Tucson, Arizona may be renowned for its breathtaking desert scenery and rich culture—but it’s also a burger lover’s paradise. From gourmet Wagyu beef burgers to plant-based patty masterpieces or a classic cheeseburger with crispy fries, the Old Pueblo has something for every burger enthusiast. In this article, we reveal the top burgers in Tucson that are worth every morsel, each having a special twist and flavor that makes it stand out.
Why Tucson Is a Burger Lover’s Paradise
Whether it’s locally raised beef, house-made sauce, or artisan buns, the burger trend in Tucson is as varied as it is tasty. Here, burgers are given the culinary respect they deserve, with chefs combining traditional American methods with Sonoran flavors, hot chilies, and creative approach.
No matter if you like fast-casual spots or chef-owned gastropubs, Tucson’s got a solid burger scene. Here’s the rundown on where to get the best burgers in Tucson.
Top 10 Tucson Burgers
1. Graze Premium Burgers
- Address: 2721 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
- Why It’s Exceptional: Praised for fast-casual standards, Graze employs grass-fed beef and locally baked bread. Their build-your-own burgers are juicy, full of flavor, and never-ending.”
- Must-Try Burger: “The Grazer” with house-made aioli, roasted green chile, and caramelized onions.
2. Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar
- Location: 1865 E River Rd #101, Tucson, AZ 85718
- Why It Stands Out: Blending fancy atmosphere with tasty burgers, Zinburger has gourmet versions with high-end toppings.
- Must-Try Burger: “Zinburger” with Zinfandel-braised onions, Manchego cheese, and mayo.
3. Serial Grillers
- Location: Various locations throughout Tucson
- Why It Stands Out: A horror-movie-themed restaurant that doesn’t mess around with burgers. Their patties are thick, perfectly cooked, and loaded with creative flavors.
- Must-Try Burger: “The Freddy” with pepper jack, jalapeño slaw, and chipotle mayo.
4. Wildflower
- Location: 7037 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
- Why It Stands Out: Classier than your typical burger joint, Wildflower adds a gourmet touch to each meal.
- Must-Try Burger: Their Wagyu Beef Burger topped with aged cheddar, truffle aioli, and tomato jam.
5. The Parish
- Location: 6453 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
- Why It Stands Out: This gastropub with Southern-fusion burgers serves up bold Creole flavors in their burgers.
- Must-Try Burger: “Bayou Burger” with andouille sausage, pepper jack, and spicy remoulade.
6. Ricky’s Tacos and Burgers
- Location: 1052 S Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711
- Why It’s Outstanding: Don’t be mislead by the name—Ricky’s burgers are every bit as legendary as the tacos.
- Must-Try Burger: Sonoran Burger topped with guacamole, bacon, and griddled jalapeños.
7. Little Anthony’s Diner
- Address: 7010 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
- Why It’s Outstanding: Retro-styled diner featuring old-school American-style burgers and shakes.
- Must-Try Burger: The “Big Bopper” double patty, cheese, and secret sauce.
8. Beaut Burger (Vegan Friendly)
- Location: 267 S Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
- Why It Stands Out: Situated at the Mercado San Agustin Annex, Beaut Burger offers plant-based masterpieces that even carnivores can’t help but appreciate.
- Must-Try Burger: “B10” topped with pickled onion, pepita pesto, and house sauce.
9. Culinary Dropout
- Location: 2543 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
- Why It Stands Out: Modern and hip, famous for its burgers as well as chill atmosphere with live music.
- Must-Try Burger: Pub Burger topped with Havarti cheese, bacon, and BBQ aioli.
10. Thunder Bacon Burger Co.
- Address: 621 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
- Why It’s Special: Homegrown favorite of bacon enthusiasts and those who love flavor.
- Must-Try Burger: “Thunder Burger” topped with bacon jam, smoked gouda, and chipotle ranch.
Top 10 Burgers in Tucson: Open & Close Time, Price
| Restaurant | Hours | Average Price |
| Graze Premium Burgers | Sun–Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri–Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM | $10–$14 |
| Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM | $12–$16 |
| Serial Grillers | Mon–Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM | $11–$15 |
| Wildflower | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM | $15–$18 |
| The Parish | Daily: 11 AM – 10 PM | $13–$17 |
| Ricky’s Tacos and Burgers | Daily: 10 AM – 9 PM | $8–$12 |
| Little Anthony’s Diner | Daily: 11 AM – 8 PM | $9–$13 |
| Beaut Burger | Wed–Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM | $10–$13 (Vegan) |
| Culinary Dropout | Mon–Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri–Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM | $14–$18 |
| Thunder Bacon Burger Co. | Tue–Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM | $12–$16 |
Burger-Lover Tips for the Best Experience
- Be local: Several Tucson burger places incorporate local ingredients and patronize local farms.
- Look for specials: Seasonal or weekly burgers usually have unique flavors.
- Don’t miss the sides: Tucson places usually have chili fries, jalapeño poppers, or Southwestern mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Tucson is a haven for burger enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a towering meat-lover’s masterpiece or a health-conscious veggie patty, the city’s burger offerings will leave your taste buds completely content. So the next time you’re in Tucson, avoid the chains and indulge in one of these local treasures for a burger experience like no other.
FAQs
The “Grazer” from Graze Premium Burgers is consistently a local favorite thanks to its juicy grass-fed beef and custom toppings.
Yes! Beaut Burger is highly recommended for its inventive, flavorful plant-based creations.
Wildflower and Zinburger offer gourmet options with Wagyu beef, truffle aioli, and high-end ingredients.
Yes, many top spots prioritize locally sourced produce, meat, and bakery items.
Also read about: Best Pizza in Tucson: Top Places You Must Try