Grade: A+
In the heart of midtown Phoenix is a small burger shop that is truly a hidden gem in the desert — a place that offers the best (affordable) burgers money can buy within our vast city limits.
Lenny’s Burger Shop is a delicious throwback joint that serves the typical fare of burgers, fries, hot dogs and malts, but while the menu may be small the food quality is simply outstanding. The burgers resemble something you might expect from an In-N-Out establishment but without that nagging feeling that you’re eating something mass-produced. Lenny’s is in essence a fast food place, but the quality of every item on their menu is so good it’s a shock remembering you only had to wait 5 minutes for your order when every bite is a savory escape from the hectic hustle and bustle of your busy day.
The burgers are great, as are the seasoned French fries and hot dogs, but the malts may be where Lenny’s truly shines. Their malts strike the perfect balance with richness and consistency — not too heavy and thick, but not too light and wimpy either. Lenny’s malts have a consistency of being delicious.
Located just off the East Thomas Road light-rail stop, Lenny’s is a convenient ten-minute trip for urban Sun Devils bored of the bland and unsatisfying food offered at Taylor Place. An hour break between classes is all one needs to scoot on down to Lenny’s, get a combo and make it back to campus in time for a professor’s opening remarks.
Lenny’s caters to the midday lunch crowd of Phoenix’s midtown business scene, however, so expect it to be bustling with suits during high noon. Going after 2 p.m. will reward patient eaters with a more mellow setting, perfect for getting away from your stresses and studying on campus. Dinner is an option for Lenny’s as well, but make it early; on weekdays the restaurant closes at 7 p.m. and the weekend offers limited midday hours.
Lenny’s might not be the most decorative or original restaurant working that ’50s nostalgia charm, but the food is nifty nonetheless. For delicious, filling food at a price comparable to most cheap fast food chains, Lenny’s Burger can’t be beat.
Contact the reporter at dustin.volz@asu.edu
