It's interesting that Phoenix's Delux, 3146 E. Camelback Rd., prides itself on burgers and brew because, although they boast a wide selection of beers as well as seasonal varieties, their burgers are rather sub par.
The small space on Camelback Road and 32nd Street can feel a little crowded on weekends, especially when your conversation becomes indecipherable from the one at the table next to you. It is, however, a great place to catch games with friends because of its long bar tables that span the length of the restaurant, and its flat-screen TVs.
Delux offers two burgers: the Standard and the Delux - a fancier version served on ciabatta bread with a mix of bleu cheese, gruyere, and bacon topped with caramelized onions and arugula.
Unfortunately, while the Delux is an acceptable - not exceptional - order, the Standard does not live up to its promise of superior beef due to its lack of flavor and poor consistency.
Luckily, the menu does have other tastier offerings - the Beet Salad, Roasted Vegetable Panini and Chicken Panini, to name a few
Don't forget to order fries, which come "a la cart" - literally. They're served in a shopping cart. Forgo the classic version for the sweet potato fries, served with ketchup and a zesty aioli.
Diners can prolong their stay in this hip spot by signing up for one of Delux's regular beer flights since the restaurant is open until 2 a.m. everynight.
For patrons under 21, however, the strip mall that houses Delux also offers several other post-dinner places you can hit up.
Skip dessert at the restaurant and walk over to the Gelato Spot (aka G-Spot), a gelateria with cases full of orgasmic flavors of the Italian version of ice cream.
Adjoining this sweet spot is Hava Java - a good spot to enjoy a robust cup of coffee or one of freshly brewed tea.
No matter what you choose to do, rest assured that the entire evening can be enjoyed for a reasonable price.
Reach the reporter at: jessica.kokal@asu.edu.
