Trying to track down Glendale’s best burger joints could leave you dizzy. So start with this list instead. These are the spots that seem most promising—though we can’t vouch for the ones we haven’t tasted yet. Venture out and be a trailblazer, or just follow along as we update our 2025 picks.
Whataburger
$ | (602) 547-0186 | WEBSITE
Across from the main shopping plaza in Glendale is Whataburger, a fast-food burger spot known for its above-average service and quick order fulfillment. You can order individual items or go for the classic combo meals.
McDonald’s
$ | (623) 934-1123 | WEBSITE
Classic burgers have found a reliable home in Glendale, thanks to this consistently well-run McDonald’s location. Of course there are Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, but this efficient fast-food spot also maintains impressive cleanliness standards and handles high-volume periods with surprising grace.
Sushi Antojitos El Kike
$ | (602) 884-6620 | WEBSITE
Sushi Antojitos El Kike is a cozy, clean spot in Glendale with a modest, welcoming vibe. To go with their unique Platin sushi (featuring plantain wraps instead of rice), they offer a kid-friendly menu, making it a great place for a date or family outing. The food is delicious, with fantastic presentation and fast service, all at reasonable prices that fit the casual setting.
Culver’s
$ | (623) 328-9282 | WEBSITE
One of Glendale’s most popular burger spots is Culver’s, a family-friendly restaurant with a clean dining room and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes impressive three-piece fish dinners, chocolate milkshakes, and their signature burgers. You can either order individual items or go for the full meal experience with sides and drinks.
IHOP
$ | (623) 878-9631 | WEBSITE
IHOP is a burger spot that’s earned its place among Glendale’s best, this time in the 2025 updated list. Expect the same reliable food and friendly service this chain is known for. The classic with bacon burger and fries comes out hot and decent, just as you’d want. Servers are amazing—patient, courteous, and helpful with dietary restrictions, never letting drinks run low.
It’s very kid friendly, though it can get hot when busy, and some have noted issues with overcharging or order mistakes, with menu prices that vary. Still, the food is worth taking home to enjoy in a more comfortable setting.
Bambino’s Sports Grill
$ | (623) 516-2300 | WEBSITE
The crew behind the always-busy Bambino’s Sports Grill has created a spot where you can unwind with great food and drinks without emptying your wallet. They serve up a variety of burgers and salads, so you can get everything from classic cheeseburgers and crispy chicken sandwiches to fresh garden salads and loaded fries. The atmosphere is comfortable and a little loud, making it perfect for catching a game while sipping a cold beer or one of their prickly pear margaritas.
Even when service slows down during peak hours, the friendly staff—including standout servers like Sandra and Raven—keeps things moving with a smile. The kitchen team deserves a shout-out too, consistently turning out perfectly cooked food that keeps guests coming back for more, especially on karaoke nights when the energy is high. Overall, it’s a top pick for a laid-back meal where the vibe is as satisfying as the menu.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (480) 736-2461 | WEBSITE
Devotees of Glendale’s Carl’s Jr. no longer need to rely on other locations to get their fix of perfectly prepared burgers. This spot on the best-burger list offers the same fresh, delicious food as the chain is known for. Fish sandwiches, always hot and fresh, and super clean tables round out whatever you order from the menu. For now, the staff, including Sindy, remains very nice and professional, providing quick service with a genuinely happy attitude.
Burgers & Brews
$ | (623) 776-2266 | WEBSITE
Glendale has another place to grab a burger at Burgers & Brews, a local spot with burgers that taste like backyard barbecues or classic diner fare. A couple of TVs are around if you want to sit back and catch the game.
Portillo’s Glendale
$ | (480) 672-0100 | WEBSITE
Find hot dogs, beef sandwiches, sausage, and Chicago-style classics at this diner-style spot in Glendale. And if your love of all things hearty and flavorful knows no bounds, you can try their Italian beef and sausage sandwich dipped in gravy—a messy, delicious combination that comes in around $15. Chocolate cake shakes are just about your only non-savory indulgence here.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
$$ | (623) 213-7622 | WEBSITE
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers used to be a local favorite in Glendale, but they’ve expanded to become one of the top burger spots in the area. Expect the same menu of amazing burgers, homemade chips, and the best pretzel with cheese around, plus vegetarian and vegan options. The teriyaki burger and homemade mac and cheese are still highlights, and the PB&J sliders remain a fun twist.
With professional and welcoming waitstaff providing excellent service, it’s a lively atmosphere with entertaining games on TVs and cold drinks in a cozy setting. Happy hour deals make it even better.
Wally Burger
$ | (623) 934-5050 | WEBSITE
This is a family-friendly burger restaurant with a superhero theme that offers burgers, pizza, and the customer-favorite deep-fried Oreos. Complete your meal with decent fries and heavenly fried Oreos. The prices are very reasonable, making it a great place to bring the family for a fun dining experience.
Robert Emmets Food & Spirits
$ | (623) 435-1770 | WEBSITE
Robert Emmets Food & Spirits, the local bar with awesome food owned by Bobby, has become a staple in Glendale. The lively spot draws a nice crowd, features good DJs, and offers great service. Specials like the $9.99 steak sandwich are a hit. It’s a chill destination for a fun night out, especially on Fridays. Whether you’re there for the food or the atmosphere, it’s worth checking out for lunch or an evening of music and drinks.
H-D Burgers
$ | (623) 806-6606 | WEBSITE
The Phoenix area now has H-D Burgers, a food truck operation that’s a hidden gem for burger enthusiasts. They serve juicy patties and filling burgers with tender Angus beef, plus other tasty options like steak subs and crepes. Customers also praise the H-D burger, which is similar to an In-N-Out burger with ‘special sauce’ but much tastier and large in size.
The burgers are known for being very flavorful and made with fresh ingredients, with each bite being a flavor explosion with juicy patties and fresh toppings. Many visitors say it has the best burgers in the country, not just the state, and commend the excellent service. Parking can be tricky to find, but once there, guests enjoy a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Overall, H-D Burgers is celebrated for its generous portions and fantastic flavors that outshine typical fast-food places.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (602) 288-9073 | WEBSITE
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews has established itself as a family-friendly destination in Glendale, known for its consistently delicious food and exceptional service. They serve classic American comfort fare like fish and chips, chicken strips, and root beer floats, with most entrees priced around $15–$20. The atmosphere is clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with bright lighting and spacious booths that make it easy to relax.
Servers like April and Alyssa B go above and beyond, keeping drinks refilled and checking in regularly, while manager Jose makes the rounds to ensure every guest leaves happy. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers the kids and the vibe stays upbeat—a reliable spot for a satisfying, fuss-free meal.
Ric’s On 95th Sports Grill
$ | (623) 594-0900 | WEBSITE
A classic spot for sports and comfort food has been holding it down in Glendale. Ric’s On 95th Sports Grill is all about tasty bar classics like reasonably priced wings and delicious house-made thin crust pizza, with a lively atmosphere and multiple TVs showing games with sound. It’s a great place to watch football, enjoy good food, and have a good time, especially on karaoke nights. The open layout and quick service make it a popular spot, though the bar prices can be a bit high.
Overall, it’s a chill spot worth visiting again for a fun night out.
Burger King
$ | (623) 931-5143 | WEBSITE
After a recent refresh, Burger King in Glendale is looking sharp. The classic fast-food chain, a staple since 1954, has maintained its comfortable and quiet atmosphere, but the menu with customizable Whoppers remains largely unchanged, so expect cheese-topped burgers, chicken nuggets, and lots of fries.
BadAss Steakhouse Burgers
$ | (623) 878-6200 | WEBSITE
Glendale’s newest burger destination is BadAss Steakhouse Burgers, a bustling spot known for its delicious meals. On top of their incredible and plentiful burgers, they also offer prime rib that ranges from tender to occasionally tough. The service is outstanding, with a team of attentive and courteous staff including a helpful hostess and efficient waiters. While some diners have experienced fatty prime rib, others have enjoyed perfectly cooked meals.
BadAss Steakhouse Burgers is a great spot for a night out, offering accurate and prompt service in a clean and comfortable atmosphere.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (623) 878-2763 | WEBSITE
For smashed burger patties, cheese curds, and crispy fries, check out this burger spot in Glendale. They also have custom sundaes like the Turtle Sundae or smoothies for dessert.
Johnny Rockets
$ | (623) 877-2977 | WEBSITE
Johnny Rockets is a classic diner in Glendale that’s been serving up nostalgia for decades. The retro 1950s atmosphere transports you back in time, with jukebox tunes and checkered floors setting the scene. The menu features those famous burgers everyone raves about, plus hand-spun milkshakes and onion rings that keep people coming back. The dining room stays clean and bright, with red vinyl booths that feel just right for a casual meal.
Service is quick and friendly—the staff knows the menu well and will point you toward their favorites without hesitation. While the prices run a bit higher than your average burger joint, especially if you’re feeding a family, the quality ingredients make it worth the occasional splurge. It’s the kind of spot that works for a quick lunch or a laid-back celebration, though a few corners could use a deeper clean now and then.
Still, when you’re craving a thick patty, crispy rings, and a shake that tastes like it stepped out of a soda fountain, Johnny Rockets delivers exactly what you want.