The Best Burger For Every Part of Houston

This family-owned institution opened as a grocery store in 1937 but has been serving some of Houston’s best burgers since the 70s. Here, you can get everything from an old-fashioned burger to signature creations like the Frito Pie burger, the Houston (with BBQ sauce and brisket) and the now famous Grim Burger, topped with mac ‘n cheese. You can also substitute the classic beef patty for chicken, salmon, or an Impossible Patty among other options, and enjoy it in a quaint, family-friendly environment.

 Another legend in the local burger lore, Stanton’s has been serving handmade patties piled high with toppings since the 1960s. The classic diner atmosphere sets the tone, but it’s the juicy burgers with clever names like Luke Skyburger (with deep-fried bacon, fresh garlic, sautéed spinach, grilled mushrooms, and provolone) paired with sides like Cajun fries and fried pickles that keep Houstonians coming back.

Co-founded by local rapper Bun B (Bernard Freeman), this counter-service burger joint channels an old time vibe with modern, crispy smashburgers made with two all-beef patties, caramelized onions, pickles, and a secret Trill Sauce, served on a potato roll. Aside from becoming a champion of community support, Trill earned the title of best burger in America from "Good Morning America" and had a "Trill Burgers Day" proclaimed by Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2022. A must visit on your trip to Houston!

The local branch of the beloved Texas chain is known for house-ground burgers with unique toppings. Try the Houston-centric Luv Ya Blue, a homage to the beloved Houston Oilers, with blue cheese slaw and caramelized onions, or the Billy F Gibbons featuring candied bacon, gouda, mango pico de gallo, cream cheese spread, and Trailboss habanero sauce. Wash them down with their ample selection of craft beers and signature cocktails.

This laid-back counter-service spot has earned accolades for its gourmet burgers inspired by Asian flavors, listed in the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Best Houston restaurants in 2022, 2023 and 2024. You can order from a list of specialties or build your own by choosing a bun style, burger size, proteins and toppings which include fried eggs, seared spam, and ghost chile flakes, and unique sauces like sambal mayo, scallion aioli, and sesame soy.

This gorgeous, modern Cajun-Creole brasserie is the pride and joy of South Louisiana native chef Drake Leonards, whose cheeseburger - served during lunch and brunch - pairs a juicy patty with bread & butter pickles, red onions and Dijonaise, complemented by perfectly crispy fries. Before opening Eunice, Leonards cut his chops at Café Boulud in New York, and at La Provence, Restaurant August, and Luke in New Orleans, so expect a high-end burger from a high-end chef.

This old-fashioned burger joint has been serving no-frills burgers in a Second Ward corner shop since 1963. Walk up to the window and place your order for a 1/3-pound prime ground chuck Champ Burger served the classic way, or add cheese, bacon, jalapeños, chili, or a combination, then find a seat under the shady covered patio. You can also pick a black bean, falafel, or Impossible patty, a fried chicken sandwich, or even a hot dog. Guaranteed you won’t go wrong at Champ.

This craft brewery with a rustic vibe and great outdoor area offers a rotation of seasonal brews paired with simple yet tasty pub grub, including burgers made with meat ground in-house. The Urban Cowboy combines venison, pork, and bacon with fried onion strings and jalapeño ranch, while the City Acre is made from beef chuck, brisket, and short rib topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickles. Can’t decide? Go for both and have the Urban Acre Smash!

Chef Ronnie Killen, one of Houston’s most celebrated BBQ pitmasters, opened this retro diner-style space dedicated exclusively to burgers, earning a spot on Texas Monthly's "50 Best Burgers in Texas". Ranging from an old-fashioned classic to a truffle aioli cheeseburger and even a Wagyu burger, all patties are hand-made with quality beef and yes, there is a BBQ brisket burger, of course.

A sibling restaurant from the team behind Anvil, Theodore Rex, and Better Luck Tomorrow, Squable is a cozy neighborhood restaurant known for its casual European food with American influences. On a menu that includes baked oysters, beef tartare, and rabbit pappardelle, a standout is a French cheeseburger made with a stout beef patty topped with melty raclette, butter and pickles, served with pommes frites. A full bar, wine, and craft beers, as well as zero proof cocktails round out the convivial, laid-back vibe.

This upscale neighborhood tavern from chef Aaron Bludorn, whose Bludorn Group was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality in 2024, celebrates the flavors of Texas with a beautiful menu. While the ambiance is elegant, the vibe is certainly laid-back, great for sitting at the bar with a cocktail, glass of wine, or craft beer and an impressive dry-aged beef burger with cheddar cheese, tomato, house-made pickles, and French fries.

A long time Bay Area favorite for its Texas-sized beef patties and vintage 1970s atmosphere, Tookie’s is a casual, family-owned and family-friendly joint that serves everything from plain old fashion burgers to house creations like the #99, marinated in wine and seasoned with a special blend of spices, and the Bean Burger featuring spicy refried beans with crushed Fritos. Pro tip: don’t leave without having one of their epic shakes.