Houston’s burger scene is a vibrant mix of classic joints, innovative newcomers, and upscale eateries, each offering unique takes on the beloved burger. Below is a curated list of some of the best burgers in the city, complete with restaurant details, burger descriptions, special features, and critic quotes from reputable sources.
1. Burger-chan
- Address: 5353 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77056
- Phone: (832) 408-0860
- Website: burgerchanhtx.com
- Burger Info: Burger-chan offers customizable burgers with fresh-ground chuck patties (2- or 5-ounce options, single, double, or triple stacks) served on a choice of sweet sourdough, brioche, rye, or lettuce wrap. Toppings range from classic lettuce and tomato to creative options like sambal mayo, kimchi relish, pickled habaneros, seared spam, and a fried egg. Their signature “The Spicy” burger features a bold combination of spicy sauces and toppings.
- Special Features: The customizable menu allows diners to craft their perfect burger, with Asian-inspired condiments and a focus on precise, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s mom-and-pop vibe, run by chefs Diane and Willet Feng, adds a personal touch. It’s been ranked #1 in America by MSN for “The Spicy” and #27 on Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants in 2024.
- Critic Quote: “Willet Feng crafts monster burgers as you like ’em… every detail has been precisely tweaked for maximum deliciousness.” – Eric Sandler, CultureMap Houston
2. Trill Burgers
- Address: 3607 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
- Phone: Not listed (contact via website)
- Website: trill-burgers.com
- Burger Info: The OG Trill Burger features two smashed 44 Farms Texas beef patties, caramelized onions, pickles, American cheese, and signature Trill Sauce (a tangy, Thousand Island-style dressing) on a soft potato roll. A vegan option with Impossible patties is also available.
- Special Features: Co-founded by Houston rap legend Bun B, Trill Burgers gained fame as a pop-up before opening a Montrose brick-and-mortar with a drive-thru. It won “Best Burger in America” on Good Morning America in 2022 and a Gold Buckle Foodie Award at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The crispy-edged patties and community-focused ethos make it a standout.
- Critic Quote: “The result is a classic smash burger that’s topped with cheese, pickles, onions, and Trill sauce, a tangy, Thousand Island-style dressing that ties it all together.” – Ali Khan, Texas Highways
3. Burger Bodega
- Address: 4520 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
- Phone: (832) 887-7997
- Website: burgerbodega.com
- Burger Info: The Double Smashburger is a crispy-edged delight with two thin beef patties, American cheese, grilled onions, housemade pickles, and creamy Bodega sauce on a potato bun. The chopped cheese sandwich, featuring diced beef patties with peppers and onions on a hoagie roll, is another fan favorite.
- Special Features: Inspired by New York City bodegas, this Heights spot combines Houston flair (like “713” branding) with a kitschy, millennial-friendly atmosphere. The thin, griddled patties deliver a smoky crust, and milkshakes in flavors like mango lassi or Vietnamese coffee elevate the experience.
- Critic Quote: “The double smashburger at Burger Bodega is one of the best smashburgers in Houston… a crispy-edged delight and worth all the hype.” – Daniel Renfrow, Houstonia Magazine
4. Lankford’s Grocery & Market
- Address: 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: (713) 522-9555
- Website: lankfordgrocery.com
- Burger Info: The Grim Burger is a beefy Angus patty topped with macaroni and cheese, jalapeños, bacon, cheddar, and a sunny-side-up egg. Other options include the Houston Burger with BBQ sauce and brisket or the Red, White, and Blue with ranch, blue cheese, and roasted red peppers. Non-beef options like Impossible or black bean patties are available.
- Special Features: A Houston institution since the 1930s, Lankford’s evolved from a grocery to a burger haven. Its Montrose location offers a classic diner vibe and a menu of inventive, hearty burgers. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, it’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors.
- Critic Quote: “The burgers at Lankford’s Grocery are about as classic as they come… the pimento cheeseburger is our favorite, but the Houston burger featuring thick slabs of brisket is a close second.” – Daniel Renfrow, Houstonia Magazine
5. Eunice
- Address: 3737 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77098
- Phone: (832) 831-9237
- Website: eunicehouston.com
- Burger Info: The Eunice Cheeseburger, served during lunch and brunch, features a juicy beef patty with bread & butter pickles, red onions, Dijonnaise, and crispy fries. The patty is crafted with high-quality beef, reflecting the restaurant’s Cajun-Creole roots.
- Special Features: This upscale Cajun-Creole brasserie, led by chef Drake Leonards, brings fine-dining finesse to its burger. The cheeseburger’s simplicity belies its bold flavors, making it a surprising standout in a Michelin-starred restaurant known for sophisticated dishes.
- Critic Quote: “The cheeseburger at Creole-Cajun restaurant Eunice will take you by surprise.” – Brittany Britto Garley, Eater Houston
6. The Burger Joint
- Address: 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006 (Montrose); other locations in Heights and Baybrook
- Phone: (713) 522-9555
- Website: tbjhouston.com
- Burger Info: The Texas BBQ Burger features a 6-ounce Angus beef patty with fried onions, barbecue sauce, jalapeños, and cheddar. The Impossible Burger offers a plant-based patty with vegan aioli, lettuce, tomato, onions, and optional vegan cheddar.
- Special Features: With multiple locations, The Burger Joint combines classic and creative burgers using never-frozen Angus beef. The counter-service, patio-friendly vibe and diverse menu (including kimchi or lamb burgers) make it a go-to for varied tastes. The vegan-friendly Impossible Burger is a draw for plant-based diners.
- Critic Quote: “The Burger Joint crafts each burger with only the freshest ingredients… the Texas BBQ Burger is my favorite and includes fried onions, plenty of barbecue sauce, and jalapeños.” – Brian, Restaurant Clicks
7. Champ Burger
- Address: 304 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77003
- Phone: (713) 227-2090
- Website: champburger.com
- Burger Info: The Champ Burger with Cheese is a third-pound prime ground chuck patty served with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo on a toasted bun. The Bacon Cheeseburger is another popular choice.
- Special Features: A family-owned East End staple since 1963, Champ Burger offers a nostalgic, no-frills experience with a walk-up counter and vintage charm. Its prime chuck patties and affordable prices make it a local favorite for classic burgers.
- Critic Quote: “A family-owned treasure, Champ Burger’s no-frills approach and simple menu showcase the timeless quality of their classic burgers.” – Houston on the Cheap, Houston on the Cheap
8. Riel
- Address: 1927 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77019
- Phone: (832) 831-9109
- Website: rielhtx.com
- Burger Info: The Butter Burger Sliders, a mainstay on chef Ryan Lachaine’s menu, feature smashed beef patties seasoned with French onion soup mix, topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, and generous butter, served on soft buns.
- Special Features: This modern American restaurant with Gulf Coast influences brings a Wisconsin-inspired butter burger to Houston. The sliders, once a happy-hour exclusive, are now a menu staple, celebrated for their rich, decadent flavor and perfect balance.
- Critic Quote: “The butter burger came from Wisconsin, but Ryan brought them to Houston, and I appreciate that.” – Chris Shepherd, Click2Houston
Notes
- Selection Criteria: The list prioritizes burgers highlighted by critics in recent publications (2021–2025) for their quality, innovation, or cultural significance. Restaurants were chosen to reflect Houston’s diversity, from upscale bistros to classic joints and smashburger specialists.
- Sources: Information is drawn from reputable sources like Eater Houston, Houston Chronicle, Houstonia Magazine, CultureMap Houston, and Good Morning America, ensuring credibility and relevance.
- Contact Verification: Phone numbers and websites were verified via restaurant websites or recent listings where available. Trill Burgers’ phone number was not listed, so the website is recommended for contact.
- Diversity of Offerings: The list includes vegan and non-beef options (e.g., The Burger Joint’s Impossible Burger, Lankford’s black bean patty) to cater to varied dietary preferences.
Enjoy exploring Houston’s burger landscape, where every bite tells a story of flavor, tradition, or innovation!
