The Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Texas Will Make Your Mouth Water
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on January 11, 2024(Originally published November 11, 2016)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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 Texas. These 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!
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 a special sauce between two fluffy poppyseed buns. This place has some of the best burgers in Texas.
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.
Take a look at this video of Mary's Cafe's chicken fried steak by @texascountryreporter:
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. Visit the Boot's Burgers website for more.
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). You may end up thinking this is the best burger in Texas!
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5. Double BBQ Burger at Tookie's Burgers & More (Kemah)
This burger has made more lists than I can count on both hands. It's layered with cheese, pickles, barbecue sauce, and onion rings. No other veggies, but sometimes those just distract from the main event. This is pretty much all 'meat and potatoes,' so to speak -- what we Texans live on. This is certainly one of the best Texas burger places. Visit the Tookie's website to learn more.
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?). Head to the Muddbones for more information.
7. Double Meat Jalapeno Cheeseburger at Herd's Hamburgers (Jacksboro)
Looking for "burgers near me" in Texas? The must-visit Herd's Burgers has high ratings 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. Check out the Herd's Burgers Facebook page for more.
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. Head to the Dave's Burger Barn website for more information.
Take a look at this video of the burger challenge at Dave's Burger Barn by @Beardmeatsfood:
9. Triple Meat Cheeseburger at Lankford's Grocery & Market (Houston)
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. Visit Lankford's website for more information.
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10. Mushroom Swiss Burger at Alamo Springs Cafe (Fredericksburg)
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. Head to the Alamo Springs Cafe website for more information.
11. Jelly Belly Burger at Branded Burger Co. (Midlothian)
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. Head to the Branded Burger Co. website for more.
Sometimes we Texans aren't too big on modern joints or chains 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. There are several locations around Houston so be sure to visit the Hopdoddy Burger Bar website to find the one closest to you.
(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.
Have you tried any of the best burgers in Texas? Which one is your favorite? What’s the best burger in Texas in your opinion? Let us know in the comments!
If you enjoy exploring the culinary scene around the Lone Star State or love to visit wineries and breweries, check out the selection of food and beverage tours in Texas on Viator.
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More to Explore
Best Restaurants In Texas
Melissa M.|January 11, 2024
What are some of the best restaurants in Texas?
Texas has so many amazing restaurants that it’s hard to choose the best of the best, but we will try. Check out the following best restaurants in Texas the next time you want to dine out:
Fearing’s Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas serves delectable Southwestern cuisine.
If you find yourself in Galveston make sure you dine at Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar. It serves surf and turf cuisine with a Central and South American twist.
If you love Mexican food and are living in or visiting San Antonio, Mixtli is the place to go.