this burger is definitely the wood-flame broil as so few places cook their burgers that way. It's not the most practical cooking method and makes for a really smokey environment. Is the Burger Guy convinced this is a better burger cooking method than a well seasoned griddle? Nah. But it does give the burger a distinct flavor. The flame broil gives it a nice char that you can't get with a griddle. I got The Big One, a 1/3 pounder that I added American cheese and bacon too. My burger was juicy, cooked perfectly, and had a really nice flavor. What I wasn't impressed with was, well, everything else. The bun was a very pedestrian sesame seed job. The bacon, likewise, nothing to write home about. The veggies were basic but even the iceberg lettuce was looking pretty pitiful. And my biggest gripe: Because of the broiler, they can't grill onions! And you all know how The Burger Guy feels about grilled onions. A burger just isn't complete without them. Lastly, I don't think I like building my own burgers. I always screw up the ratios! Overall, a pretty delicious meat patty that's dragged down by the other components of the burger.
Note: Score is for the burger only. Other factors such as service, price, and ambience are not considered.
Valley of the Sun Burger Tour
-The Chuck Box
7.5
-Zinburger
8.5
Paradise Valley Burger Company
7.5
-Ted's Hotdogs
8.5
-Detroit Coney Grill
9
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