Best Burgers in Scottsdale: 5 Spots Locals Love (2026)

Looking for the best burgers in Scottsdale? You’re not alone—and you’re probably frustrated.

Between overpriced tourist traps in Old Town and generic chain restaurants, finding an actually great burger in Scottsdale feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Everyone claims they serve “the best burger in town.” Spoiler: most don’t.

Here’s the deal:

I’ve spent the past year eating my way through Scottsdale’s burger scene—from upscale gastropubs to hidden retro diners—rating each spot based on customer reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. No paid placements. No chain restaurant deals. Just honest recommendations from 15,000+ verified customer reviews.

In this guide, you’ll discover the 5 best burger spots in Scottsdale that locals actually visit, complete with exact prices, what to order, and insider tips to maximize your meal. Whether you’re craving a gourmet creation or a classic smash burger, these spots deliver.

Let’s dive in.

1. Rehab Burger Therapy – Best Gourmet Burgers in Old Town Scottsdale

Walking into Rehab Burger Therapy feels like entering a burger lover’s paradise. This isn’t your average burger joint—it’s where gourmet meets comfort food in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

With a 4.57-star average across 10,664 reviews (Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor combined), Rehab Burger consistently ranks as the top-rated burger spot in the Valley. That’s not marketing hype—that’s nearly 11,000 customers agreeing on one thing: the burgers here are exceptional.

The star of the show? The Therapy Burger—a half-pound Angus beef patty stacked with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and their signature Therapy sauce. It’s the kind of burger that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about burger condiments.

The best part?

Rehab runs a killer happy hour Monday through Friday, 3-6pm. You’ll get $3 off burgers and $5 craft cocktails—making those $18 gourmet creations suddenly very affordable.

What to Order: The Therapy Burger ($16) or the Whiskey Burger ($17) with bacon jam. Pair it with their truffle parmesan fries and a local craft beer from their rotating selection.

🍔 See Rehab Burger Therapy

2. Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Best Craft Burger Experience in Scottsdale

If you’re the type who appreciates knowing exactly where your beef comes from, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is your spot. This Texas-born concept grinds their beef fresh in-house daily—no frozen patties, no shortcuts.

Located in North Scottsdale, Hopdoddy has earned a 4.20-star average across 4,007 reviews. What sets them apart isn’t just the burgers—it’s the complete experience: craft beer on tap, house-made buns baked every morning, and a commitment to quality that shows in every bite.

The magic happens behind the counter where you can watch them grind prime beef, toast brioche buns, and assemble your burger to order. It’s dinner and a show.

Here’s why locals love it:

Hopdoddy donates $1 from every Goodnight/Good Cause burger to local charities. Since opening, they’ve raised over $127,000 for Arizona nonprofits. So yeah, your burger habit is technically philanthropy now.

What to Order: The Goodnight/Good Cause ($14) with green chile queso or the Classic Burger ($12) with their signature Hopdoddy sauce. Don’t skip the Parmesan Truffle Fries—they’re addictive.

🍔 See Hopdoddy Burger Bar

3. Paradise Valley Burger – Best Creative Burgers (Featured on Triple D)

When Guy Fieri shows up at your restaurant for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, you know you’re doing something right. Paradise Valley Burger Company earned that Food Network spotlight with their signature Brûlée Burger—a creation so unique it’s become a Scottsdale bucket list item.

What’s a Brûlée Burger? Picture this: a half-pound beef patty topped with smoked gouda, then the entire bun is dusted with sugar and torched tableside until caramelized. Sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.

With a 4.47-star average from over 5,000 reviews, Paradise Valley Burger sits comfortably in the top tier of Scottsdale burger joints. The restaurant recently relocated to a new Scottsdale location in late 2024, but the menu and quality remain exactly what made them famous.

But wait—there’s more:

Beyond the famous Brûlée Burger, their menu features over 20 creative burger combinations. The “PB&J Burger” (yes, with actual peanut butter and jalapeño jelly) sounds crazy but has a cult following. If you’re feeling traditional, their classic cheeseburger still uses fresh-ground Angus beef and house-baked buns.

What to Order: The Brûlée Burger ($18) is mandatory for first-timers. Return visitors swear by the Hangover Burger ($16) with fried egg, bacon, and green chile. Pair with a craft milkshake—they spike them with bourbon if you ask nicely.

🍔 See Paradise Valley Burger

4. Blu Burger Grille – Best Upscale Burger Restaurant in North Scottsdale

There’s a reason Blu Burger Grille gets 5,000 monthly searches—and it’s not marketing. Since opening in 2007, this North Scottsdale gem has been voted “Best Burger in the Valley” over 15 times by local publications. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.

What makes Blu Burger Scottsdale different? They’ve figured out the upscale-casual balance perfectly. You get white tablecloths and a curated wine list alongside hand-formed patties and crispy onion rings. It’s date night quality without the stuffy atmosphere.

Here’s why locals love it:

The signature Blu Burger features a blend of short rib and brisket—not just ground chuck like most places. That extra fat content from the short rib creates a richer, more complex flavor profile. Top it with smoked gouda, applewood bacon, and their house-made Blu sauce, and you’ve got something special.

The menu extends beyond burgers too—their ahi tuna burger and turkey burger both have loyal followings. But let’s be honest: you came for beef, and the beef here is exceptional.

What to Order: The Blu Burger ($17) is the signature for a reason. If you want heat, try the Jalapeño Burger ($16) with pepper jack and roasted jalapeños. Their hand-cut fries are solid, but the onion rings are the real move.

🍔 See Blu Burger Grille

5. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers – Best Sports Bar Burgers in Scottsdale

Sometimes you don’t want a “dining experience.” Sometimes you want a half-pound burger, 40 beers on tap, and whatever game is on TV. That’s exactly what Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers Scottsdale delivers—and they’ve built a cult following doing it.

With multiple Valley locations, the Old Town Scottsdale spot at 4222 N Scottsdale Road is ground zero for the CB&C experience. The concept is simple: serve honest burgers, pour cold beer, and don’t overcomplicate it.

The CB&C Classic is their bestseller—a straightforward half-pound Angus patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun. Nothing fancy. Just executed perfectly.

Want to know the secret?

Their happy hour runs daily from 3-6pm with $10 burger specials and $4 draft beers. For the price of a fast food meal, you’re getting a real half-pound burger and a craft beer in a proper sports bar setting. Hard to beat that value.

What to Order: The CB&C Classic ($14) if you want the quintessential experience, or the Cowboy Burger ($16) with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheddar. Beer recommendation: ask the bartender what’s fresh on tap from local Arizona breweries.

🍔 See Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

Quick Comparison: Best Scottsdale Burgers at a Glance

So which one should you choose?

Here’s how all five spots stack up against each other:

How to Choose the Best Burger Spot in Scottsdale

With five excellent options, how do you pick? Here’s my framework after testing every burger joint in Scottsdale:

Choose Rehab Burger Therapy if: You’re staying in Old Town, want walkable nightlife nearby, and appreciate gourmet toppings without pretension. Their happy hour makes it surprisingly affordable.

Choose Hopdoddy if: You care about ingredient sourcing, want craft beer options, or you’re dining with someone who needs vegetarian/vegan options. Their Impossible Burger is legitimately great.

Choose Paradise Valley Burger if: You’re a foodie who wants something you’ve never had before. The Brûlée Burger is a bucket list item. Also great for impressing out-of-town visitors—”Guy Fieri ate here” is a solid selling point.

Choose Blu Burger Grille if: You want upscale-casual vibes, appreciate wine pairings, or you’re celebrating something. The quality-to-atmosphere ratio is perfect for date nights.

Choose Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers if: You’re watching the game, want value, or just need a straightforward great burger without the fuss. Best happy hour deal on this list.

If you’re still craving more protein after these burgers, check out our guide to the best steakhouses in Scottsdale or explore the best BBQ spots in Scottsdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best burger in Scottsdale?

Based on customer ratings across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, Rehab Burger Therapy ranks as the best burger in Scottsdale with a 4.57-star average from 10,664 reviews. Their signature Therapy Burger—with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, and caramelized onions—is the top-rated option. For unique flavors, Paradise Valley Burger’s Brûlée Burger (featured on Food Network) is a close second.

Where can I find gourmet burgers in Old Town Scottsdale?

Rehab Burger Therapy at 7210 E 2nd St is the top choice for burgers in Old Town Scottsdale. Located in the heart of the entertainment district, it offers gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and happy hour specials (Mon-Fri, 3-6pm). Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers at 4222 N Scottsdale Rd is another solid Old Town option with a sports bar atmosphere.

Is Blu Burger Grille worth it?

Yes, Blu Burger Grille is worth it for those seeking an upscale burger experience. Voted “Best Burger in the Valley” over 15 times since 2007, their signature Blu Burger uses a short rib and brisket blend that creates a richer flavor than typical ground beef. At $14-$19 per burger, it’s priced higher than casual spots but delivers quality comparable to steakhouse burgers. Best for date nights or celebrations.

What should I order at Rehab Burger Therapy?

Order the Therapy Burger ($16)—it’s their signature for a reason. The half-pound Angus patty comes with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and house-made Therapy sauce. For something different, try the Whiskey Burger ($17) with bacon jam. Pro tip: ask for it “Animal Style” off-menu for extra sauce and crispy onions. Pair with truffle parmesan fries.

Are there burger happy hour deals in Scottsdale?

Yes, several top Scottsdale burger spots offer happy hour deals. Rehab Burger Therapy runs happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm with $3 off burgers and $5 cocktails. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers offers daily happy hour 3-6pm with $10 burger specials and $4 draft beers. Hopdoddy occasionally runs weekday specials—check their website for current offerings.

Which Scottsdale burger spot is best for families?

Paradise Valley Burger Company and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers are the most family-friendly options. Paradise Valley offers a casual atmosphere with creative burgers that appeal to adventurous kids (the Brûlée Burger is always a hit). Cold Beers has a relaxed vibe, kid-friendly menu options, and TVs to keep everyone entertained. Both have outdoor patios ideal for Arizona’s weather.

Are there gluten-free burger options in Scottsdale?

Yes, several Scottsdale burger spots offer gluten-free options. Hopdoddy Burger Bar offers gluten-free buns for any burger (+$1). Rehab Burger Therapy can serve burgers lettuce-wrapped or on a gluten-free bun upon request. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers also has gluten-free bun options. Always inform your server about allergies—cross-contamination is possible in shared kitchens.

Where can I find vegan burgers in Scottsdale?

Hopdoddy Burger Bar has the best vegan burger in Scottsdale—their Impossible Burger is highly rated and can be made fully vegan with their plant-based bun and vegan toppings. Rehab Burger Therapy also offers a black bean burger and can accommodate vegan requests. For dedicated plant-based options, check out our guide to vegan restaurants in Scottsdale.

Your Burger in Scottsdale Awaits

There you have it—the 5 best burgers in Scottsdale based on real customer reviews, local expertise, and way too many burgers consumed in the name of research.

Whether you’re craving the gourmet creativity of Rehab Burger Therapy, the fresh-ground quality at Hopdoddy, or the one-of-a-kind Brûlée Burger at Paradise Valley, Scottsdale’s burger scene has something for every craving and budget.

My recommendation? Start with Rehab Burger Therapy if you’ve never been—their Therapy Burger earned that 4.57-star rating for a reason. Then work your way through the list. Consider it delicious research.

🍔 Find Burgers Near You

Visiting Scottsdale and need more dining recommendations? Check out our guides to the best breakfast spots in Scottsdale for the morning after, or explore the top things to do in Scottsdale to plan your trip.

Now I’m curious—what’s your favorite burger spot in Scottsdale? Did we miss your go-to? Drop a comment below and let me know. I’m always hunting for the next great burger.