About 90 miles north of Phoenix sits the “Mile High City” of Jerome. This city was literally built on the side of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley. Once the 4th largest city in AZ, Jerome was a booming mining town. But after the Phelps Dodge Mine closed in 1953 Jerome quickly turned into a Ghost Town. In the last 20 years the town has reinvented itself as an artist community and tourist haven.
On a recent trip up to Jerome I stopped to eat in one of my favorite spots, The Haunted Hamburger. Located on Clark Street, it is worth the climb up the steep stairs to dine at this fun burger joint. A former mining boarding house then private resident and now the Haunted Hamburger restaurant is just one of the interesting historic buildings in Jerome. Why is called Haunted Hamburger?? Well, there has been some paranormal accounts, but I’ll let you read those stories on the back of the menu!
Of course they are known for their hamburgers which are charbroiled and served on homemade buns. The different varieties are sure to fill any craving. My favorite is the Ghostly Burger with bacon, mushrooms and your choice of cheese. Their condiment bar is fun way to put the finishing touches on your burger. They also have chicken sandwiches, steaks, fajitas and other choices if you are not in the mood for a burger. If you can, try to get a seat by the window or outside on the patio and get your camera ready. The views are stunning! You can see the cities of Clarkdale and Cottonwood below and on clear days you can see the red mountains of Sedona and the very distant San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff. Gorgeous!
As I was leaving I sat and talked with one of the bartenders. She informed me about “The Haunted Group” which owns the Haunted Hamburger. They also own several other restaurants: Nic’s and The Tavern Grille in Cottonwood, Grapes in Jerome, and The Tavern Grille in Scottsdale. I was shocked! The Tavern Grille in Scottsdale (formally Teakwoods) is a football watching favorite of mine. I knew that it had changed ownership but I never realized who the new owners were. “The Haunted Group” is a husband/wife team that pride themselves on exceptional food and terrific service. They are also fellow members of Local First Arizona!
So if you make the drive to Jerome, stop into the Haunted Hamburger for some grub, stunning views and spirits (and I don’t mean the drinking kind.)