Portillo’s

We’ve started gushing about Portillo’s almost as soon as it opened, but what’s a little more going to hurt? The Chicago-area staple is a master of hot dog arts, but what some people don’t know is the glory of Portillo’s cheese fries ($2.29 for a small and $2.59 for a large). Since the creamy, hot […]

Portland’s Restaurant

Elegant little spot, perfect for a nosh, din-din or lunch while in the downtown area. Entrees include grilled ostrich, blue marlin with braised fennel, chicken lasagna, and so on. As far as appetizers are concerned, the crab cakes go well with a draft beer. Ditto the scallops. But what we really like to do at […]

Queen Creek Cafe

This Queen Creek restaurant and sports lounge has small town charm and an all-American menu to match. For breakfast, there are pancakes with multiple toppings, homestyle skillets, omelets, corned beef hash, French toast, and Taylor ham. Stop by for a burger for lunch, like the half-pound Duke Burger with grilled onions, pepper jack cheese, and […]

Rehab Burger Therapy

From three former executives of Oregano’s, this fun, beach-themed spot in Old Town serves up each of its satisfying burgers in two different sizes: As 10-ounce Rehab monsters and more manageable five-ounce options called Relapses. Featuring well-seasoned ground chuck, a lightly toasted brioche bun, blanket of melted cheese, and choice of toppings, best bets are […]

Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician

Located on the Phoenician resort’s golf course, Relish Burger Bistro’s ambience screams “hotel restaurant!” Pricey burgers are juicy but not greasy, served on brioche buns and piled high with dressings that include standards like cheddar cheese and bacon and more adventurous stuff like pickled jalapenos and fried eggs. Tater tots are served with each burger […]

Richardson’s

CenPho favorite Richardson’s of New Mexico burned down in a fire in 2010 and was finally resurrected in early 2012 with the same menu. The new location is alongside sister restaurant Rokerij, which is similar but with smaller plates. As the name implies, Richardson’s is a purely Southwestern affair, but that doesn’t mean it’s rundown […]

Smashburger

We admit it: We go to Smashburger to order a hotdog. But not just any hotdog-the Devil Dog, with guacamole, tomatoes, jalapenos, habenero cheese and a spicy chipotle sauce all piled onto an all-beef frankfurter and a big, fluffy roll. Amazing! And, okay, we also love Smashburger’s smashing burgers-who wouldn’t? Especially the Mushroom Swiss Burger, […]