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The Best Burgers in Tucson

Guide

The Best Burgers in Tucson

by Max WingertJul 26, 2023Updated Aug 4, 202615 min read
Tucson has a long history with cattle ranching, and that heritage shows up on menus across the city. From no-frills neighborhood spots to full-service restaurants sourcing local beef, the burger scene here covers a wide range of styles, price points, and toppings. Some kitchens keep it classic; others pile on ingredients like quesabirria, peanut butter jalapeño jam, or flaming saganaki cheese. This guide covers options from all corners of the city, from the south side to the northwest foothills. Come hungry. Most patties run on the larger side, and a good order of fries rarely hurts.
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33 spots

5 Points

756 South Stone AvenueDowntown

5 Points features exposed brick walls and shelves lined with natural wines for sale. Although the restaurant established its reputation and a brunch spot, it expanded with a dinner service with its own seasonal menu.

Signature dishes include the Smoked Beet Sandwich and the Huevos Rancheros. Their burger keeps it simple without gimmicks, focusing on details with each component, such as ingredient sourcing with beef from Vera Earl Ranch, gooey deluxe American, tallow smoked onions, and a milk bun.

Amigos Burgers and Beer

6372 South Nogales HighwaySouth Side

A little known south side spot, Amigos delivers hefty, satisfying burgers. While they default to medium cooking, you can request a medium-rare patty. The signature Amigo Burger is lavished with avocado slices, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and a smoky chipotle mayo. A spicy ketchup for your fries completes the meal.

Bisou Burger

Bisou Burger is a roaming Tucson food truck run by co-owners William Jacobs and Jeff Garland, both veterans of local restaurant kitchens. The truck centers on smash burgers built with house-ground chuck from K4 Ranches in Prescott, a fire-roasted poblano puree, and sautéed onions in yellow mustard. Garland bakes every fluffy bun from a high-hydration milk dough, and the duo makes their own American-style cheese by emulsifying Tillamook white cheddar with sodium citrate.

The core menu stays tight, with rotating weekly specials that have included spicy bulgogi and Valentine's Day beet burgers. A falafel burger rounds out the options for vegetarians. The truck also sells house-made ice cream sandwiches. Bisou Burger posts its locations on Instagram; follow @bisouburger for updates.

Fried Onion Burger, Fries, and Chocolate Shake at BŌS Burger (Photo by Jackie Tran)

BŌS Burger

267 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown

BŌS Burger (pronounced “boss burger”) delivers a modern smash burger concept with American wagyu on Martin’s potato rolls. The restaurant at the MSA Annex keeps a fun, casual vibe with its shipping container setup and a cocktail bar in the works.

Get a fried onion burger double, fries, shake, and Hidden Hearth cookie.

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Brooklyn's Beers & Burger

3790 East Irvington RoadSouth Side

Near the south side of town, this burger spot is not to be missed. After you finish one of their scrumptious appetizers (try the Twisters), check out The Samurai. It blends Eastern and Western ingredients — cream cheese, diced cabbage, scallions, and a sweet Asian sauce. Unique and satisfying!

CORBETT'S

340 North 6th AvenueDowntown

CORBETT'S offers a dynamic venue that blends historic charm with modern amenities. The establishment features a spacious beer garden, five pickleball courts — two indoors within the historic Corbett Building — and live music performances frequently The menu at Corbett’s showcases Tucson-inspired American cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include the Tucson Toro Burger, featuring pepper jack cheese, bacon, poblano peppers, barbecue sauce, and mayo, and the Rocky Point Tacos, filled with Baja shrimp, coleslaw, crema, smashed avocado, chipotle aioli, and cotija cheese.

Daddyburger

238 North 4th AvenueDowntown

“Daddyburger makes delicious smash burgers but they’re also known to be the father of crispy French fries! Say goodbye to those floppy fries from national chain restaurants and say hello to Daddyburger’s made-to-order delights. Plus, it’s always fun to hang out, people-watch, and eat on The Boxyard’s shaded outdoor patio.”

Divine Bovine

1021 North Wilmot RoadMidtown

Divine Bovine, located on Tucson’s east side, offers a casual industrial design. Known for its extensive selection of gourmet burgers and house-made sides, Divine Bovine has become a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts seeking playful flavor combinations. Sides such as the scratch-made tater tots, crafted from shredded potatoes mixed with cheddar and green onions, have earn their own following. Regulars also enjoy the variety of dipping sauces, including cheddar cheese sauce, green chili cheese sauce, and roasted beef gravy.

Fini's Landing

5689 North Swan RoadFoothills

Fini’s Landing immerses diners in a beach‑bar atmosphere with surfboards hanging from the ceiling and a flip‑flop door handle. Flatscreen TVs populate the walls, blending coastal charm with a lively sports bar vibe. This neighborhood spot featuring responsibly sourced seafood and American‑Mexican fare attracts families and sports fans alike. Guests rave about the fish tacos and the Chubasco shrimp tacos, featuring shrimp with pico de gallo and spicy house sauce.

Gentle Ben's Brewing

865 East University BoulevardDowntown

Gentle Ben’s features an industrial vibe with an open layout that flows to a shaded rooftop deck with city views and casual patio seating. The venue buzzes with energy from local college crowds and live sports on big screens, transforming into a club vibe on busy nights. The Lizzy Salad with chicken, bacon, gorgonzola and honey‑basil vinaigrette is the longtime local favorite. Pork also has its following with the house Carnitas Tacos and Pulled Pork Sandwich with beer‑battered fries.

Ghini's French Caffe

1803 East Prince RoadMidtown

"If you’re feeling rather famished and perhaps exhausted from the evening before, take a bite out of the Breakfast Burger — AKA The Hangover Helper — on the Brunch Menu. The burger is sandwiched in a grilled La Baguette roll and then layered with local tomatoes, crispy hashbrowns, bacon, melted cheddar, a sunnyside egg, and Sriracha aioli. For those feeling a little wild in the morning, order it with double the meat."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Graze Premium Burgers & Fresh Cut Fries- Speedway

2721 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Graze Premium Burgers, a locally owned small chain with two Tucson locations, builds its menu around Niman Ranch beef and locally sourced grass-fed options. The interior carries a clean, casual aesthetic with bright lighting, a counter-service setup, and a relaxed atmosphere. A condiment station stocked with house options like curry ketchup and sweet chili sauce adds a distinctive, customizable touch to every visit. Graze's fries are crafted from Kennebec potatoes, a variety also used at In-N-Out Burger, but the restaurant employs a Belgian cooking technique. For table service and additional options, visit sister restaurant Truland Burgers & Greens.
Also featured inThe Best Fries in Tucson

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

266 East Congress StreetDowntown

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with its blend of historic and modern design elements. The interior features exposed brick walls, high ceilings with visible ductwork, and warm wood accents, creating a cozy yet contemporary dining space.

They serve elevated American comfort food, ranging from starters like pretzel knots and cheese curds to mains such as ricotta gnocchi, seared salmon, short rib ravioli, and a grilled petit filet. Lunch and brunch options include sandwiches, a pot pie, and brûléed French toast, while a dedicated ice creamery offers scoops and baked desserts. The restaurant opens Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

(Photo courtesy of Kaiju Burger)

Kaiju Burger

11 S 6th AveDowntown

Kaiju Burger offers wagyu smash burgers, matcha soft serve, and Japanese-inspired details. The concept evolved from pop-ups by Rafael and Destiney Medina, who also operate Katsu House and refined their menu as a Sunday pop-up in late 2025.

The menu highlights a flagship smashburger with wagyu beef, Kewpie mayo and house pickles, alongside fries, a panko Caesar salad and matcha or vanilla soft serve. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options with Beyond Meat and gluten-free buns, and includes a kids menu branded as Lil Kaiju’s.

Kingfisher Bar & Grill

2564 East Grant RoadUniversity & 4th Ave

Kingfisher Bar & Grill offers a timeless, upscale atmosphere with its vintage interior and rotating local artwork. The dining area features cozy booths, a stained-glass kingfisher above the private room, and a bar adorned with studded leather stools. This setting provides a swanky yet casual environment.

The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, including the Macadamia Nut-Crusted Hawaiian Fish, New England Clam Chowder, and Steamed Black Mussels with Sriracha. Other favorites are the Grilled Sea Bass with crispy pork belly and spicy stone fruit chutney, and the seasonal oysters on the half shell. Kingfisher also offers a selection of creative cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Lindy's on 4th

500 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Lindy’s on 4th delivers a bold and energetic vibe with its industrial-meets-artsy decor. The interior features exposed beams, brick walls, and dramatic pendant lights hanging over polished concrete floors. Metal chairs and quirky art, including a mural of an anthropomorphic order of fries battling a monster, set the tone for this burger joint’s eccentric personality. The menu is stacked with indulgent creations like the OMFG Burger (a triple patty tower with cheese, bacon, and Lindy’s sauce) and the The Blue Suede Cow topped with a double portion of bacon, pepper jack, peanut butter, and grilled onion.

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile

353 South Meyer AvenueDowntown

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile, which is located on the same property as The Coronet,  it’s a smaller counter-service cafe where visitors can grab a bite, sip on coffee from Caffe Luce, wake up with a cup of tea, or drink a beer. Plus, there’s free WiFi to make it easier for those working remotely. Meyer Avenue Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily and the Mercantile shop is open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday – Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday – Monday. When it comes to the mercantile portion of the cafe, they’ll be selling things like bodega water glasses, coffee, beer, wine, and other tabletop items. Also, there will be jarred and canned offerings for sale that come from all three restaurants.

Assorted wing flavors at Mulligans (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Mulligans Bar and Grill

9403 East Golf Links RoadEastside

Mulligans sits on East Golf Links Road as an eastside sports bar and grill known for 23 wing flavors and 15 rotating beers on tap. Irish and golf-themed decor runs throughout the space, with the interior leaning heavily green, and a patio offers an outdoor option for dine-in guests. Multiple large-screen TVs and a full whiskey selection round out the bar side, giving the spot equal footing as a neighborhood watering hole and a bar food dining destination. The wings, Reuben Egg Rolls, and the Cowboy Burger draw the most consistent praise. The brioche bun is sourced from Viro's Bakery nearby.

Noble Hops

1335 West Lambert LaneOro Valley

Noble Hops offers a contemporary gastropub experience. The interior features a 30-foot-long indoor/outdoor mesquite bar, slate accents, and comfortable lounge seating, creating a cozy environment. The expansive patio, equipped with water misters, a large gas fire pit, and built-in heaters, provides year-round comfort and stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, including the Bacon Jam Burger, featuring Angus beef, smoked cheddar, bacon jam, and chili aioli, and the Crispy Cauliflower. Noble Hops also offers an extensive selection of rotating taps and bottled bottled beers.

Opa's Best Greek American Cuisine

4590 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

"The Saganaki Burger is now one of my favorites in Tucson. As they brought the beast of a burger to me at the bar, they lit the cheese on fire so that it’d melt in a flavorful fashion — grabbing everyone’s attention, too (my burger was purposely on fire, folks). Oh, and they’ve got incredibly priced Dragoon IPAs as well and the burgers are equally as wonderful at Opa’s Grill on Fourth Avenue."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers

8201 South Rita RoadSouth Side

Don't fear the gas station location. Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers grew out of a partnership between husband-and-wife team Robert Christian and Leticia Ramirez, blending American burger traditions with recipes rooted in Ramirez's family taqueria history from Guaymas, Mexico. Its compact, tidy interior keeps the focus on the food rather than the surroundings. While traditional dishes like enchiladas shines, two dishes here garner the most attention: their burgers and Sonoran dogs.

Red Garter Saloon Bar & Grill

3143 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Red Garter Saloon Bar & Grill has operated as a locally owned neighborhood institution since 1969, drawing regulars with its easygoing, old-school bar character. Pool tables split across smoking and non-smoking areas, and multiple HD TVs anchor the space as a go-to for sports viewing. The kitchen builds its burgers from 100% fresh Angus beef, hand-pressed and cooked to order. The Gauntlet Burger, a double half-pound patty stacked with four types of cheese and four strips of bacon, draws especially enthusiastic praise for its size and juiciness. Kitchen hours run 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

(Photo courtesy of Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar)

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar

6444 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar opened its original Oracle Road location in 2023, built around a scratch-made approach with no pre-made sauces, bottled syrups, or frozen foods. The interior carries a modern, lively energy with warm lighting, stylish finishes, and a bar program anchored by craft cocktails made with house syrups, cordials, and fresh-squeezed juices. A second location in the historic Rincon Market building in Sam Hughes features a custom desert-meets-tropical mural by Tucson artist Delsa Designs. Favorites include the elote nachos and the Redbird Classic Burger, a hand-smashed patty with butter-soft onions, American cheese, house sauce, pickles, lettuce, and tomato, as the top orders. The loaded wings, scratch-made tacos, and craft cocktails also earn a following across both locations.

Serial Grillers

7585 South Houghton RoadSouth Side

Serial Grillers immerses diners in a horror film-themed atmosphere and a casual, counter-service layout. The restaurant offers a relaxed setting with ample seating, making it a popular spot for families and groups seeking pizza, burgers, and sandwiches.

The menu features cleverly named dishes inspired by horror films, such as the Bone Collector pizza topped with boneless chicken wings, mozzarella, cheddar, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.

Tandem American Eatery

8864 East Tanque Verde RoadTanque Verde & Sabino

The All American Burger is one of the most well-liked menu items at the restaurant and we couldn't agree more! The cherry on top is the actual fried pickle spear that's on top of the burger! Oh, and the love that Patrick and Ayana Malarchik, the husband and wife duo behind the restaurant, have for each other.

The Parish

6453 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

The Parish in Tucson immerses guests in a sultry, Southern-inspired atmosphere. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over dark-paneled walls adorned with eclectic, jazz-themed artwork. The intimate setting, coupled with live music and house-infused spirits, creates a vibrant dining experience. Renowned for its Southern fusion cuisine, The Parish offers standout dishes like the Drunken Angel pasta: angel hair soaked in Burgundy and lobster broth, topped with shrimp, crawfish, and saffron red pepper cream. Other favorites include the Parish Burger, featuring a blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, and the Guedry’s Gumbo, a hearty mix of chicken, Andouille sausage, and rice, served with hush puppies. The Parish Burger tantalizes with a combination of blue cheese, bacon, sweet and savory red onion marmalade, and Dijon mustard on a kaiser roll.

Tiny's Family Restaurant

4900 West Ajo HighwayWestside

Tiny’s Family Restaurant, located on Tucson’s west side, exudes a rustic charm with its Western-themed decor and dive bar atmosphere. The interior features wood-paneled walls adorned with vintage memorabilia, creating a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of an old saloon. The menu boasts a variety of comfort foods, with the Western BBQ Burger being a standout favorite among regulars. The Fish Sandwich and Fried Mushrooms are also well-received. They regularly post the burger special of the week on their Facebook page.

Truland Burgers & Greens

7332 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

Truland Burgers is a great spot to head if you're looking for antibiotic- and hormone-free beef. The Firecracker Burger has a kick to it, with pepper jack cheese, grilled jalapeños, and Sriracha mayo. Oh, and grab the sweet potato tots! You don't see them on many menus and they are delightful.

Uptown Burger

6370 North Campbell AvenueFoothills

Uptown Burger sits in a foothills shopping plaza on North Campbell Avenue, conceived by restaurateur Daniel Scordato and built around 100% certified Piedmontese beef. The counter-service setup keeps the format casual, with a modern, clean interior, outdoor patio seating, and a straightforward kiosk ordering system backed by table service for food and drinks. A commitment to local nonprofits runs alongside the food program, with a portion of proceeds supporting Tucson community organizations.

The signature Uptown Burger, the French Dip with imported Brie and au jus, and the Sonoran Burger with roasted poblano, Oaxaca cheese, and Cholula aioli garner the most attention. The Nashville chicken sandwich, topped with crispy fried chicken, Nashville glaze, and Münster cheese, also earns a nod. The sweet potato fries and the grape and Gorgonzola salad round out the most-recommended orders.

[Editor's note: this article was written in July 26, 2023, and updated in June 25, 2026]


Frequently asked questions

Tucson has burger options across all parts of the city. Downtown spots include Forbes Meat Company and HUB Restaurant. On the north side, try Uptown Burger or Noble Hops in Oro Valley. Fourth Avenue has Lindy's on 4th and daddyburger. This guide covers more than 20 options citywide.

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JUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉

@hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge.

The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish:

→ Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio
→ Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp
→ Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh
→ Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips

• Wednesday, August 12
• 6 PM
• HUB’s Library Lounge
• $55++ per person

Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻

Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsJUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉 @hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge. The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish: → Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio → Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp → Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh → Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips • Wednesday, August 12 • 6 PM • HUB’s Library Lounge • $55++ per person Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻 Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz