Marc L.
Yelp
I was so bummed to find this place. Not because it's bad, but because it's great, but I live 40 miles away!
I've been looking for a Southern California-style, good-ole burger joint, all over the Phoenix Valley. I've found a couple of decent ones, but Lucky's really nailed it. One of the best burgers I've had, the best malt I've had, and certainly the best and most personalized service.
This place is in a run-of-the-mill strip mall that saw its best years in the 70's. That bodes well for a burger joint! That's where the real stuff comes from. And Lucky's didn't disappoint. What a great burger.
So what made it great?
Well, burgers rise and fall based on their sauce. That's the main thing. Then, the patty. And that means flavor and texture. Then you have to have a soft-but-substantial bun. Nobody likes those finicky "pretzel" buns or the schmancy "brioche"buns. No. Just give me a good, classic burger bun. And this is.
The burger sauce is a variation of thousand but it's house-made. No vinegary, institutionalized sauce here. This has a creamy, somewhat sharp, smooth flavor. It's an excellent burger sauce and harkens back to the beat 1960s burger joints.
The patty is a solid, tasty, perfectly-cooked beef patty. It's char grilled and tastes like a burger should: bold yet balanced. It is excellent! Pair it with the sauce, bun, and fixings (you have the choice of many additions- from jalapeños to green chilis to tomatoes and beyond. Something for everyone. I like the classic onions, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
By the way, the fries are REALLY good. They are slightly seasoned and taste like they're fried in something other than cheap, truck-lubricant canola oil.
The malt is the best I've had anywhere. Their ice cream (which is the base of any good shake or malt) is really, really good. It's not the cheapie restaurant supply crap they have most fast food places. The owner made me a cherry-chocolate shake just to try it, and it was phenomenal. The shakes here are the BEST. No joke.
And last is the service. The owner was so helpful and kind and enthusiastic and helpful. It's so refreshing to not be "helped" by a bored, clueless, miserable 17-year old just waiting to be off and run home. The owner runs the place and it shows. Excellent service and a clean place. Add that to the fanTAStic burger, and you e got a winner. What I wouldn't give to move these guys to the West valley!!!!
PS- the prices are absurdly cheap.