Phoenix’s vibrant food scene is always craving the next big thing, and the team behind La Grande Orange seems to have delivered once again with Ingo’s Tasty Food. When it first opened its doors, the question on everyone’s mind was: does Phoenix really need another gourmet burger joint? However, after just one bite of Ingo’s juicy cheeseburger, the answer becomes a resounding yes. This isn’t just another burger spot; it’s a testament to simple, high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted flavors that make Ingo’s Tasty Food a must-visit destination.
Ingo’s prime location at the corner of 40th Street and Campbell Avenue is just the beginning of its appeal. As the latest venture from LGO Hospitality, the group also known for the beloved La Grande Orange and Chelsea’s Kitchen, Ingo’s Tasty Food benefits from a pedigree of culinary excellence. The restaurant’s name itself is a charming nod to a partner’s childhood music teacher, adding a personal touch to the brand. The concept is refreshingly straightforward: a concise menu featuring nine carefully selected food items, a curated wine list of seven bottles, a couple of craft beers, and a variety of non-alcoholic options including their signature house-made lemonade.
The architectural design of Ingo’s Tasty Food is as distinctive as its menu. Housed in a striking space-age circular building designed by local architect Will Bruder, the restaurant boasts an 18-seat indoor counter and a spacious, dog-friendly patio that extends around the building’s modern metal and brick facade. For those opting for patio seating, a convenient walk-up window allows for easy ordering, with food promptly delivered to your table once your number is called. This seamless blend of stylish design and casual service enhances the overall Ingo’s Tasty Food experience.
The cornerstone of Ingo’s Tasty Food, the cheeseburger ($7.50), is a masterclass in burger construction. Featuring Strauss Family grass-fed beef, topped with aged cheddar, crisp shredded lettuce, a generous slice of tomato, dill pickle, and creamy mayonnaise, this burger is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each bite is a juicy, flavorful explosion, contained within a perfectly griddled poppy seed bun. Upon closer inspection, a subtle layer of sweet pickle relish is revealed, an unmentioned ingredient on the menu that might surprise those firmly in the dill pickle camp. Despite this unexpected sweetness, the overall cheeseburger experience at Ingo’s Tasty Food remains overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the quality of ingredients and expert preparation.
For burger aficionados seeking a different flavor profile, the Ingo burger ($7.75) at Ingo’s Tasty Food is an excellent alternative. This rendition features a tender beef patty crowned with Fol Epi cheese, a nutty and slightly fruity French cheese similar to Swiss, paired with tangy house-made sauerkraut and a Dijon sauce. While sauerkraut might seem like an unconventional burger topping, more commonly associated with hot dogs, it works surprisingly well, adding a delightful tang and complexity that complements the rich beef. Like all burgers at Ingo’s Tasty Food, the Ingo burger is cooked to a “pink medium,” ensuring a juicy and tender patty.
Beyond burgers, Ingo’s Tasty Food offers compelling alternatives. The crispy chicken sandwich ($7.50) is a standout, featuring an organic chicken schnitzel fried to a golden, crispy perfection while remaining wonderfully moist inside. It’s topped with a spicy aioli, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples for a touch of sweetness and crunch, and dill pickles that echo the burger’s classic accompaniments. This sandwich showcases Ingo’s Tasty Food‘s commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations, proving there’s more to this eatery than just burgers.
French fry enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the fresh shattered potato chips ($3.75) at Ingo’s Tasty Food. These aren’t your typical fries; they are thinly sliced fried potatoes, offering a satisfyingly crisp texture and served with lebni, a thick Mediterranean yogurt dip infused with herbs and lemon. The lebni adds a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the rich potato chips, making this side dish utterly irresistible. Unless you are dining solo, ordering two servings of these addictive chips at Ingo’s Tasty Food is highly recommended to avoid any sharing disputes.
While most of the menu at Ingo’s Tasty Food shines, the No. 1 tuna burger ($7.50) was a notable miss. Promising sushi-grade tuna and bulgur wheat with spicy aioli, the reality was a bit underwhelming. Instead of a substantial tuna steak, the “burger” consisted of chopped, lukewarm, and somewhat fishy-smelling tuna. However, demonstrating excellent customer service, the staff at Ingo’s Tasty Food readily exchanged the tuna burger for another item, highlighting their commitment to guest satisfaction.
Responding to customer preferences and aiming to cater to a broader audience, Ingo’s Tasty Food quickly adapted its menu after opening. They replaced a vegetarian burger with an heirloom brown rice bowl ($6.75) packed with nutritious and flavorful ingredients like black beans, feta cheese, pistachios, and greens, finished with a soft-boiled egg and a touch of hot chili sauce. For another meat-free option, the kale and quinoa salad ($6.25), dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette, provides a healthy and refreshing choice, further diversifying Ingo’s Tasty Food‘s appeal.
With the resounding success of La Grande Orange, LGO Hospitality seemed to take a more measured approach to expansion in the Phoenix culinary scene. However, with Ingo’s Tasty Food and its consistently delicious menu, it appears LGO is back in the race, ready to once again lead the pack in innovative and high-quality dining experiences. Ingo’s Tasty Food is not just another burger joint; it’s a sign that the Phoenix food scene is as dynamic and exciting as ever, driven by establishments that prioritize quality and flavor above all else.
DETAILS
Ingo’s Tasty Food
Cuisine: American
Contact: 4502 N. 40th St., Phoenix, 602-795-2884, ingostastyfood.com
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Highlights: Ingo burger ($7.75); chicken sandwich ($7.50); potato chips ($3.75); brown rice bowl ($6.75)
