How This Mom and Pop Burger Spot Won Hearts in Phoenix, AZ

When a family that’s been perfecting burgers for generations opens their own spot, you pay attention. 🍔

Lucky’s Burgers and Shakes in Phoenix proves that charbroiled perfection and old-school hospitality never go out of style.

This isn’t just another burger joint—it’s a family labor of love where every patty gets hand-formed, every shake gets made from premium ice cream, and every customer gets treated like they matter.

With national recognition from Money Magazine and a devoted local following, Lucky’s has become Phoenix’s answer to what a neighborhood burger spot should be.

How Lucky’s Won Locals’ Hearts

Sisters Yolanda Chalabi and her family didn’t stumble into the burger business—they were born into it.

After watching their parents successfully manage two burger joints, the sisters learned every secret to creating the perfect patty, from seasoning to charbroiling technique to customer service that makes people feel like family.

When Lucky’s opened its doors over eight years ago, the Chalabi family brought that accumulated wisdom to Phoenix’s Thunderbird and 19th Avenue area.

Their approach was refreshingly simple: hand-formed patties, charbroiled to order, with toppings and sauces made from scratch—including a homemade 1000 Island dressing that customers call addictive.

The burgers come with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, allowing you to choose from ketchup, mustard, homemade 1000 Island, homemade ranch, BBQ, or mayo.

What really set Lucky’s apart was the charbroiled flavor.

Unlike flat-top griddles or standard grills, Lucky’s uses char-grilling technique that creates a crusty, salty exterior with gorgeous charcoal flavor while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

Customers from Texas—known burger snobs—admit these burgers are “really good” and offer “great value for what you get.”

The breakthrough came when Money Magazine featured Lucky’s in their list of “The 10 Best Burger Joints in America” based on Yelp reviews.

Suddenly, burger lovers from across the Valley were making pilgrimages to the small strip mall location.

The milkshakes sealed the deal—made with premium ice cream rather than “cheapie restaurant supply crap,” they’re thick, creamy, and available in 15 different flavors including a divine coffee milkshake that customers call a “let’s-not-count-the-calories treat.”

Food Highlights

Charbroiled Hamburgers: Available in 1/4 lb ($5.99), 1/2 lb, or 3/4 lb sizes, these hand-formed patties are charbroiled to create that perfect crusty exterior with bold charcoal flavor. Customers rave about the “solid, tasty, perfectly-cooked beef patty” that’s “char grilled and tastes like a burger should: bold yet balanced.” Customize with your choice of homemade sauces! 🔥

Green Chile Cheeseburger: This Southwest favorite tops a charbroiled patty with roasted green chiles and melted cheese. Reviewers call it “delish” and appreciate that the green chile adds flavor without overwhelming heat. Some wish the chile was spicier, but most love the balanced approach. 🌶️

BBQ Bacon Burger: One customer ate this so fast they forgot to chew, calling it “amazing.” The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and that charbroiled beef creates layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Pairs perfectly with chili cheese fries! 🥓

Bacon Cheeseburger: Simple but executed to perfection, this classic features crispy bacon and melted cheese on that signature charbroiled patty. Multiple reviewers specifically recommend trying this one, praising how well-seasoned the beef is. 🧀

Chili Cheese Fries: Topped with a generous helping of chili and cheese, these are substantial enough to be a meal themselves. The fries underneath are seasoned to perfection and stay crispy even under all those toppings. Many customers order these to share. 🍟

French Fries: These aren’t your average fries—they’re seasoned perfectly and made fresh to order. Customers love that “the fries were very crispy and seasoned perfectly” and appreciate that they taste like they’re “fried in something other than cheap truck-lubricant canola oil.”

Coffee Milkshake: This isn’t an iced coffee drink—it’s a creamy, indulgent dessert that one reviewer calls “divine.” Made with premium ice cream, it’s “the let’s-not-count-the-calories-treat-yourself kinda dessert drink that will elevate your mind and mood.” Also available in Oreo, peanut butter, pineapple, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and more! ☕🍦

Atmosphere

Lucky’s Burgers and Shakes occupies a small spot in a strip mall at the corner of 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.

Don’t let the location fool you—this is a hidden gem that locals treasure.

The interior is clean and inviting with a small number of tables for indoor dining.

There’s also outdoor seating available when Phoenix weather cooperates.

The setup is fast-casual: order at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your number to be called.

What makes Lucky’s special is the family atmosphere.

The staff takes time to connect with customers, making you “feel like family each time” you visit.

Note: No bathroom available for guests, so plan accordingly. 🚻

Bottom Line

Visit for Money Magazine-certified excellence, those charbroiled burger edges with perfect char flavor, homemade 1000 Island and ranch dressings, premium ice cream milkshakes in 15 flavors, and multi-generational burger expertise.

This is Phoenix burger royalty! 👑🍔

Address: 13849 N 19th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85023

📞 (602) 314-5214
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (Closed Sun)