The Original Hamburger Works Review: Flame-Grilled Burgers in Phoenix, Arizona
On our ongoing quest to find the perfect burger, Ron and I finally visited The Original Hamburger Works, a spot we’ve driven past countless times on our way to Encanto Golf Course but never stopped to try—until now. Tucked away in a nostalgic corner, the restaurant offers a fun, retro atmosphere, with vintage metal signs and old-school traffic lights adorning the walls. The menu, neatly displayed on a large board, strikes the perfect balance: enough variety to satisfy every craving, without feeling overwhelming.
Burger Options at The Original Hamburger Works
The standout feature here is the burger selection. You can choose between a 1/3 pound or 1/2 pound burger, each made with fresh, grilled-to-order patties. Side dishes include classic fries, chili fries, and waffle fries, though the menu also offers a few healthy alternatives like light salads. The straightforward menu ensures you won’t waste time deciding, and there’s something for everyone—from hearty meat lovers to those seeking a lighter bite
Drinks and Dining Experience
For those looking to pair their meal with a drink, the attached bar offers a solid selection of alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer, which is always a nice touch. When your name is called, you pick up your burger and head to a large dressing station to customize your meal with all the fixings: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and jalapeños, plus a few bonus toppings to make your burger just right.
The Fiesta Burger & Bacon Cheeseburger Review
I opted for the Fiesta Burger, a flavorful combination of guacamole, bacon, and jalapeño cheese, and I added extra jalapeños for a little extra heat. Ron went with the classic Bacon Cheeseburger, topping his with mustard and ketchup. Both burgers came with juicy, hefty patties, chargrilled for that smoky, crispy crust. Although we didn’t get to choose our preferred doneness, the burgers arrived well-done, which was a bit of a bummer for us since we prefer ours medium. Still, the flavors were bold and satisfying, with a great balance of toppings and juicy beef.
The Fries: Fresh but Not Extraordinary
We shared a large order of hand-cut fries, and while they were fresh and definitely crunchy, they didn’t quite pack the punch we expected. They were good, but they didn’t stand out like the burgers did. That said, the fries didn’t detract from the overall experience, as the burgers were the real star of the meal.
Final Thoughts: A Great Value for Quality Burgers
Overall, we agreed that The Original Hamburger Works serves up one of the better burgers we’ve had recently—though not the absolute best. We would have loved more control over how the burger was cooked, but that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise satisfying meal. The prices were very reasonable, and we appreciated the affordable non-alcoholic beer, with our Heineken 0s coming to just $9.50 for both of us.
If you’re in the area, especially near Encanto Golf Course, don’t miss out on this spot. The burgers are solid, the vibe is relaxed, and you’ll definitely leave full without breaking the bank. Give The Original Hamburger Works a try—you won’t be disappointed!
