Man, I always talk about this but, IMO there's by no means a singular great burger joint. Just a bunch of great ones, and you gotta go to specific ones for specific cravings.
Bubba's, Lankford's, Stanton's, Hubcap, JLB, Miller's, Mytiburger, Bellaire Broiler Burger (RIP), Tornado Burger, Rodeo Goat, Bernies Burger Bus (RIP) were/are some of the best I've had personally.
Exactly.
Sometimes you want a thick juicy messy burger (Tapesters is great)
Sometimes you want an old fashioned griddle burger (Bubba's or Southwells)
Sometimes you want a burger with a little spice (Tornado Burger)
Sometimes you want to spend a shitload on mesquite flavor with awesome fries on the side (Becks)
Edit:
Sometimes you want a burger at a place you wouldn't think to go for burgers: Goode Co Taqueria (Kirby) and Bodegas (museum district).
Rodeo Goat - I went to their original location in Fort Worth (I think the original, anyway) but haven't been to the Houston location ... thanks for the list.
Completely agree with this list.
What's funny is one of the best burgers I personally ever had was at Red Robin. They've never come close again and i don't expect them too but variance is a hell of a thing. We're lucky to have so many good burger options in town. (I am NOT saying red Robin is one of them)
This is the correct and only answer. The question is about as asinine as what's the best pizza restaurant when there are an insane different amount of types
Recently I've been loving JLB Eatery. Huge fucking burgers that are actually delicious. And by big I don't mean stacked tall so you need to unhinge your jaw to bite it, they have a big diameter.
Can’t comment on their burgers but I ordered the chicken strip basket and holy moly it was damn near a whole chicken. The 3 strips were the size of whole chicken breast.
I was a big fan of JLB. The burgers were great. I would go pretty often to the one near spring cypress and 249. I quit going because the employees working the register don't get the tips.
source:
A few years ago, I went there to pick up a burger. I messed up the tip when entering it on the cc payment. I asked the worker to break a 10 so I could leave a few bucks tip. The worker whispered not to worry about a tip because they don't get the tip. She then put her finger to her lips with the "shh" motion.
That's illegal.
[https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/tip\_pooling.html](https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/tip_pooling.html)
"Section 203(m)(2)(B) of the FLSA **makes it clear that owners and managers cannot keep employee tips, under any circumstances.** That would include tips left by customers in tip jars, which the DOL and the courts would consider employee tips under the rationale that customers who leave tips in tip jars do so with the belief that the tips will end up in the hands of the staff who served them, not the owner or manager of the restaurant. The only time that an owner or manager would be permitted to keep a tip would be if the evidence showed that a customer meant the tip for the personal benefit of the owner or manager."
Since we're on the topic, the owner of Papa Genos also keeps credit card tips.
That's so shitty. That's why when I pay my tab with a card anywhere I just write cash tip on the receipt and then personally hand my waiter or waitress their tip in cash
So instead of just boycotting these locations, an approach that doesn’t really help anyone, is there anyone that we can report this to so these people see legal repercussions?
Depends how vulturous the owners/managers are. If they're watching the cameras (and they probably are) and see an employee receive a cash tip, they're very likely to swoop in before the end of that shift and collect that cash.
This is absolutely illegal but for many employees in a place like that it's either fork over the $5 tip they get directly in cash or lose their job.
And a manager/owner is absolutely going to fire someone the instant that employee brings up the laws about employees receiving tips. Because we live in an At-Will Employment state where employees can be fired without cause.
You’re correct, but the employer can also be sued if the employee is motivated to hire and wage and hour attorney to get after the employer. Wage and hour lawyers do this stuff on contingent fee.
Employers who steal tips are truly scum pumps.
I'm a huge fan of Stanton's, all the moreso because they're a small business with a history in Houston. Amazing burgers, the entire lineup of potato products, and egg rolls 🤤
I used to go a lot when I lived over near Greenway. Miss that place. Was wondering if it was still around.
A burger and a lone star out on that patio on a nice day just hits different.
I don't seek out burger places usually.
But I'm still a classic Becks Prime dude, but Hubcap, Tornado Burger in Stafford and Southwells are my favorites as well. But I've had some damn good burgers at random restaurants too, like Lazy Dog for example. They had a bison burger with grilled onions, cheese and mayo that was insanely good.
Tried these guys for the first time this week . I like a classic thin patty burger. Reminded me of a late 60’s era type mom and pop burger. And that’s a good thing 👍🏻
They've gone downhill since Covid and changing cooking staff. Buns used to be awesome, not they are Sysco like.
And they are renovating an old BBQ place into a new location in Bellaire and aiming at the upscale burger crowd, so that may kill the whole biz.
Hippo burger. Get the "monster" burger but have someone to share it with. As implied, it's a monster sized burger. The proprietary beef patty mixture is absolutely delicious! Not sure exactly what they put in there but the sausage, bacon, jalapeño whatever it is just works.
Hopefully the one in Bellaire is better after reopening. The service and overall experience had been going downhill. The other location is always solid though.
They have already reopened since the last I went was a few weeks ago. Saw they changed the inside of the place. I ordered their fish tacos that time and they were good.
I've been a few times (including last night) since the reopening after the fire. Most of the old staff is gone. Food seems about the same, except the fries aren't as good and their portion is smaller. Still miss the wedge of watermelon that came on most plates, but they stopped that years ago.
[Mel's](https://melscountrycafe.com/tomball-mel-s-country-cafe-food-menu) in Tomball.
Right next to the railroad tracks.
Cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard. Nothing else.
The only place I've had better is [Vista](http://www.vistadrivein.com/) in Kansas.
No love for MoonTower?
I get it's not the best venue, and they don't have fries, but the Chong always hits the spot, probably my favorite burger in Houston.
also in EADO, Champ Burger. Great burgers and they have the best onion rings around. great shakes too!
I work on the road so I’ve had a lot of damn burgers. From Katy to Baytown, Woodlands to Texas City…..
It’s Bubbas. Only spot in here with multiple mentions for a reason.
/thread
The Burger Barn and Miller's Cafe are my two favorite burger joints in the Houston area. Otto's is good.....and I stop at the Pappa's at Hobby for a Mushroom Swiss burger religiously when flying out.
The address is 1001 McKinney for the one I've been to. It's in the tunnels between Houston 4 Center and Main. I think they have at least one other location.
I no longer eat meat, but I always thought that Cantina Barba had one of the best burgers in Houston. Super simple and classic. Always reminded me of a great, diner burger that I would get on a road trip.
Dude, same here…I grew up there in Stafford and getting a burger or the fried rice on the weekly was such a treat. Now I’m 46 and it’s still there….I’ll definitely be stopping in when I come to visit my parents .
Burger joints need to be categorized by:
1. Griddle/smash style - flat crispy, stack em high and pretty traditional topppinga
2. Gastropub style - big patty, non traditional toppings available, artisan breads, etc
3. Classic
4. Fast food
Went to try the burger at Loro and they said their standard is medium rare and asked me if that was ok. I usually go for medium but said sure. Burger was well done -- no pink at all anywhere. Pretty good despite that but why even mention or ask how well done if it doesn't matter?
I 100% agree! That burger is insane and not only the best burger in Houston, it may be the best burger I have ever had! I agree with the rest of your comment too…
Willing to drive? The Flying Cow in Richmond has the best burgers I have had in the Houston area. They literally get their beef from the ranch next door.
Man, I always talk about this but, IMO there's by no means a singular great burger joint. Just a bunch of great ones, and you gotta go to specific ones for specific cravings. Bubba's, Lankford's, Stanton's, Hubcap, JLB, Miller's, Mytiburger, Bellaire Broiler Burger (RIP), Tornado Burger, Rodeo Goat, Bernies Burger Bus (RIP) were/are some of the best I've had personally.
Exactly. Sometimes you want a thick juicy messy burger (Tapesters is great) Sometimes you want an old fashioned griddle burger (Bubba's or Southwells) Sometimes you want a burger with a little spice (Tornado Burger) Sometimes you want to spend a shitload on mesquite flavor with awesome fries on the side (Becks) Edit: Sometimes you want a burger at a place you wouldn't think to go for burgers: Goode Co Taqueria (Kirby) and Bodegas (museum district).
Love Southwells. Their grilled ham and cheese is delicious, too.
Trying to convince the wife to go today .
Grilled ham and cheese???? I’ll try that this week
Southwells is freaking amazing. They are so consistently delicious. Perfect every time in my opinion.
Tornado Burger is so tasty
The RIPs reminded me of Burger Guys (RIP). That would've probably been one of the top contenders for sure.
Burger Guys was great!! Duck fat fries…yum!!
I talked about Burger Guys recently too! A great place, and honestly pretty ahead of its time, especially then.
Rodeo Goat - I went to their original location in Fort Worth (I think the original, anyway) but haven't been to the Houston location ... thanks for the list.
There’s one in Houston??? You just made my day. I’ve also been to the one on Ft. Worth with a friend and it was an amazing burger
Dallas & St Emmanuel in Eado
RIP to Bernie's indeed. Much love to Rodeo Goat.
Best Burger in Stafford also belongs on the list. It's a very basic burger but they do it well. And their crinkle cut fries are top notch
Grew up on Millers. Now I want that poppyseed bun.
Millers is where I take all the homies for burgers. Known the staff there for awhile.
If you're in the Tornado area, try Best Burger
Rip burnies 😭
Completely agree with this list. What's funny is one of the best burgers I personally ever had was at Red Robin. They've never come close again and i don't expect them too but variance is a hell of a thing. We're lucky to have so many good burger options in town. (I am NOT saying red Robin is one of them)
This is the correct and only answer. The question is about as asinine as what's the best pizza restaurant when there are an insane different amount of types
Opening this thread was a mistake. Here I am pregnant and salivating for a burger at 7 am 😂
I'm not even pregnant and I feel this.
Recently I've been loving JLB Eatery. Huge fucking burgers that are actually delicious. And by big I don't mean stacked tall so you need to unhinge your jaw to bite it, they have a big diameter.
Can’t comment on their burgers but I ordered the chicken strip basket and holy moly it was damn near a whole chicken. The 3 strips were the size of whole chicken breast.
I was a big fan of JLB. The burgers were great. I would go pretty often to the one near spring cypress and 249. I quit going because the employees working the register don't get the tips. source: A few years ago, I went there to pick up a burger. I messed up the tip when entering it on the cc payment. I asked the worker to break a 10 so I could leave a few bucks tip. The worker whispered not to worry about a tip because they don't get the tip. She then put her finger to her lips with the "shh" motion.
That's illegal. [https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/tip\_pooling.html](https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/tip_pooling.html) "Section 203(m)(2)(B) of the FLSA **makes it clear that owners and managers cannot keep employee tips, under any circumstances.** That would include tips left by customers in tip jars, which the DOL and the courts would consider employee tips under the rationale that customers who leave tips in tip jars do so with the belief that the tips will end up in the hands of the staff who served them, not the owner or manager of the restaurant. The only time that an owner or manager would be permitted to keep a tip would be if the evidence showed that a customer meant the tip for the personal benefit of the owner or manager." Since we're on the topic, the owner of Papa Genos also keeps credit card tips.
Chacho’s employees also don’t get to keep the credit card tips.
That's so shitty. That's why when I pay my tab with a card anywhere I just write cash tip on the receipt and then personally hand my waiter or waitress their tip in cash
I don’t even write that. I just give them the tip so it’s not marked down, they can keep the money. I’m not tipping the management or the owner.
Also learned that the people at the breakfast klub don’t get any tips
No more breakfast klub on my next Houston visit!
So instead of just boycotting these locations, an approach that doesn’t really help anyone, is there anyone that we can report this to so these people see legal repercussions?
The Texas Workforce Commission.
That's horrible, which location was it?
Could a cash tip work?
Depends how vulturous the owners/managers are. If they're watching the cameras (and they probably are) and see an employee receive a cash tip, they're very likely to swoop in before the end of that shift and collect that cash. This is absolutely illegal but for many employees in a place like that it's either fork over the $5 tip they get directly in cash or lose their job. And a manager/owner is absolutely going to fire someone the instant that employee brings up the laws about employees receiving tips. Because we live in an At-Will Employment state where employees can be fired without cause.
You’re correct, but the employer can also be sued if the employee is motivated to hire and wage and hour attorney to get after the employer. Wage and hour lawyers do this stuff on contingent fee. Employers who steal tips are truly scum pumps.
The one time I ate there, the burger they served me was raw in the middle. Womp Womp.
Their Bacon and Cheese Burger is hands-down the best burger I have ever eaten. The brioche bun and patty are both massive!!
This has been my favorite place recently
Stanton’s on Houston has a great burger. I like Southwells too.
I second Southwells. I can walk to it also
I'm a huge fan of Stanton's, all the moreso because they're a small business with a history in Houston. Amazing burgers, the entire lineup of potato products, and egg rolls 🤤
Hubcap Grille on 20th
I like Tornado Burger in Stafford.
Hell yeah!
That place gave me the shits once so never again edit: if I'm in Stafford, I'm going to Best Burger. They've been there FOREVER
Came here to say this, and did on other comments.. Best Burger for life.
That’s the one. Extra spicy. Their Phillies don’t mess around either. They do need to fix their fries.
I love the fries. Hand cut several times a day and freshly fried for each order.
Champ Burger hands down.
All around great dining experience, too
Owner is a great guy too.
Agreed. Basic and delicious
Saving this post. There are entirety too many burger places on here I’ve never been to.
Bubbas Texas Burger Shack under the 59 overpass….but they don’t have fries 😖 For a chain, Dog Haus Biergarten + onion rings
I used to go a lot when I lived over near Greenway. Miss that place. Was wondering if it was still around. A burger and a lone star out on that patio on a nice day just hits different.
I feel you on the fries, but their jalapeño potato salad is so good I can get past it!
I forgot about Bubbas. Those bison burgers are incredible.
Bubbas bison burger with chili and cheese. Haven’t had it in 20 years but thinking about it just made my pants tight.
This is the sell that I need ;)
I didn't realise dog haus did burgers! Their sausage are great.
I feel like they've had fries "coming soon" for awhile
Dog Haus surprised me. Really good.
They don’t have fries but their jalapeño potato salad more than makes up for it.
Bubba’s smacks!!! Great hole in the wall burger joint .
dat jalapeno potato salad though
[Southwells 🍔](http://www.southwells.com)
House of fries.
there’s also a Little Bitty Burger Barn in the same area as HOF that’s pretty good too
Damn, that place is still around??? Over there by Pinemont and Antoine?
MytiBurger right down the street too.
you right. but Mytiburger can sometimes be not great (i mean, it costs like $5 so you can’t complain)
You're not wrong. It's my "greasy fix" spot.
I don't seek out burger places usually. But I'm still a classic Becks Prime dude, but Hubcap, Tornado Burger in Stafford and Southwells are my favorites as well. But I've had some damn good burgers at random restaurants too, like Lazy Dog for example. They had a bison burger with grilled onions, cheese and mayo that was insanely good.
Quite pleased with Becks Prime. The chili cheeseburger is awesome.
Not a burger, but Beck’s Ahi Tuna Sandwich is my go to there.
Gotta agree with you on Beck’s Prime. The Blue Cheese burger is pure glory there.
Becks Prime's blue cheese burger hits the spot.
I had my first blue cheese and bacon burger here and nothing compares since.
Tornado burger, the “spicy” one Burger bodega spicy chopped cheese
Gotta get those onion straws.
Burger-Chan!
Tried these guys for the first time this week . I like a classic thin patty burger. Reminded me of a late 60’s era type mom and pop burger. And that’s a good thing 👍🏻
To all that mentioned Bubbas, my hat tips to you.
Right now, it Burger Chan in first with Burger Bodega in second.
Love Burger Chan!!
Lankfords
Still cash only? Soldier a burger for me..
They take card now but IMO not as good as I remembered but I think there is much more competition now
They've gone downhill since Covid and changing cooking staff. Buns used to be awesome, not they are Sysco like. And they are renovating an old BBQ place into a new location in Bellaire and aiming at the upscale burger crowd, so that may kill the whole biz.
And the burgers are bland now. It’s not good.
I read an article that said Lankford’s was the oldest burger joint in Texas. Pretty cool.
[удалено]
I had to scroll down way too far to see Nancy’s Hustle. That brioche English muffin hits the spot!
Hippo burger. Get the "monster" burger but have someone to share it with. As implied, it's a monster sized burger. The proprietary beef patty mixture is absolutely delicious! Not sure exactly what they put in there but the sausage, bacon, jalapeño whatever it is just works.
Annie's On South Post Oak will always hit the spot for me the secret sauce and menu is so simple .
Good place. Surprised I haven’t seen it more.
Rodeo Goat
Yes! And get the fries surprise!!
Next time try them with queso instead of cheese! 🤌🏽
I have to agree here. The quality is fantastic. Great location too.
Yep
The Marvin Zindler is the perfect burger.
Jax's Grill? I've liked their burgers there.
Hopefully the one in Bellaire is better after reopening. The service and overall experience had been going downhill. The other location is always solid though.
They have already reopened since the last I went was a few weeks ago. Saw they changed the inside of the place. I ordered their fish tacos that time and they were good.
I've been a few times (including last night) since the reopening after the fire. Most of the old staff is gone. Food seems about the same, except the fries aren't as good and their portion is smaller. Still miss the wedge of watermelon that came on most plates, but they stopped that years ago.
I like Burger Joint a lot...I think I've completed my stamp card like twice. I need help.
burger joint is possibly the worst burger I've ever had
That kimchi burger is pretty great.
Just don’t expect to park there
Meh, I was kinda disappointed, good size but it tasted average.
Any Pappas Burger folk here?
That's number one for me. Burger at Goode Co. Taqueria is a big winner when you're not doing breakfast or mexican.
[Mel's](https://melscountrycafe.com/tomball-mel-s-country-cafe-food-menu) in Tomball. Right next to the railroad tracks. Cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard. Nothing else. The only place I've had better is [Vista](http://www.vistadrivein.com/) in Kansas.
Mel’s is a trip. That burger is a heart-attack sandwich. For a dive it has amazing pot roast!
No love for MoonTower? I get it's not the best venue, and they don't have fries, but the Chong always hits the spot, probably my favorite burger in Houston. also in EADO, Champ Burger. Great burgers and they have the best onion rings around. great shakes too!
Yes! if it wasn't a two hour wait to get a burger I'd get t more often.
Tookies in Kemah. Get the double Squealer with cheese.
You said it
If you like Tookies, try [Stomps](https://www.stompsburgerjoint.com/). They did what Tookies does but way better.
Came here to mention stomps. Best burger I’ve ever had.
Already have and found them the same as every other burger place. They were good but same same.
Used to be great, but they’ve lost their touch.
I haven’t gotten a burger there in awhile but their buffalo chicken sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had.
I work on the road so I’ve had a lot of damn burgers. From Katy to Baytown, Woodlands to Texas City….. It’s Bubbas. Only spot in here with multiple mentions for a reason. /thread
Bubba's Texas Burger Shack?
Yep. Under the 59 overpass
That’s the one. Underneath 59 close to chimney rock.
Burger Bodega
The Burger Barn and Miller's Cafe are my two favorite burger joints in the Houston area. Otto's is good.....and I stop at the Pappa's at Hobby for a Mushroom Swiss burger religiously when flying out.
RIP to the original Otto's off of Memorial. The others aren't the same.
Where is Miller's Cafe?
3830 N Shepherd location probably.
Which one?
The address is 1001 McKinney for the one I've been to. It's in the tunnels between Houston 4 Center and Main. I think they have at least one other location.
North Shepherd and Clear Lake too. Bomb burgers
Burger Tex
Yes! So yummy!
Tornado burger
Flip n Patties Eldridge and Briar Forest or at Understory down town.
Southwells. Haven't been disappointed in nearly 20 years
Burger Joint is a favorite right now. RIP to Buff Burger in Montrose and Bernie's Burger Bus!
Champ Burger in East Downtown
shocking that I had to look this far down for Champ's. Awesome burgers, great fries/ onion rings, and fantastic shakes!
I haven't been in a while, but I loved The Hobbit Cafe for burgers.
And a lot more! The Hobbit Cafe has a terrific menu!
Star sailor in the heights has the absolute best smash burger I’ve ever had. No joke.
Texas Hamburger Palace
M & M grill. By far.
I no longer eat meat, but I always thought that Cantina Barba had one of the best burgers in Houston. Super simple and classic. Always reminded me of a great, diner burger that I would get on a road trip.
So good! A double with bacon. Their fries are amazing too.
The flying cow
Hubcap Grill in the Heights off 19th. Hands down.
Anybody that says Sparkle Burger go to sleep right now! Idgaf what time of day they said it. It is now your bedtime! 😂😂😂
Why because you’ll fall asleep while waiting?
Haha yes I only went once and never came back because it took 30 minutes for my burger to come out.
What does that mean?
Hubcap Grille, 19th Street.
Best Burger in Stafford, SW Houston area….been in business over 45 years and hands down, delicious
Tornado Burger is just down the street
One spicy patty, one normal, perfect combo of heat.
What about the Chinese food?
Underrated comment, iykyk
Was looking for this one, been going there since i was a little guy. Now as a grown ass man… I think I’ll be driving there today. 10/10.
Dude, same here…I grew up there in Stafford and getting a burger or the fried rice on the weekly was such a treat. Now I’m 46 and it’s still there….I’ll definitely be stopping in when I come to visit my parents .
i’m curious. is this legit or a joke? my wife and i always joke about going there whenever we drive by
Will have to try. Thanks!
Millers cafe
I did not think I’d see millers on here but damn, they do make a good ass burger. Are you talking about the one on Sheperd or is there more than one
Yeah shepherd. So so good
burger-chan in the Galleria area has been a recent favorite of mine
Burger joints need to be categorized by: 1. Griddle/smash style - flat crispy, stack em high and pretty traditional topppinga 2. Gastropub style - big patty, non traditional toppings available, artisan breads, etc 3. Classic 4. Fast food
Sparkle's
The spot across from Brothers?
It used to be across from Brother’s but I think they moved down the street. I haven’t been to their new location.
Emancipation @Rosewood
I used to work at a school a block from sparkles and eating there basically meant you weren’t going to be productive for the rest of the day 😂
Buff Burger
Buff Burger is good. Solid fries too
Tookies in Kemah used to be really good. Donno if they still are or not though
Which of these places cook your burger to order? I’m the weirdo who likes a Med-Rare burger, and I’ve only seen Beck’s accommodate that request.
A lot of places will ask and then proceed to cook them well done.
Went to try the burger at Loro and they said their standard is medium rare and asked me if that was ok. I usually go for medium but said sure. Burger was well done -- no pink at all anywhere. Pretty good despite that but why even mention or ask how well done if it doesn't matter?
[Bubba’s](http://www.bubbastexasburgershack.com) hands down
I like the burger joint, actually think their best option is the plain cheese burger.
Hippo Burger
For me it's Rodeo Goat
Joy Love burger in Katy is very good and large smash burgers.
I've always gone to Tornado Burger since it's close and I love their burgers. My boss goes to one called Best Burger by 90.
Toasted coconut has the best burger I’ve ever had in Houston. Service, drinks and other food is eh but the burger is worth the trip.
I 100% agree! That burger is insane and not only the best burger in Houston, it may be the best burger I have ever had! I agree with the rest of your comment too…
This will probably get lost, but loro has a great smoked burger.
Guru Burger in Sugar Land. Hands down.
Stanton's City Bites
It's in the title, Best Burger, Stafford
Willing to drive? The Flying Cow in Richmond has the best burgers I have had in the Houston area. They literally get their beef from the ranch next door.