(This college football season, Arizona football beat reporter Justin Spears is trying out popular restaurants in towns the Wildcats are playing in. Up next: The Chuckbox in Tempe.)
TEMPE, Arizona — Less than a half-mile from Mountain America Stadium in Tempe sits one of the most renowned burger joints in the Valley.
Restaurant: The Chuckbox
Food: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, fried foods
The rundown: The Chuckbox has been serving Arizona State students and fans since 1972. The Chuckbox cooks its burgers and chicken over an open mesquite fire, and their cheese options include American, Swiss, jalapeño jack and cheddar.
When the line stretches around the toppings bar and across the restaurant, customers can be heard shouting their orders to the cooks who are churning out order after order.
The Tijuana Torpedo with onion rings and a draft root beer from The Chuckbox in Tempe.
In addition to fries and beer-battered onion rings, The Chuckbox also has jalapeño poppers, fried zucchini and fried mushrooms.
The Chuckbox is a cash-only establishment, so come ready with some dollar bills. If not, there's an ATM machine available.
The order: Tijuana Torpedo with onion rings and a draft root beer. The beef patty has jalapeño jack cheese cooked inside and is served with green chilis on a sesame seed bun.
The final verdict: This is the second "This Ain't Tucson" review in Tempe — the first was Burrito Express in 2023.
The Chuckbox is also the second burger review of the season, joining Houston's "Trill Burgers." The Chuckbox is known for "The Great Big One," but we went with one of its other unique options.
The Tijuana Torpedo was a rich man's version of the green chili burger from Whataburger or New Mexico staple Blake's Lotaburger. The bun wasn't as buttery and greasy as Trill Burgers, which isn't a knock. The sign of a great burger is if it can be devoured without the help of ketchup and other condiments. I added chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
The onion rings with ranch and draft root beer were perfect complements for a rock-solid burger. The jam-packed small parking lot wasn't ideal for a pregame meal, but there's a reason ASU fans endure the parking conditions and wait time. The Chuckbox is a 7/10.
