What if the most thoughtfully crafted burger in the Southwest came not from a celebrity chef’s empire, but from a former communications director who simply couldn’t stop thinking about underutilized grass-fed beef? That’s exactly the origin story of Diablo Burger, which opened in 2009 after founder Derrick Widmark — who had first visited Flagstaff in 1993 and eventually landed a job as communications director for the Diablo Trust — realized that the open-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef raised on nearby ranches wasn’t being served locally. A light bulb went on, and Diablo Burger was born.
Armed with the motto “All About Local” and a desire to consider eco-friendliness in all decisions, Widmark found a pocket-sized space in downtown’s Heritage Square and set about refurbishing it. The result is one of Flagstaff’s most beloved institutions — repeatedly voted Flagstaff’s best burger by the readers of the Arizona Daily Sun since opening in 2009.
Menu Highlights
Every burger is made from 6 oz of 100% local, grass-fed, open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth-hormone-free beef from the ranches of the Diablo Trust — char-broiled to perfection and served on a signature handmade, preservative-free, branded English muffin, with seasonal greens, tomato, pickle, and their DB frites, a side of genuinely excellent Belgian-style fries. It’s a simple formula executed with remarkable precision, and the quality of the beef is immediately apparent from the very first bite.
The Blake is Diablo’s take on the classic green chile cheeseburger, loaded with Hatch chile mayo, roasted green chiles, and sharp cheddar — and it’s one of the most consistently praised items on the menu. The Gaucho takes things in a bolder direction, with blackening spice, chimichurri, and a perfectly cooked over-easy fried egg on top. For something with a Southwest kick, The Cheech brings the heat with guacamole, pepper jack, and jalapeños — a crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of the region.
The fries arrive sprinkled with a salt and fresh rosemary blend — a small but memorable detail that sets them apart from the standard fast-casual side. Lonely Planet has called them “delicious Herbes de Provence seasoned fries,” and it’s easy to see why they get called out so often. Don’t skip them.
The menu also features locally produced veggie burgers, grilled cheese, and a soup of the day, plus a kids’ menu with smaller burgers and grilled cheese. Draft beer, house wine, and craft beer are available to round out the meal, and local brews like those from Mother Road Brewing are often on tap.
The “All About Local” Philosophy
Diablo Burger actively partners with local farmers, ranchers, bakers, cheese-makers, brewers, vintners, and other producers to source as much as possible within a 250-mile radius — their own definition of a food-shed for Northern Arizona. This isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s baked into the very identity of the place. The Diablo Trust is now one of the oldest collaborative land management groups in the West, started by two ranching families with award-winning land stewardship that enhances the connection between the community and ecology through gastronomy.
Even the cheese selection reflects the local-first ethos — you can choose from sharp cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, provolone, blue cheese, or Crow’s Dairy chèvre, sourced regionally wherever possible. The whole operation feels less like a restaurant and more like a living celebration of Arizona’s agricultural landscape.
Atmosphere & Décor
The interior of Diablo Burger is tiny — a large central ordering counter and bar, with a single arc of tables inside — but when the weather cooperates, which in Flagstaff is a surprisingly large portion of the time, the outdoor patio opens up with a lot of additional seating. The space has an unmistakably edgy, independent character to it, with copper-topped tables and a rock-forward soundtrack that gives the place real personality — though it’s worth noting that the music can run loud, which some diners find energizing and others find challenging for conversation.
The space sits in downtown Flagstaff’s Heritage Square, making it a natural stop whether you’re exploring the historic district, recovering from a hike in the nearby mountains, or just passing through on a road trip. The counter-service setup keeps things casual and efficient — you order at the counter and they bring the food to your table, striking a nice balance between fast-casual ease and a real sit-down experience.
Other Considerations
What’s the price range like? Expect to spend somewhere in the $17–$20 range per burger, which includes your frites. It’s not cheap for a burger, but the quality of the locally sourced, grass-fed beef makes it a worthwhile spend. Think of it as paying for a meal with a story behind every ingredient.
Is it a good option if I have dietary restrictions? Diablo Burger offers gluten-free fries and buns and is very careful regarding cross-contamination. The fries are cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, which is a genuinely thoughtful touch. A locally sourced veggie burger made with farm-fresh eggs, produce, and heirloom legumes — dairy- and wheat-free — is also available for non-meat eaters.
Can I bring the kids? Absolutely. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu with smaller burgers and grilled cheese, so even the picky eaters in your crew will find something to love. The casual, order-at-the-counter format also makes it low-stress for families.
When’s the best time to go? In summer, try to arrive on the early or late side of lunch and dinner to avoid the long lines. The wait can be quite long and seating is limited in the colder months when the patio closes, so planning ahead during winter visits is smart. Weekday lunches tend to be your smoothest window.
Is there parking nearby? Diablo Burger sits right in the heart of downtown Flagstaff near Heritage Square, so street parking and nearby lots are your best bet. The central location makes it walkable from much of downtown, which is a bonus if you’re already exploring the area on foot.
Diablo Burger
📍 120 N. Leroux St, Ste 111, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Website: https://www.diabloburger.com
