Of those who are following our ranking of the best burgers in Tucson, several readers asked that we consider Trident Grill on Speedway near Campbell. Earlier this week I was given a tour of Adobe Rose Inn, a lovely B&B two blocks east of the University, in preparation for an upcoming List of the Best Small Inns & B&B’s.
When I left Adobe Rose, it was lunchtime and I was only a few blocks from Trident. From the exterior, Trident Grill doesn’t look particularly inviting, but that all changed as soon as I walked in. The immediate impression was of a London grill near Trafalgar Square or an Irish pub in Dublin. Very pleasant.
I seated myself in a comfortable booth and was quickly approached by my waitress who handed me their menu and took my drink order. When she returned, I asked if their hamburgers were any good.
“They’re alright,” she told me, “but we’re mostly known for our great fish & chips.” I love a good fish ‘n chips. The 2 best I’ve had in Tucson were at Metropolitan Grill on North Oracle and Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde. You’ll find both in our List of the Best Restaurants in Tucson & Southern Arizona by type of cuisine.
But I was on a ‘burger’ mission. “Fine. I’ll have a burger with cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a side of mayo ($7.50). How are your fries,” I asked. Her reply almost knocked me out of my seat.
“I don’t like them,” she said pointedly. “OK,” says I, “how ‘bout your potato salad?”
“Better choice.” And with that she took my order back to the kitchen.
For a moment, I pondered the riddle that she had just created. If Trident’s fish & chips are what’s good here, but the fries are really bad, how … ???
Oh well, never mind. The question at hand is this: Does Trident Grill Have The Best Burgers In Tucson? In a word, NO.
The paddy was OK, but the bun was a bit stale and tasteless and the tomato was bland. And the potato salad? I’ve had better. But I did like the atmosphere. Now if I can just figure out how Trident makes good fish ‘n chips with bad fries.
Trident Grill
12033 E Speedway Blvd Ste 101
Tucson
(520) 795-5755
