Wow - Houston burgers. That's almost like saying French cheese. This food item is so engrained in Houstonian's DNA that it is a very, very tough call to try to pin-point the best of the best. Much more so when you're from Bogotá, Colombia like myself (not exactly Burger-town, USA!). Nevertheless, a burger lover is a burger lover is a burger lover. I've had the luck of counting on great mentors in order to sink my teeth into very distinguished burgers here in town, and these are the absolute TOP 5 on my list.
No. 1
No. 1 - Hopdoddy's "EL DIABLO" $8.85 - Three (Inner Loop) Houston locations do date and counting! (Rice Village, River Oaks District, The Heights).
So we've all heard how Austin can cook a burger, and I can attest to the fact that these guys know their stuff. This burger is juicy, delicious, and packed with a nice level of heat. Bread is fresh-baked (in-store), produce always looks fresh, and the beer selection, as well as the overall atmosphere, is above par. My favorite location these days: The Heights, at 449 W 19th St. Fantastic bar, outdoor terrace and plenty of parking as well.
So we've all heard how Austin can cook a burger, and I can attest to the fact that these guys know their stuff. This burger is juicy, delicious, and packed with a nice level of heat. Bread is fresh-baked (in-store), produce always looks fresh, and the beer selection, as well as the overall atmosphere, is above par. My favorite location these days: The Heights, at 449 W 19th St. Fantastic bar, outdoor terrace and plenty of parking as well.
No. 2
No. 2 - Lankford's Grocery and Market's "FIREHOUSE BURGER" $7.69 - 88 Dennis St., Midtown
If you're into HEAT, this is the one burger that'll do it for ya'. I have a fiery tongue and let me tell you, these guys outdid themselves. The wait for this behemoth of a burger is around 12mins. Fully worth the wait, if you ask me. These guys fire up the burger, load it with habanero sauce, fresh jalapeños, cheese, onions, tomato and pickles, resulting in a super-packed-with-heat bundle, so be sure to order an ice-cold beer as to better aid your tongue from minute one. Be advised this is a BIG burger as well; I do not recommend having it "on the run." Great location too, nice neighborhood feel, very friendly service.
If you're into HEAT, this is the one burger that'll do it for ya'. I have a fiery tongue and let me tell you, these guys outdid themselves. The wait for this behemoth of a burger is around 12mins. Fully worth the wait, if you ask me. These guys fire up the burger, load it with habanero sauce, fresh jalapeños, cheese, onions, tomato and pickles, resulting in a super-packed-with-heat bundle, so be sure to order an ice-cold beer as to better aid your tongue from minute one. Be advised this is a BIG burger as well; I do not recommend having it "on the run." Great location too, nice neighborhood feel, very friendly service.
No. 3
No. 3 - Bistro Menil's "Cheeseburger" $14.00 - 1513 W Alabama St., Montrose
People always have warned me about museum stores ("expensive!"). And museum cafes, restaurants and bistros ("expensive and bad!). So as expected, I love attending both. And boy was I surprised when I forfeited Crisp Duck Confit or Seared Sea Scallops in order to further my reputation as a burger connoisseur, and in came this guy. What a beaute!! 100% Angus beef, Gruyere, onions, roasted tomatoes, spring mix and Dijonnaise dressing. The simplicity and sophistication of this burger blew my mind. I wanted to make it No. 1 on my list, but my taste buds - ever demanding HEAT - did not allow for that. And of course if you've seen Picasso, Warhol or Bacon prior to hitting the Bistro, well... you get the idea, this is a real treat. A Houston, TX-only treat.
People always have warned me about museum stores ("expensive!"). And museum cafes, restaurants and bistros ("expensive and bad!). So as expected, I love attending both. And boy was I surprised when I forfeited Crisp Duck Confit or Seared Sea Scallops in order to further my reputation as a burger connoisseur, and in came this guy. What a beaute!! 100% Angus beef, Gruyere, onions, roasted tomatoes, spring mix and Dijonnaise dressing. The simplicity and sophistication of this burger blew my mind. I wanted to make it No. 1 on my list, but my taste buds - ever demanding HEAT - did not allow for that. And of course if you've seen Picasso, Warhol or Bacon prior to hitting the Bistro, well... you get the idea, this is a real treat. A Houston, TX-only treat.
No. 4
No. 4 - Stanton's City Bites' "Spicy Chipotle" burger $9.00 - 1420 Edwards St., Sixth Ward
Alright, you've spotted a pattern, I'll usually go for burgers packed with heat. This burger, beautifully grilled ground beef with house chipotle mayo, house chipotle butter, jalapeno jack cheese, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes on a jalapeno bun is not hot (a 4/10 on my scale), but it is *delicious*. It is my "go-to" burger in Houston for sure, one that will never disappoint. It is also in an excellent price range and its size makes it perfect for any occasion, especially with family and friends. This place has been in its original location since the early 50's, so if you need to take someone to a Houston landmark, and show 'em how a burger is flipped in this town, this is it!!
Alright, you've spotted a pattern, I'll usually go for burgers packed with heat. This burger, beautifully grilled ground beef with house chipotle mayo, house chipotle butter, jalapeno jack cheese, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes on a jalapeno bun is not hot (a 4/10 on my scale), but it is *delicious*. It is my "go-to" burger in Houston for sure, one that will never disappoint. It is also in an excellent price range and its size makes it perfect for any occasion, especially with family and friends. This place has been in its original location since the early 50's, so if you need to take someone to a Houston landmark, and show 'em how a burger is flipped in this town, this is it!!
No. 5
No. 5 - Del Frisco's Grille's "The Grille Prime Cheese Burger" $13.5 - The Galleria and The Woodlands locations
Now this is what I call a wrapped up beauty. It is handed to you in a beautifully spun wax-paper, ready for you to enjoy: double patties, lettuce, red onion, tomato, pickle and sloppy sauce. That red onion - BAM!! This is a mid-level burger in terms of size and price; I've discussed business over this burger more than once. Shops at Arrive location (previously WestAve) closed, but you've still got The Galleria and The Woodlands.
Now this is what I call a wrapped up beauty. It is handed to you in a beautifully spun wax-paper, ready for you to enjoy: double patties, lettuce, red onion, tomato, pickle and sloppy sauce. That red onion - BAM!! This is a mid-level burger in terms of size and price; I've discussed business over this burger more than once. Shops at Arrive location (previously WestAve) closed, but you've still got The Galleria and The Woodlands.
