Celebrated Sedona chef Lisa Dahl opens haute burger lounge.

Lisa Dahl is one of Arizona’s—if not the country’s—top female chefs with a restaurant empire in Sedona that comprises acclaimed eateries offering Italian and Latin-inspired cuisine. But her latest venture harks back to her childhood. At the end of September, the award-winning chef opened Butterfly Burger, an upscale and creative culinary concept that celebrates that all-American classic.

“I have been what I like to call a ‘burger addict since I was a kid, and I live for re-creating the first memory from my first bite of a burger that I remember so vividly,” says Dahl, who made a name for herself in the Valley as a leading grillmaster, taking home top honors in three of the last four of Scottsdale’s popular Burger Battle competitions.

All three of her winning creations are on the menu: Funghi Sublime, which is smothered in sautéed mushrooms and finished with imported truffle gouda and special Dijoinnaise; the Gringo Burger, which features white aged cheddar, louis remoulade sauce, shredded romaine and crispy onion strings; and The Waco Kid, with white aged cheddar, 4 Roses bourbon with maple caramelized onion, bacon confiture and Dijon sauce.

New standouts include the namesake Butterfly Burger, with manchego cheese, pepper bacon, guacamole and chipotle aioli; the Oui Oui Monsieur!, a mouthwatering patty melt covered in charred onions, Gruyere cheese and Dijoinnaise sauce; and the 100% Wagyu Sedona Dog, featuring piccalilli sauce, charred onions and pico de gallo garnish. In total, the menu offers 10 wood-grilled Black Angus beef burgers, as well as lamb, mahi mahi and chicken options. Three veggie burgers are also available.

Not to be outdone by the food, the decor is chic and swanky, with a warm speakeasy vibe. Dark wood-line walls; faux alligator booths; an open kitchen; and a sleek marble bar, complete with a lit wall that displays a selection of 40 bourbons and spirits, combine for a high-end, retro dining experience. “With Butterfly Burger, I wanted to create a brand-new concept that no one has ever seen before, especially in Sedona. Not only is it a chic eatery, it also has a sexy loungelike setting that you typically only see in big cities, such as New York or Paris,” say Dahl. “In all my travels, I’ve never experience anything quite like it.”

Butterfly Burger is located at 6657 State Route 179, Suite B1, in Sedona (in the Village of Oak Creek). It is open daily, although hours vary, and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit butterflyburger.com or call (928) 862-4448.