The Chuckbox — Restaurant in Tempe

Had time to kill, so looked around Mill for a good burger joint. Not much to choose from, other than some bars with meh ratings. Found this a bit off Mill proper, but reviews were glowing. Walked over to it and went in to find a restaurant, rich with smoke and heavenly aromas. Was a little noisey, since it was conversations on top of yelling orders but not obnoxious.

I ordered the standard "Big One" with American cheese and fries. Got a large drink and condiments are self serve for no extra cost.

So first, burger was a bit of a wait, as it's made right there in front of you pretty much. While this is good for the food (more on that a bit later) it can be a bit of a double edged sword. Second, once finally got the burger and went to pay, it was ~$16.50 after tax. A little high, but not unreasonable.

Now for the taste (for condiments, I added lettuce and ketchup) : It was absolutely outstanding. The time it took to prepare, the seasoning, the buns, everything was wonderful and easily top burger I've ever had. The burger was juicy but not dripping, the cheese was melted but not runny, the buns were fresh. It was all an amazing package and I loved it.

BUT

The "Big One" certainly looked a bit intimidating, but there wasn't much actually there. I was finished before I knew what hit me. I didn't time myself, but I think I waited longer for the burger, than I actually took to eat it. That's my first problem: timing. There was so much waiting, so much delicious smell in the air, so much watching it cook that by the time I got to enjoy it, it was all over. It's hard to describe, but basically the burger didn't last long enough. Now, that might be fixed on the double big one or even the great big one, but specifically for the "Big One" it seemed a little not enough for the wait time.

Second problem for me was the price. Sure, I got to experience probably the best burger I've had, but is that worth nearly $20? If you are flush with cash, and time, I'd say absolutely. But if not, you should save up, come here for one great, gloriously delicious burger or two, then save up and come...

To be honest not quite sure how to write this review, as my wife and I weren’t overly pleased with the food.

The service was excellent, it might appear off putting because the line is long. But they do a really great job getting the customers through and getting food out. With the amount of raw meat products they handle, you would think of cross contamination but let me tell you they handle all raw products appropriately. They probably used 4-5 different tongs to grab various meats to prevent any contamination.

The atmosphere was a bit off putting, but a lot of had to do with the customers. But because of its location and historic aspect, the dining within is on the smaller side, considering how many customers they get. It didn’t help that customers who had been finished eating remained sitting for another 20 minutes while people were looking for a place to sit, thats neither here nor there.

The food is where the rating really comes from. My wife and I weren’t overly impressed with the taste of the food. We aren’t quite sure how there were so many raving reviews about the food. The hamburgers that we had were not seasoned and tasted that of plain burgers which didn’t impress us. The fried onions were overly fried and sat under a heat lamp, to include the fried zucchini. With the rating it currently holds and the reviews we read, we were expecting some tasty and delicious burgers and unfortunately thats not what we got. Granted I would put it up higher than fast food burgers but for the cost, it wouldn’t cheaper to...

There wasn't one thing I disliked about my first time at the chuckbox. Burger was bar none the best I've eaten in AZ. I also enjoyed the 1970s decor, western look.

Thanks to the entire staff at the ChuckBox! My burger and fries were absolutely delicious !

July 4th 2025 updated review

My family went to the Chuck Box for our dinner (the most made and ate food on July fourth is hamburgers) the staff was friendly, helpful and professional. This was my 2nd time and the other 3 family members 1st time. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food. I had the 1/3 lb burger again (next time I am having a double 1/3 pounder & fries, another had a double 1/2 lb burger (1 lb ttl) and fries, and the other two had chicken strips & fries. Our food was perfectly cooked and absolutely incredibly delicious! If you have not experienced the Chuck Box & there food, you must put this on your list. There is free parking, but the lot isn't huge, so good early or late so you know you can get a spot. Open until 10 pm most nights. Opened in 1972, and still going strong. Serving burgers off an flame grill, using wood for an unmatched flavor! This place makes the best burger i have ate in the East Valley, likely the best I have had in the entire Phoenix AZ Valley. Thank you again to the staff for their patience, kindness, friendliness and professionalism. We will be back again & again!

If you love a outstanding hamburger, this is your...