226 FOOD & DRINK SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 e e e B E S T S M A S H B U R G E R S BAD JIMMY’S 108 E. PIERCE ST. 480-386-0129 AND OTHER VALLEY LOCATIONS BADJIMMYS.COM Thick or thin is a question that comes up in reference to a number of foods: pizza crust, cookies, burgers. But while we prefer a thin crust and a thick cookie, our answer to hamburgers vs. smashburgers is: yes. We love all burgers, and in this town, the solution to our smashburger craving is Bad Jimmy’s. The local chain has been expanding at a dizzying rate, and we’re not mad about it. The more bright red-and-white dining rooms, the better. The more perfectly seasoned, crisp-edged burgers served to us with crunchy waffle fries, the better. And though we’re here to talk about Bad Jimmy’s outstanding smashburgers, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest a side of the Tennessee dry rub wings, a spicy-sweet dish that we find ourselves craving just as often as the menu’s marquee item. e e e B E S T H O T D O G S DER WURST 6522 N. 16TH ST. 602-694-0342 DERWURSTHOTDOGS.COM Tucked inside Linger Longer Lounge on 16th Street, Der Wurst is the brainchild of chef and owner Nicholas Hyche, whose lifelong obses- sion with hot dogs led him to start making Phoenix’s top glizzies in 2017. Every preserva- tive-free, handcrafted dog comes from Schreiner’s Fine Sausages in Phoenix. The pretzel buns come fresh from Strictly From Scratch bakery, another homegrown partner. Der Wurst is more than a quick bite. Inspired by German biergartens, Hyche has trans- formed the humble sausage into a gourmet dining experience. Each dog is loaded with ingredients encompassing a wide variety of flavors from different cultures. Just try to contain your laughter at the names of each dog if you take your grandparents; at Der Wurst, the Dirty Sanchez and the French Tickler are menu items, not Urban Dictionary entries. e e e B E S T C H I C K E N W I N G S CRAZY MIKE’S 5350 W. BELL ROAD, #130, GLENDALE 623-463-6881 14175 W. INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD, SUITE B-10, GOODYEAR 623-440-4277 CRAZYMIKESWINGS.COM Crazy Mike’s has two locations in the Valley, both on the west side. But wherever you are in town, these destinations are so worth the drive. Stop by Glendale or Goodyear to enjoy large, plump, juicy wings that are cooked until satisfyingly crisp. After they hit the fryer, the wings are doused in sauces that range from classic to creative. Dry-rubbed wings are also available and equally deli- cious. For an unusual option that will leave you licking your yellow-stained fingers, order the curry dry rub. The rest of the menu at Crazy Mike’s makes good use of the fryer. Pair your wings with some crispy onion rings or egg rolls and finish your meal with hot beignets or churros. Crazy Mike’s counter-service spots are bright and welcoming for dine-in customers, but these wings are equally good to go. e e e B E S T B A R B E C U E LITTLE MISS BBQ 4301 E. UNIVERSITY DRIVE 602-437-1177 8901 N. SEVENTH ST. 602-314-6922 LITTLEMISSBBQ.COM Sometimes readers ask us why we write about certain businesses again and again. To that, when say: When there’s better barbecue in the Valley than Little Miss BBQ, we’ll give them the award. Until then, we’ll go over it again: the bright smoke ring on the melt-in-your-mouth brisket. The moist smoked turkey, the house-made sauces that we sop up with slices of fresh bread. The epic green chile burrito stuffed with meat, beans and cheese. The smoked pecan pie, which is probably intended to be shared but which we usually scarf down ourselves. This is food we can’t get enough of, food we recommend to visitors and new residents, food that is nationally known. We’re happy to give Little Miss another award to add to its pile.
