A system and method are directed towards refining mobile device search results using location modifiers. Information about a mobile device user may be collected, including a current location, a default location, information from address books, or other social networking information. The user may input a search query that is parsed into a primary search term and possibly a location modifier. The location modifier may modify the search for the primary search term by refining a physical location over which the search is performed. Location modifiers may include user-specific location modifiers that may employ social networking information to refine the search query, or a location sub-string modifier that refines the search query by employing a hierarchy of location data and/or social networking information. In one embodiment, where no location modifier is included within the search query, a current, or default, location of the mobile device may be employed.