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Bars & Nightlife Food, Restaurants & Dining Taylor Bishop May 16, 2019

Challenge: Try not to drool as you peruse these mouthwatering DTPHX burgers. Then, start sampling for yourself in celebration of National Burger Month throughout May.
Here are nine Downtown Phoenix eateries that hamburglarized my food-loving heart:

The Arrogant Butcher

Smothered in cheese? Yes, please. Paired with crisp and flavorful fries, The Arrogant Butcher’s simple, yet delicious AB Cheeseburger is great fuel before your next downtown event.
Stop by the vibrant restaurant on Jefferson and First streets for happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Burgers and other crafted eats are served until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on the weekend.

Cornish Pasty Co. 


Sometimes it’s fun to switch it up and try a twist on a classic dish. That’s exactly what Cornish Pasty has done with their “Royale with Cheese” — a flaky pasty filled with hamburger, french fries, grilled onion, bacon, button mushroom and a cheddar-Swish blend.
Play a game of darts or pool while you wait for your food. And if you can make room, try a dessert pasty (apple caramel is my favorite). The Central Avenue and Monroe Street pub is open Sunday through Thursday until midnight and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The Counter


Watch the bustle of the downtown streets as you chow down on your customized burger at The Counter. I went for an all-vegan option and was blown away by how flavorful the Impossible burger is with their fresh toppings, which vary from traditional lettuce/tomato to grilled pineapple and roasted red peppers.
The Counter is located on Central Avenue and Adams Street and is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Bitter & Twisted


Pictured above is Bitter & Twisted’s “dragon” dumpling burger hanging out with a classic mojito and the must-have hurricane popcorn. The pork and beef patty was married perfectly with the white American cheese, caramelized onions and Sichuan pickles. Dip it in the dumpling sauce for a savory surprise.
The 21 & over establishment makes their unique burger and some of the best cocktails in the state from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Majerle’s Sports Grill


I’m still dreaming about these loaded burgers. On the left we have the Murph’s mac n’ cheese burger and on the right is the May special, a jalapeño popper burger. Both of these bad boys are stacked with fried onion straws and a whole lotta flavor. Majerle’s also has six other burger choices to fit anyone’s palate.
Majerle’s Downtown Phoenix location on Washington and Second streets is open Sunday through Thursday until midnight and Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.

The Park


Sit under a 35-foot lifelike tree sculpture with your favorite pint and a darn good burger. I chose the Hawaiian island burger — a tasty sandwich made up of teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, mayo, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun. Watching your carbs? Get any of their burgers with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. Their beer battered fries also deserve a shout out (I think I ate all of them before I even started on the burger).
Play a game of ping pong, sample the self-serve beer garden, and watch your team on the big screen from Sunday to Thursday until 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. 


If you haven’t been to Arizona Wilderness’s DTPHX location, you’re missing out. The 6,000-square-foot patio on Roosevelt Row boasts views of murals, cute pups and a 30-tap bar inside a shipping container.
Now, to the burgers. The downtown menu offers five to choose from as well as a pulled pork or hot fried chicken sandwich. I sampled the PB&J burger, which was covered in jalapeño jelly and house-made peanut butter — yum.
Arizona Wilderness is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and on Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.

The Dressing Room


Admire the art of the burger while surrounded by the colorful creations of MonOrchid. This masterpiece is built on an English muffin and is decorated with Gruyère cheese, gastrique onion, spicy Russian dressing, lettuce and some applewood smoked bacon.
The Dressing Room closes at 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

1130 The Restaurant


The black and bleu burger shines on the patio of 1130 The Restaurant at the newly remodeled Arizona Center. Try the bleu cheese covered beauty for lunch and choose from a side of fruit or fries.
1130 also serves Bloody Mary’s and mimosas on Saturdays and Sunday for $3.50 until 3 p.m. They’re open until 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday and 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.