Posted in Texas
November 11, 2016
The Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Texas Will Make Your Mouth Water
I’ve done a lot of burger articles – how could I not with all the delicious ones we have here in Texas? However, I’ve never compiled a list of the BEST burgers in the state. These 13 joints serve hamburgers that are incomparable to any others in Texas – and I’m even telling you exactly what to order there to maximize your culinary experience. Bon appetite!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Keller's is a true diamond in the rough considering it's an old-fashioned drive-in. Between the motorcycle gangs that gather there on Friday nights to the plethora of classic cars, you'll feel like you're in a scene from Grease. This burger is double meat and cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce between two fluffy poppyseed buns.
Mary's is known for its Texas-sized chicken fried steak, but their burgers don't get enough recognition. Just look at that patty - it's easily at least 2 pounds of tender, juicy, beefy goodness. Your eyes might be bigger than your stomach, but you're guaranteed to not leave the table hungry.
So many of our readers have praised Boots to high heaven, so I had to see what the hype was all about. It doesn't look like much - it's a tiny little shack with a walk-up window, and it's so tiny that you might miss it if you aren't looking for it. But your taste buds will rejoice when you get a mouthful of one of the most delicious burgers you've ever had. They don't have to worry about maintaining a fancy atmosphere, so all their time and effort goes into the food. Get yourself over to Boots as soon as possible, y'all.
This little trailer was featured on Man v. Food, so you know it has to be something pretty great. I personally recommend the Hell Burger because I know how my fellow Texans like their food - so smokin' hot that you'll be breathing fire by the time you're done. This burger has sautéed jalapeños AND their special Coyote Hell sauce (I'm not sure how they make it, but God knows it's delicious).
This burger has made more lists than I can count on both hands. It's two patties layered with cheese, barbecue sauce, and onion rings. No other veggies, but sometimes those just distract from the main event. This is all 'meat and potatoes,' so to speak - what we Texans live on.
I had never heard of Muddbones prior to reading the comments on a previous article, but upon hearing readers say things like "melts in your mouth" and "best burger in Texas," there's no way I could pass it up. No matter what you get here, you won't be disappointed (but the more meat and cheese, the better, right?).
Herd's got 5/5 stars on Yelp, which is basically unheard of considering how harsh of critics people can be. The restaurant has been around since 1916 and claims to be world-famous, so it's about time to try it if you haven't yet! Everything is delicious, but the double cheeseburger (with added jalapeños, of course) is easily the crowd favorite.
So many of my readers raved about Dave's, so naturally I had to oblige them and see what was so great about it. A cheeseburger might be a simple order even though it's a double, but the true quality of a restaurant is evident in its most basic menu items. And the side of fries is just obligatory.
Lankford has an inspiring story. It grew from a tiny meat market into one of Houston's most iconic burger joints, and that can't be done by just anyone. The owners have put so much blood, sweat, and tears into their hamburgers that the quality will blow your mind. If you're feeling adventurous, they have all kinds of interesting burgers on the menu like mac 'n cheese filled, Mexican-inspired with guacamole, etc. But sometimes, simple is best - like this triple meat cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, and tomato.
(Note: as of September 14th, 2020, Hut's is permanently closed). If you like old-fashioned diners, Hut's is the place for you. In the midst of the chaos of Austin, you can go back to the 1950s and relax with a delicious burger and a malt. This one seems to be the most popular - it's a LONGHORN patty topped with guacamole, cheddar cheese, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, mayo, and mustard. Mmmmm.
Texas Monthly rated Alamo Springs the #3 burger joint in Texas, and one reader even said it replaced Hut's as his top choice. It's a rustic little shack with an outdoor patio - perfect for us Texans to sit back, drink a beer, and enjoy some music and great food. This burger is cooked to perfection and piled high with sautéed onions/mushrooms and a melty slice of Swiss cheese.
Not only is the food delicious at this little restaurant, but they even "brand" the buns of their burgers with their logo. Places that put a unique spin on their food really raise the bar in my opinion. This burger has bacon, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, and provolone cheese. And you can't forget a side of crispy, homemade onion rings! So good.
Sometimes we Texans aren't too big on modern joints like Hopdoddy, but I urge you to make an exception. They can whip up almost any burger you could dream of, like this one with a fried egg on top - and the quality is always stellar. Plus, if you like homemade buns, shakes, and craft beer, this place has it all.
Have you tried any of these burgers? Which one is your favorite? What’s the best burger in Texas in your opinion?
