Original Hamburger Works — Restaurant in Phoenix

4/27/24: short version - large covered patio, decent parking, food wasn't bad, service was so-so. There's a 50/50 chance we would return.

Long version - a month late getting this posted but better late than never! This particular Saturday we were both craving a good burger so popped in to OHW. The first thing we noticed was the decent parking lot, then the large patio. I remember it being covered, but the concrete seating was a bit uncomfortable (no surprise); I do not recall whether they had misters out there so unless you're Satan, outside dining may not be a good option.

The patio door is where we entered, and at first all I saw was a bar area (a few large booths, dark interior, barstool seating). But as you walk in further, there's another dining area, and it was pretty crowded. You order at the counter (one of two; only one window was open at the time) and the gentleman who took our order was, well, I almost wanted to check if he had a pulse. He didn't smile once, there was no inflection in his voice, he was very deadpan (i.e. not very welcoming or enthusiastic). My sister said "maybe he's been dealing w/ rude customers all day" to which I said "probably, but until we prove we are RUDE CUSTOMERS, I would hope for a better reception".

The menu was pretty extensive, and there was a large salad bar nearby -- or so I thought, until I saw it was all the condiments for the burgers. This means people could be touching things they shouldn't be touching, and flies / gnats could be enjoying your condiments before you do. :-)

It was well stocked, however, and the fountain drink were serve yourself. A couple other employees did smile at us so that made up for the counter guy. They have some cool decor inside, plus the waffle fries were well cooked. The fried zucchini slices could have been thicker though, IMO.

Because the interior was pretty crowded, I didn't get many inside pics, but you can see the ordering lines are similar to an adventure park (metal bars forcing you in one direction). My sister said this OHW reminds her very much like the Chuck Wagon near ASU in Tempe.

It was decent food, but not certain a return visit...

UPDATE: April 1st 2023 We've been going here for twenty years. It has been a great experience every time. I believe today was the last time we will ever visit this place. We order chicken sandwiches with barbecue sauce on them. They came with maybe a teaspoon of sauce that was all soaked into the center of the bun so basically they were dry. I asked for more sauce and they wanted to charge me $0.80 for more. I don't understand why.. they never used to charge for more barbecue sauce it's not like I want a bucket of it I just want a little more for my sandwich that I paid a premium price for. Seriously, at the center bar you can get all the mustard at all the ketchup and all the pickle relish you want but you can't get any more barbecue sauce or even ranch unless you pay for it. This simply doesn't make sense. Also now they've implemented a policy that if you use your debit card you get charged 4% more. I am also in business of accepting business cards and those percentage rates are just absorbed as long as business. If I want to recoup that 4% I raise my price by 4% and don't charge for it. These things seem trivial but, the manager was there and was kind of in a cranky mood and was a little perturbed that I was surprised I had to pay for a side of barbecue sauce because my sandwich was dry. He even lifted his arms and shook his head while mumbling something to someone else. I just spent $80 for lunch for the 4 of us. . I don't need that attitude and to be nickel-and-dimed. If I bought the place, I would fire some of them and replace them with happy cheerful people that enjoy their customers.

It's been about 13 years since we've been here. Still awesome! The only complaint is my water cup sweated a little on the table. When I went to wipe it up the napkin was black. Not sure if all the tables are this way but ours was. Other than this little issues, the food quality is excellent. Milkshakes are expensive but...

I relish in the ability to convey the incredibly positive experience we enjoyed at the Original Burger Works at 15th Ave and Thomas

We had a birthday get together, how we were 'introduced' to this fine establishment. Although this was a Friday, and they were quite busy, the entire facility was incredibly CLEAN! Tables were bussed quickly after the guests left, the 'fixings bar' was kept very clean and well stocked...the bathrooms and patio were equally diligently maintained. I notice these things first and foremost as I managed foodservice for over 2 decades.

When it comes to the food, everything was first rate! I had the I had 'the Super Great One' with some darn good Arizona Fries. The Burger certainly lived up to its name, as it had quite the unique hamburger patty flavor the reminds me of hamburgers cooked on flat grills in the "good ole days", not like the ones now at Mickey D's, Wendys or even Whata-expensive-burger.

My Partner had the Border Burger with some tasty onion rings. I was amazed that as opposed to diced green chiles, there was a huge what looked be a full half a green chile covering the entire burger. Sonny reported that the burger was as joyfully delightful/satisfying as mine.

We also treated our fellow guests to the Fried Zucchini, Onion Rings and a 20 sized Boneless Wings 1/2 'Hot' (which had a nice 'kick' to em, but pleasantly not a residual hot) and 1/2 Honey BBQ all were very ample portions and what I would consider a good value for what we paid for them!

Oh, and they have a nice full service bar area, that seemed quite relaxed and enjoyable.

All in All, we found our new "Burger Joint" and will visit as often as we can. I had complimented the Manager there, Jennifer I believe she stated her name was, and asked to relay such to her staff what a fantastic job they had all done to provide us with a FIRST RATE dining...