Travel + Leisure Magazine just ranked Houston America’s best city for foodies and the top burger city in America. Needless to say, finding a good burger in the Bayou City is not a difficult task.
The next time you decide to give in to a burger craving, make sure you visit one of these deservedly successful Houston burger joints.
Beck’s Prime
If you want a quick bite and don’t want to sacrifice quality, Beck’s Prime has your back. This Houston burger institution has some dozen locations, all of which have drive-thrus. Delightful beef and veggie burgers, and ahi tuna grilled sandwiches can all be ordered seamlessly online.
Bernie’s Burger Bus
People who love Bernie’s really love Bernie’s. Old school in more than just name, the Bernie’s Burger Bus menu features burgers called The Principal, The Substitute, Study Hall, Detention, and Recess. Toppings are known as electives, gourmet fries are referred to as extracurricular’s, and to add an extra patty to a burger, you say “bully it” when ordering.
If you haven’t tried this Houston burger joint, visit Bernie’s Bellaire restaurant or one of its two traveling buses to see why it has amassed a cult following. It’s paleo-friendly and can prepare any of its patties gluten-free and without cheese.
Hay Merchant
This wildly successful beer bar has mastered the art of burger slinging, the benefits of which you can reap on any given visit. The burger to order here is the Cease and Desist, a flavorful culinary creation that features double the meat (or veggie patties) and double the cheese of your average burger. Arrive on bicycle, and you can pair your meal with the Karbach brew of your choice.
The Hobbit Cafe
A mainstay on the Upper Kirby restaurant scene, The Hobbit Cafe has a vast menu with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat eaters. Black bean and soy burgers are available, as are Angus beef, buffalo, turkey, and salmon patties. The eclectic atmosphere and well-selected wine and beer menus add to the experience of enjoying a burger.
Hubcap Grill
Known for juicy, generously-sized burgers; extraordinary fresh-cut fries; and a great craft beer selection, Hubcap Grill is a dependable Houston burger destination for the carnivores among us. Choose from more than a dozen specialty burgers, including a Philly Cheese Steak and Texas BBQ burger, and a range of dipping sauces for their tasty hand-cut fries.
With locations downtown and in the Heights, Hubcap Grill is accessible to many Houstonians. The new Heights location has a large patio with a ping pong table, bean bag toss, and horseshoe pit.
Lankford Grocery and Market
Specializing in creative burger combinations, Lankford Grocery and Market grills up some tasty patties in neartown. The Firehouse Burger, topped with habanero sauce, cayenne butter, and jalapenos, is a spicy food lover’s dream. The Grim Burger, smothered with mac and cheese, bacon, and a fried egg, is like breakfast, lunch, and dinner sandwiched between a single bun. And the Asian fusion Wasabi burger is topped with wasabi sauce, pineapple, red onions, and Swiss cheese.
Petrol Station
Some say it has the best craft beer selection in Houston. Others say it has the best burger your money can buy in the Bayou City. The only way to know whether you concur is to visit The Petrol Station, just northwest of the loop, and try one of their signature burgers for yourself.
The Rancor is a massive beef burger loaded with cheese and bacon and topped with a fried egg. The Petrol Pub burger is a slightly toned down version, still massive but free of bacon, cheese, and egg. Mary’s Lamb Burger is a Greek-inspired concoction that features a tender lamb-and-beef patty, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and a special yogurt dressing.
Stanton’s City Bites
Another Houston burger joint that offers an expansive selection of signature burgers, Stanton’s City Bites has good prices and a nice family-run restaurant atmosphere. It’s hot and spicy burgers, including the chili cheese and the spicy chipotle burgers, are especially popular. Stanton’s City Bites also has a meat-free menu.
In the Bayou City, talented chefs congregate in droves, and all food preferences and cravings are accommodated. Beef, salmon, tuna, turkey, and veggie burgers are all easy to come by, and several restaurants will gladly substitute lettuce for a bun. Unless you are strongly opposed to the idea of a burger, you should be able to find something worth writing home about at one of these restaurants.
What is your favorite Houston burger joint? Or, more specifically, your favorite burger?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst