Location and Hours:101 N 1st Ave
Phoenix, Arizona
602-351-5301
Summer Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Regular Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.,
F-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Star Rating (0 – 4): ★★★
Recommended: Burgers, all the burgers
The Burger Joint Chicago has the solution to your munchies with large, juicy burgers and a plethora of fries.
“Got the munchies? We got the joint.” That’s the tagline for Burger Joint Chicago, the month-old restaurant on Adams Street and First Avenue.
New on the block, the Chicago-based Joint brings more than just ground beef to a bun. From gyros and Polish hot dogs, there are plenty of options. The only option you won’t get is a small meal. The portions are Midwest large, bringing Chicago dining culture to Phoenix.
The Joint takes some interesting twists on American classics, but its specialties are still rooted in its burgers and fries. Don’t believe me? The menu has a special portion devoted to its various fries. Spicy feta, blue cheese and Merkt’s cheddar, just to name a few. The burgers sound just as impressive, with its Hangover burger featuring bacon, a fried egg, tomatoes and American cheese. For those seeking something a little less traditional, go for the Crazy Greek burger, which combines a cheeseburger with gyros and feta. The food itself sounds interesting enough, and the Joint’s aesthetic screams wide-open sports bar. There’s a television screen at every angle and the big tables invite you to fill them with food and beverages for whatever game might be on.
Located on the first floor of the U.S. Bank building, the lunch hour sends suits lining up to tuck napkins into their collars. But arriving at the odd hours between lunch and dinner means you’ll practically have the place to yourself. This allowed me to unashamedly sink my teeth into my burger and not bother reaching for my napkin as the juices ran. Who was I trying to impress anyway?
I’m personally a fan of the Joint’s Sonoma burger ($7.99) because they found a way to make a really good turkey burger. Thick and surprisingly juicy is not normally how one describes a turkey burger. The meat tends to get drier much faster than ground beef. In this case, the patty was paired with avocado, provolone cheese and the classic lettuce and tomato. What makes the burgers all stand out is the bun. The bread reminds me of a potato bread and brioche mixture, a carrier that heroically holds in the flavors of its contents.
The poutine fries ($3.99) of course were delicious but I was not blown away. Then again, I’ve had great poutine in my past so I wasn’t planning on diving into anything too authentic. The gravy was good and the cheese was melted right into it. The fries as a staple are what stand out. The Joint knows how to make a nice, fresh-cut fry. Long, thick, soft in the middle and still holding on to some of its skin.
What I liked most during my dining experience was the subtle crooning of Etta James playing in the background. The music was the perfect way to send me into a beautiful and intimate experience with my burger. Sound weird? Well, it wasn’t. Imagine “At Last” playing as I take bites of what is truly, at that moment, the only thing I care about in the world.
Overall, the food is great and fills more than one stomach. A great perk of the place is the co-founder and manager, Dennis Skiadopoulos. He’s a kind-hearted man, who makes introductions to his customers and actually cares about the service aspect just as much as the food.
Contact the reporter at amelia.goe@asu.edu
