Haunted Hamburger is located at 410 N. Clark Street in Jerome. For more information, call 928-634-0554.

© Brendan Moore

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Scary Good

Jerome Harleys. You'll see plenty of them in Jerome, along with artists, psychics, hippies and ghost hunters who head there to scope out spooky landmarks like the Jerome Grand Hotel, the Inn at Jerome and the old mining hub's community center. On a good day — one very lucky day — you might even see Bruce Springsteen, who, during his recent Phoenix concert, mentioned how he loves to cruise the town on a Harley all his own.

Even if you don't catch a glimpse of the Boss, you might work up a boss appetite, in which case the Haunted Hamburger will rock your world.

There are burgers, of course, like the Ghostly Burger. It's nothing too fancy — just a juicy patty smothered in sautéed mushrooms and topped with bacon and surrounded by a buttered, grilled bun — but after a morning hike or a saunter around town, it's tempting, to say the least. A self-service condiment bar means you can pile on as many fresh veggies and sauces as your heart desires, and a full-service bar means you can wash down that monster burger with a prickly pear margarita or an ice-cold brew.

Although burgers are this small restaurant's namesake offering, there are plenty of other options, including salads, soups and a killer chili. Hot dogs, fish and chips, and cheesesteaks are among the other nonburger items on the menu.

No matter what time of day you swing by, it's likely you'll have to wait for a table, especially if you'd like one outside. The Haunted Hamburger's interior is small, and there's not a lot of wiggle room between tables. There's even less maneuverability inside the restrooms, which are akin to a Manhattan apartment pantry. The Haunted Hamburger's real gem is its outdoor seating, which comes at a premium, in part because of Jerome's comfortable climate, and in part because of its perch over the Verde Valley. And it's not as though one season is better than another to enjoy the views — or the burgers.

That said, there is one benefit to visiting during the fall. Leaves. They're changing in the Verde Valley, and when you combine that stunning sight with a cold beer, a plate of fries and one of Haunted Hamburger's signature snacks, you'll understand why so many people keep coming back. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of the Boss, don't worry, you haven't necessarily had too much to drink.

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