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The Grind
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
3961 E Camelback RdPhoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 954-7463
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Upscale, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
174 reviews for The Grind
Review Highlights
"Best burger I've ever had (sweet and spicy burger."
(in 26 reviews)
"it's made with candied jalapenos."
(in 12 reviews)
"The salted butterscotch was amazing and a perfect fit."
(in 7 reviews)
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174 reviews in English
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Review from Kendra S.
Phoenix, AZ
2/9/2012
Four stars for their sweet and spicy burger.
I've been here many times for dinner and can't get enough of their sweet and spicy burger. It's complete with candied jalapenos and fried ratatouille - what's not to like? If you usually order medium well though (like I do) you must order well done - otherwise you won't be happy, trust me. And yes, it's quite messy - so maybe not a good place for a first date. I also love their warm mini donuts and carmel sauce for dessert - they melt in your mouth!
Not the biggest fan of their mac & cheese, but I know others that love it.
Keep in mind, The Grind is a bar type atmosphere - has lots of TVs if you're wanting to watch a game and is a little loud. Fun place to go with friends! -
Review from ashley d.
2/6/2012
The Grind has been on my list of places to go in Phx since I moved here nearly a year ago (it's a long list). I finally made it there with my bf this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I never thought much of it but as soon as I saw that etched glass door and red lights I knew I was coming in with the wrong expectations. Behind that door is a pretty cool decor and atmosphere. Game on. I got a local beer in a glass jar and ordered a Peppercorn Burger, my bf got the Mushroom Swiss. We also shared half and half friends. I decided to top it off with the delicious doughnuts!
Pros: the burger tasted great and was cooked perfectly, beers in jars, tasty dessert, cool decor, friendly staff.
Cons: the burgers are super messy. they are hard to hold, fall apart and drop sauce everywhere. There should be a better beer list, longer and more local.
Would go again and recommend to others -
Review from Rebecca J.
Phoenix, AZ
1/28/2012
Holy Virtuous, Batman! My recent conversion to eating vegan has made it a little more challenging to eat out, so when my husband suggested we eat at The Grind, I thought I was going to have to cave in the presence of the amazingly fantastic Sweet and Spicy Burger.
Ho HO, I say! They made me a S&S Burger with a portobello instead, sans cheese, without even batting an eyelash. And cripes, it was Just. As. Good. as the sinful version. I didn't even feel like I was missing anything, because it's really the toppings that make Grind patrons sing.
My vegan leanings do not arise from allergies, but rather general health reasons, so I'm a little more flexible than others might be...so, no, I don't know if the buns have dairy in them (but few bread products do) and when I realized my burger came slathered in a spicy mayo, I just scraped it off instead of sending it back. But next time, I'll know to ask them to hold the mayo and pile on extra arugula.
I'm assuming the amazing tarragon-infused fries are fried in vegetable oil, and if they're not, then I just want to remain blissfully ignorant.
I bet they would even make a portobello substitution for any of their burgers. Can't wait to go back to find out! -
Review from Kyle R.
Phoenix, AZ
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is the best burger in Phoenix. Sorry, Delux, you didn't cook my burger to order the last 2 times I went (and by that I mean I order medium rare, and the burger came out medium well to well done. Come on, that is way to expensive to be cooking half of the burger well done!).
But let me be clear, this is a superior burger even on Delux's good day. The Grind's burger is unbelievably tender and juicy, but it also maintains a great beef flavor. I've been twice so far, and both times the burger was a perfect medium rare. This is the kind of burger that doesn't need a single topping. You can cut it and eat it like steak. Frankly, it's better than most of the steaks out there. The fries are fantastic.
The doughnuts are very good, but I'm not a big sweets person. Oh, and you should probably skip the onion rings. Cooked perfectly, but the liquid batter is really bland. Just get the fries.
This is also far superior to Zinburger. Don't waste your money there. Go to The Grind! -
Review from Kate A.
Tempe, AZ
1/20/2012
First off: Their burgers are amazing. Hands down delicious. My rare burger was charred on the edges and pink on the inside, and the mushroom-cheese-argula combo on top was awesome.
HOWEVER, I typically don't eat meat unless it's from grassfed cows. Most cows are grassfed for most of their life, and finished on grain. My convo with the waiter went like this:
Me:"Is your meat grassfed?"
Waiter: "Yes, it's Harris Ranch outside San Francisco"
M: "Is it grassfed it's whole life, or finished on corn?"
W: "It's whole life"
I ordered and ate my mushroom burger feeling pleased.
When I got home, I checked out Harris Ranch here, http://www.harrisranch... where they clearly say their cattle are finished on corn, in a feedlot.
Don't get me wrong, the burger was delicious. However, I would appreciate that everyone is educated the same in the restaurant, especially on the delicate topic of sourcing their food. -
Review from Daniel E.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really wasn't impressed with this place at all. After reading all the reviews I thought the burgers there would change my life but really my life wasn't changed at all. They have a sign saying they were voted " The Best Burgers in Phoenix" but my experience wasn't the best.
I will start off with the good...
1. The decor and atmosphere is cool. This would be a cool place to go and watch a game with your friends at the bar.
The bad
1. They should serve all burgers with a knife if they are going to be that big! I didnt get a knife and my waitress was not around enough for me to ask for one.
2. I asked for my burger medium and I got well done. The outside of the burger was kind of burnt as well.
3. The flavor of the burger was just ok, nothing amazing at all.
4. The service was the pits. Our waitress was around maybe twice and we had to ask another waitress for a refill on our drinks and the other waitress looked less than thrilled when we asked for refills.
I would rather go to Zinburger or Delux where they have the same atmosphere, better service and probably better burger in my opinion. -
Review from Daren C.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 giving the extra .5 for the server.
I liked
the decor
the small feel
the art work
service from the bar
the taste of the beef
the size of the patty
the cooked to order
I did not like
the toppings
the price
no side's included
The burger is a great hunk of beef cooked to order on a huge bun served with burnt bacon and cheddar cheese. The burger was cooked to medium rare as requested but lacked the bark on the outside as I expected from a bazillion degree grill.
The toppings mad the burger less appealing in my eyes. It was an overkill. Plus the bacon had a burnt flavor.
I had great service from the bartender and enjoyed some mini donuts for dessert.
I would go back...but will not be craving this one. (Which I had hoped for) -
Review from Aimee E.
Chandler, AZ
1/31/2012
Good martinis. Loved the vibe in this place!
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Review from Patiocat B.
Phoenix, AZ
1/17/2012
I have to admit that I didn't always like The Grind. I think it had something to do with the ATROCIOUS service we used to get from the same redhead bartender. Listen, I know you have red hair, but you don't have to take it out on me. I'm just here for the burger.
What's great about The Grind, however, aside from finally hiring some decent staff, is that all of the food--not just their famous coal-fired burgers--is pretty fantastic. The Kobe burger is, of course, excellent, but the asparagus salad with chicken is also a winner, the chicken wings are just plain delicious, and their specials are always a safe bet (save for one unfortunate--and I hate to even call it this when it was some bastardized version--French onion soup). The Grind is a great little neighborhood spot to belly up to the bar, order a well-crafted cocktail, and enjoy a plate of coal-fired deliciousness. -
Review from Kevin K.
Tempe, AZ
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great grass-fed burgers! Hands down the best burgers in Phoenix. Very creative and more importantly Grass-fed.
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Review from Mandi N.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/27/2011
The burgers are the best I have ever had. My husband and I split the Peppercorn burger and by the first couple bites I wish I had gotten my own! They are juicy, smokey, and cooked to perfection. Yumm yum yum! We did not get a side because we were looking forward to the donuts for dessert! They have warm doughnuts with a side of salted butterscotch... to die for!
Also on tap they have Senoran Root Beer... if you haven't tried it yet you need to, it is the best root beer around & I LOVE that it is on draft here, so cool!
I have been to The Grind a couple times now and everything has always been outstanding! -
Review from J M.
Phoenix, AZ
1/22/2012
Sweet and spicy burger is amazing!! Lots of flavor! Had the wings as an appetizer!! Nice surprise, they had a tangy, spicy flavor. I've been here before and will continue to return. Don't forget the Moscow Mule!! Refreshing!!
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Review from Lindsay T.
Tempe, AZ
11/15/2011
My boyfriend built up this place nearly every time we passed it, so naturally I had to take him there on his birthday for dessert.
Let me just start by saying, I am a real snob about certain desserts-and bread pudding is one of them. I grew up in the south and I have my own personal preferences for how it should be done. And I was NOT crazy about their bread pudding at all. Not only was it very, very overly egg-y and soft (bordering on runny), the flavor lacked anything like a true rum raisin bread pudding. Maybe they put some sauce on the top too far in advance, but the general flavor was not traditional at all to me.Big disappointment.
Now, the donuts they served us complimentary for his birthday were amazing. Specifically, that perfect caramel sauce that comes along side them. WOW. I could drink this stuff by the bucket, it is dangerous.
The place itself is interesting, a small, quaint place that I imagine gets very loud when packed. Service was good as well. I might return for a meal if they put SOMEthing on the menu that was vegetarian : / -
Review from Nick F.
Tempe, AZ
12/28/2011
While I don't like to hype places up (because really, how GOOD can any one place be) ...How good can one burger joint be over another, or how good can pizza be over another pizza place (when weighing the ones that are all generally Good in the Public Opinion). Now the word around town is that The Grind is Sofa_King Great. I will say about The Grind that when you're up for a Burger, this place hits the spot. I've been here once before August 2010 (don't remember what burger I had but recall it was good) and the other night I had the Peppercorn Burger and it was as good as it gets. I was starving and really hadn't eaten all day and that helped add to how much this hit the spot, but make no mistake, it was really good and I do enjoy this place for the atmosphere, service, and quality of food. My friends wife got one of those healthy wraps and she liked it a lot. The sweet potato fries (we ordered the half sweet potato and half regular fries) and they were good.
As for some other areas to review: The atmosphere is nice. It's casual and not too dark and not too light inside. (That's how I like it). There's multiple flat panel TV's above the bar, so plenty of games on at any given time (That's also how I like it). The service is fine (although based on some other reviews people have been so so satisfied about the service. That's often going to be the case with most casual establishments - so sometimes it's good, and sometimes not to our satisfaction). Such is Life! Anyway, back on track here, the Wait staff and Bar staff have been worth the 20% tip both times. No complaints by me about this place, however I do see some 2 and 3 star ratings on here.
Where I will dock 1 star and sort of agree with Kristi D. She mentioned the large photo of Sheriff Joe Arpaio on the wall (while I sense that Kristi doesn't care for Sheriff Joe, I'm neutral about him), but I agree about all the oversized photos of notable names in town who have dined in The Grind. I'd much rather see real artwork or real photographs on the wall - and not photos of Sheriff Joe, Mark Grace (for those who don't know, he's a former baseball player), and the Mayor of Paradise Valley, all holding their burgers. Who the hell cares about any of them and their burgers. I think I'd be more ok with having these photos above me, but they are HUGE enlargements and a bit overkill. And they are for sale and the proceeds go to some cause. Look, I'm all for causes and shit, but I wouldn't spend my money on a 36 inch enlargement of these local "notables" holding a burger. The whole concept is pretty stupid. But hey, I'm generally uptight and been doing photography 20+ years and probly am just hating on the fact that my photos are hanging on the wall.
Side Note: For those who might have previously had "Liked" The Grind on Facebook but no longer have their page as a Like, it's because they apparently had their group page hacked, so they had to start over. I found this out when I Liked it the other day noticed there were only about 165 Like's, and certainly I knew this place was way more popular than that. When I commented that, they commented back about it being hacked and starting the page over.
http://www.facebook.co... -
Review from Eric K.
Phoenix, AZ
1/3/2012
Get the Sweet and spicy burger and a beer. Life doesn't get much better than this! Service is great, food is even better.
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Review from Patrick L.
Phoenix, AZ
11/13/2011
I'll put it this way -- this place is not worth $55 for lunch for two.
Two burgers, an order of fries, a Manhattan ($10), a beer = $55 with tip. Nice little spot, but hard to justify the cost.
The burgers were decent but not rave-worthy, the glass seemed underfilled with the Manhattan - though what was there was tasty.
If you like over-spending, this place is good. If you're more value oriented, skip it. -
Review from Sean S.
Phoenix, AZ
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really liked this place. The wings were great, my burger was amazing and the fact they ask you how you want it cooked, and they cook it that way! Happy hour is of course your best bet to save a little, but they have top notch wines and spirits. So they're prices are justified. If they have a sommelier, they have done a great job and so has the chef. I liked the ambiance too. It was like being in a basement bar on the first floor. Great for happy hour or special night with the guys or ladies if you really like sports.
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Review from Michael B.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great little bar in Arcadia. The burger was EXCEPTIONAL. Top notch. Nothing real fancy here, just a great, simple concept with delicious ingredients.
I will say, I ordered my burger MED-Rare but it came out MED- well. Still, it was juicy and delicious. -
Review from Steven K.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/13/2011
I really want to like this place. I'm not sure if it's, it's homey ma/pa feel, the layout of a tucked away bar/burger joint, or what.
Good place but kitchen closes at midnight even on weekends. Food is just OK... great place to drink, burgers have been dry both times I"ve ordered them even though I always get medium/medium-rate. This is a great place to hang out with friends. However, Is worth the extra 3 minute drive down the road to Relish at the Phoenician if you want a truly good burger and an even better place to hang out for a similar price.. -
Review from Kurdy S.
Cool name + Cool Sports Bar + Cool burger + OBSCURE Location = 3.5 Stars
Having them bookmarked for awhile now, I decided it was time.
I had asked the bartender what was the most frequently ordered burger on the menu. Without hesitation, I got a response of: the Sweet and Spicy.
My bubble thoughts went to work: "Sweet + Beef = Potentially Disastrous"
So, I probed the bartender on her take of the taste and assured me that the sweetness was going to be A-okay! Alas, I went for it!
For sides I went with regular fries plus a cold, refreshing ice tea. As time elapsed, the moment of truth arrived, the burger that made them famous on Bon Appetit Magazine.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Before taking down this delicious work of art, I couldn't help but to admire the contrasting layers that was well put together. Snap, snap, I tried to capture the best angle:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Back to business, first bite into the burger, I was sold. My worries of sweetness went away. In fact, it was kind of faint but still bold enough to call it Sweet. The Spicy aka Candied Jalapenos was just as light and noticeable. If I was to order this again, I probably would prefer a little bit more heat!
The other two ingredients that worked superbly well were the tempura fried ratatouille and fresh, green watercress! The buns also played a critical role in its overall taste. It was lightly buttered, toasted and slightly burnt to give it texture and that smoky taste.
The only negative that stood out was in the patty. While parts of it was semi-moist with some pink, the outer layer was evidently dry. And actually, the fries was a bust, it was just too crispy and anti-fluffy. No love on that. Hence, a deduction of .5 stars!
If there's one gourmet burger that I could have a craving for, it would have to be this Sweet and Spicy. The bar has a stylish, contemporary finish to draw the sporty, trendy crowds with plenty of alcoholic options on tap. The setup is well designed as patrons sitting in both the bar and booths can enjoy watching content on all the LCDs.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
All their burgers run $10-11 exception of the Kobe which will cost you a little arm and leg of $17. I love Kobe meat, so I may be tempted the next time.
Happy Hour runs M-F, 4-6PM.Listed in: Hit and Run Lunch Spots
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Review from Erin W.
Phoenix, AZ
12/15/2011
I really love the feel of this place, it's small and the food is A-mazing! On Sundays for Football they have a deal of a dozen chicken wings and 1 beer for $10. (good selections of beer on tap!) I have to say they were the best wings I have ever tasted in my life! It makes it worth the while to me when I can taste how much creativity and devotion went into taking something simple and making it absolutely divine. Thanks!
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Review from Rez N.
Phoenix, AZ
7/31/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I'm still coming down from last nights meal. I was in total bliss during and well after my dinner. The Grind serves up their consistently amazing take on how a burger should be. Honestly - they redefine the hamburger.
The wings come served with a nice charred flavor served almost naked but is accompanied by dipping sauces - their wings sauce and ranch and/or blue cheese. It's a great flavor and there are only six of them so its a good way to get the taste buds going.
Then there is always the burger. I've had a few different burger selections in the times I've been there and they have always been stellar. Last night I kept is simple with the BLT. Their simple is still amazing.
But the gem of the night, the reason for me writing on Yelp is because of the donuts that came after the meal. This was my first time getting the donuts and it makes my prior three visits to the restaurant a complete waste simply because I haven't gotten these every time.
There were four of us and we got four orders. They are $6 for an order of five small donuts but made with utter perfection. Served with a side of melted caramel sauce. It was a very wise decision to get four orders. -
Review from Frankie S.
Phoenix, AZ
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The moment I bit into my peppercorn burger, I forgot what all other burgers before this moment had tasted like. Yeah, it was that good.
A softball shaped hunk of beef with a crispy peppercorn crust 360 degrees around and dripping with juicy goodness inside, even when it was requested well done. It's almost like biting into a choice cut of filet mignon. There is no sauce on the burger and the seasoning is light handed but the juices flowing from the burger patty more than make up for the misstep. The bun is deliciously soft and the watercress with the charred onion compliment the burger perfectly but I felt like the potato straws were oddly stale and totally unnecessary. If they were meant to add a crunchy texture to the dish, they failed miserably.
The herbed fries were tasty but I think some chopped garlic and shredded parmesan would have elevated them to a "best of" status. Maybe even a little drizzle of truffle oil wouldn't have hurt.
The Grind lost one star for charging my kids full price on their beverages ($2.50 for a styrofoam cup of lemonade that didn't need a refill?) and for the Mac and Cheese. I was happy to see they gave a $1 discount for a "kids mac" on the bill but other than the elbow pasta being perfectly cooked al dente, the cheese sauce was completely BLAH. I would think that with a famed claim to a 1000 degree oven they'd be broiling the crap out of the cheesiest macaroni possible, but alas we got a small cast iron dish of white pasta that even a tablespoon of salt could not save.
Overall, I'd go back but probably just for the burgers and maybe to try the charred veggies, seasonal specials, and delectable looking desserts. -
Review from Heather C.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/10/2011
3.5 stars for me. My first thought upon walking in was "wow, it's small." Not a bad thing necessarily. Could be a good thing in fact.
I ordered a "Blushing Lady" cocktail (gin, Citronage, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of sloe gin). I'm pretty sure it was served in a dribble glass because I seemed to have difficulty actually consuming it. But what I did have was perfect for me, and I would like another.
I also opted for the special that evening which was a tenderloin sandwich with poblano, swiss, watercress, and charred onion. While the poblano and onion sold me on it, I didn't quite get the swiss and watercress. It was good, but could have been better with another cheese IMHO. Also tried the herbed fries (delicious) and the mac 'n cheese (not as delicious). The mac 'n cheese was good, but lacked the gooey cheesiness I crave. We finished with warm doughnuts and salted butterscotch. Doughnuts were fantastic, and it's hard not to like the butterscotch, but the "salted" part was missing. A touch more please.
I had kinda forgotten about The Grind, but now that I'm reminded of it, it's worth a second visit. -
Review from matthew h.
Phoenix, AZ
1/7/2012
My wife and I went there last night for a visit and damn it was worth it! We sat at the bar (tended by one of the best bartenders in the valley) and looked through the menu. He came and chatted with us and dropped a bomb on me. "we're running a special burger tonight, wild boar, bacon, arugula, and brandy aioli." You had me at wild boar my friend! I ordered it with Camembert cheese, medium. My first bite of that burger not only confirmed, but cemented what I already knew: this is the best burger joint in town! Beautifully charred boar was juicy and flavorful, accented with the smokey bacon, peppery arugula, slightly sweet yet balanced brandied aioli, finished with a mellow creaminess of the Camembert. Best burger I have ever, ever, EVER had! Bravo to the chef!
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Review from Chris R.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/26/2011
Before getting into this particular experience at the Grind, I will say I have been there two other times and enjoyed it, but this time was much different. I went specifically for the scallop potatoes, but I guess they are no longer on the menu (even though they are online) so it got off to a rocky start.
We were "greeted" by the server slamming down 2 ice waters in front of us without him saying a word. A hello or how are you would have sufficed. I ordered the Kobe Beef Burger and my GF ordered the grilled chicken wrap. Roughly 25/30 mins later they delivered our food. My GF's wrap was swarming in onions, yet the description on the menu made no reference to onions, so we politely asked for this to be rectified due to her distaste for onions. We were notified that the kitchen could pick them out? Really pick them out when your menu clearly never lists the use of onions. Wow. So she sends it back and snacks on the mac and cheese that we did enjoy.
Like I mentioned earlier I ordered the Kobe Beef burger. I asked for it medium rare and at $17 I expected it to be cooked that way... But I guess that's too much to ask. After sending her wrap back I really didnt want to be "that guy" so I ate it but when he asked me how everything was a blind man could see my disappointment. At this point my drink has been empty for 4 or 5 mins and conveniently placed at the end of the table for the eye to see... Apparently not his eyes though.
A few minutes later they returned with her wrap. To say the least is was very dry and the flavorless, but maybe that's the price you pay when altering the dish so it is what it is. But then I looked at her plate and saw the puddle of grease draining from her wrap. Its a grilled chicken wrap, where did grease come from? She ate a half of the half and placed it at the end of the table. The server then picked it up and asked if she wanted it wrapped up to go. When 3/4 of her dish is uneaten and we don't want it wrapped up, this is your cue to ask if did not fit her standards, but clearly that didn't happen.
Long story short... The server was very aware we did not enjoy our food, service, and overall experience. No offer of a complimentary dessert (actually no offer of a full price dessert) and the bill was dropped off with no discount or anything taken off the bill. The total came to $46 so in reflection of our experience I left $50. A tip I felt was generous considering... Oh ya and he took the bill and counted it right in front of us before we left. Must have been his first rodeo. -
Review from Rachel F.
Casa Grande, AZ
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Im not into burgers, but the sweet and spicy was the best burger I have ever eaten. YUM!
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Review from Kimberly G.
Phoenix, AZ
8/29/2011
SO my hubby and I were in search of a good burger on Saturday evening and wanted to go somewhere we have never been. SO...our search began. We narrowed our choices down to Delux and The Grind. Delux is closer, so we went there first only to be put on a wait list. HMMM...we thought....maybe this is a sign? So we headed over to The Grind.
We have never eaten at Delux before, but upon entering The Grind, we liked the atmosphere better. You wouldn't guess it from the outside but the inside is awesome and intimate. Delux seemed to scrunched for me, but again, never eaten there!
I got the BLT burger while my husband opted for the popular Sweet and Sour. We split fries. My mouth literally dropped when our burgers were delivered. I must say I am super confused at a previous post that noted smaller portions. I literally had to stare at the burger for 30+ seconds to figure out how to eat it! Do I cut it? NAH, just dig in. It was HUGE! My husband liked the Sweet and Sour a lot (he loves spicy things) but said I wouldn't be able to handle the spicy-ness. Fries were perfect to share....just a tad bit too much salt.
I really wanted to try the doughnuts but we were both so full! Next time! -
Review from joseph f.
Just when I think I have had the best burger, I get to a place like the grind and prove myself wrong! This is not a bad thing though!
I usually go for the simple, regular burgers in order to put the meat up front, but the waitress recommended the sweet and spicey burger. Thank you thank you thank you! Best burger I've had to date!
French fries were good, but a lil too sweet for me.
Mac and cheese is the tits!
cheers -
Review from Andy K.
Tucson, AZ
5/29/2011
I really cant describe how amazing this place is. I never had this place before and after the first time I'm hooked! They have amazing root beer on tap, which is a rarity, and let me tell you its amazing. I had it in float form and they use high quality vanilla ice cream. I had the Kobe beef burger with tempura shitaki mushrooms and it was cooked perfectly and the taste was incredible, I would come back alone just for this plus the root beer.
Then we decided to try an order of wings. The only way I can describe these wings is OMFG, i think they literally ruined me for wings. They were the most amazing wings I had ever had. I don't think I will be able to have wings from anywhere else after these. They don't even need ranch or sauce, it only takes away from the flavor. We ordered about 3 plates of wings after the burger.
We were absolutely stuffed and didn't consider desert, but our waitress brought us an order of their fresh doughnuts with salted butterscotch, talk about heaven. They are light and tiny and delicious. Needless to say now we are customers for life! -
Review from Thomas J.
Phoenix, AZ
7/15/2011
It IS the best burger in Phoenix.
But the drunk idiots at the end of the bar ruin the ambience for me. Two occasions and both times, D.I.s standing, yelling and partying right by the front door. Not my thing.
But that Sweet / Spicy burger is insane. Don't take it from me. I still remember a prominent local restraunteur who also happens to have one of the top 3 burgers in CenPho said: "I dream about it at night". -
Review from jon s.
Phoenix, AZ
8/20/2011
We went to the grind. Love the interior design, very slick and modern.
The staff was fantastic. Super friendly and helpful.
We split a mushroom burger and fries and a salad. The burger was PHENOMENAL! Huge (perfect for splitting) and yummy. So were the fries. The salad was good.
Prices were medium...and affordable. Happy hour prices were not very drastic compared to others.
My only critique is that they are set up to be a "sports bar". So you have 8 televisions showing sports....and then the ambience is ruined by BLASTING sports commentary and of course the obnoxious sports related commercials.
So, if the sports bar thing is your bag...you will be in heaven.
Not my cup o' tea however. They did turn it down so we could at least hear each others conversation....thankfully. Next time.....maybe take out. -
Review from Jason B.
Phoenix, AZ
6/27/2011
This is by far the best restaurant in Phoenix... for me. It might not be your favorite but if I owned a restaurant it would be just like this. It kinda feels like an upscale hard rock cafe with a sports bar / burger place twist. Plus, I love the music selection here; I could hang out here all the time.
I had the Sweet & Spicy burger and it was fantastic... I'll be back for sure. -
Review from Jennie L.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/6/2011
I have eaten at this restaurant twice and this is my experience. My first experience was the Peppercorn burger. Large patty, good flavor, with just the right amount of "char" on the outside. With the toppings and bun I was feeling full half way through. My only complaint was that I ordered it medium and it was more medium well. This is something I have come to terms with at most burger places though (unfortunately), and would probably recommend just ordering one step below how you like it cooked. Overall, a juicy and tasty burger!
My second visit was a little more disappointing. I was with a party of four and two people both ordered beef burgers and really enjoyed their meal. My other friend and I ordered turkey burgers and weren't as happy. The turkey didn't have a 100% meat type texture. We both agreed it reminded us more of the texture of a meatball when you add egg and breadcrumb filler. I should have asked the server... It didn't necessarily taste bad, but as my friend (who is a triathalete) stated "I ordered the turkey on purpose because I wanted the lean protein, not turkey meat mixed in with some other stuff".
A must do is the candied jalepenos. Don't get them on the sandwich because they are a little stingy. Pay the $2 dollars and get them on the side in a nice sized little serving dish. They are the this amazing combination of sweet, tangy, and hot (dig a few seeds out for yourself). We ended up passing this around the table and just eating them with our forks.
I would go back (and I'll ask about that turkey). -
Review from Morgan M.
Durango, CO
5/21/2011
Great burger bar! Friendly staff, good drinks, and delicious food... what more could u ask for. The sweet and spicy burger is a definite fav, but the turkey burger and Nogales burger are close seconds.
The grilled chicken wings are the best I've ever had with a light char and crispy skin, they are served with a celery slaw and fried zucchini strings , wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese! I always get the potato gratin for a side because its cheesy, perfectly cooked, And to die for. The fries are excellent as well. Save room for the mini donuts with caramel sauce. It almost makes me mad every time I eat them because I want to eat all 5 but, I have to share.
The staff is friendly, efficient , and it's a great atmosphere to watch a game and have a good meal. They have lots of other vegetarian and sandwich options too. -
Review from kate c.
Phoenix, AZ
9/6/2011
the good:
friendly staff
good burger
nice drink selection
the bad:
acoustics! I'd like to hear the people who are speaking to me
no place to wait for a seat when its busy
lack of healthy sides (i like my burger with spinach etc) -
Review from Amanda P.
Phoenix, AZ
7/27/2011
I went to the Grind for the first time last night with three other people who are at the Grind on the reg. The initial reason we went was to try the wings and compare them to other places. I have to hand it to the Grind, for a burger place, the wings are awesome. We each ordered a burger, Peppercorn, Nogales, Kobe and the Sweet & Spicy. The Nogales didn't wow the crowd but the other three were great. I personally had the Sweet & Spicy-amazing burger. You get a new taste with every bite and you never know if it's going to be super sweet or spicy hot! We complimented our burgers with an order of regular and sweet potato fries...both great. The three Grind veterans insisted we try the donuts. What a feast. Overall I'd go back to the grind, eat the wings and try a different burger to see what else is good there.
Enough about the food. The service was great. Not pushy or too absent. Everyone was friendly and we definitely enjoyed our meal. Great local Phoenix restaurant. -
Review from Randy S.
Phoenix, AZ
10/21/2011
Age old burger no-nos. Bun way bigger than the burger. Too fat so it was burnt on the outside. Too fancy for its own good. A real Gut Bomb. Bread Pudding was runny and burnt. Waitress was nice.
-
Review from Marina R.
Gilbert, AZ
6/25/2011
The Peppercorn Burger is amazing! Truly the best burger I have ever had. I'm not a huge burger fan as I prefer a steak or chicken but this is worth stepping out of the comfort zone.
When you walk in it's a dark long bar on one side and tables on the other. I was really unsure about taking my kids in but they were welcomed and we found food for them on the menu.
The only downside (for me) is it is far from my home. Great place! -
Review from Georgeann G.
Phoenix, AZ
1/12/2011
Let me start by saying that I was a VERY good Yelper regarding the Grind. After my first visit, I thought it deserved 2 stars but waited it out to see if it was an acquired taste. After heading there to watch the BCS National Championship Game Monday Night (which, by the way, was possibly the most BORING game I'd ever had the displeasure of watching. The most interesting thing about that game was Oregon's footwear.), I now feel confident that the Grind falls squarely on "A-OK".
You know how sometimes you get so used to associating one thing with another thing, you start to mentally associate them even if the second thing is missing? Like Affliction shirts and being a huge douchebag. You could be a very nice person. A gentleman and a scholar. But if you talk to me with a shirt that has holographic angel wings on the back, it will be absolutely impossible for me to get the thought of you being a huge douchebag out of my head long enough to give you a fair chance. Maybe that's me being judgmental, but I prefer to think of it as excellent time management. Who has time to get to know everyone?
This is kind of how I felt about the burgers at the Grind the first time I visited. Their whole shtick is they grill them in a bajillion degree oven, which gives the patty a charred finish. I tend to associate this charred taste with "dry, overcooked burger", and it was hard to get over that association the first time I visited. However, on my last visit I came to the conclusion that just because the outside has that interesting almost-burnt flavor, the inside is still actually quite juicy and delicious. Not to mention, the toppings for this particular burger (I had the Sweet and Spicy both times) are spectacular. So, yes, even though it took two visits, I finally did acquire a taste for the Grind's burgers and now I can say I'm a fan.
However, it bothers the shit out of me when restaurants serve $10 burgers that don't come with a side of fries. Considering that potatoes are like the cheapest thing on the planet and french fries are possibly one of the most delicious food groups to ever exist, this should be standard practice. We did order a side of fries (a la cart), and they were good (not as crispy as I would have liked, but fair), but come on, nothing on the side of a $10 burger? At least Fez gives you a salad. I would have probably given the Grind 4 stars if it wasn't for this, but this review only comes with 3. The other one is a la cart, on the second page of the menu.Listed in: My Neighborhood
