[dropcap]H[/dropcap]amburgers are the quintessential American food, and America's favorite meal just tastes better in Texas. In fact, The Daily Meal made a list of the 101 best hamburgers in America, and 12 of the spots went to Texas burger joints. After all, who knows beef better than Texans?
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Whether it's a simple meat and cheese number that harkens back to a simpler time, or a gourmet burger that would make Gordon Ramsay drool, the Lone Star State has everything you ever wanted in a hamburger.
So while you're out roaming the miles and miles of Texas, stop by one of these 15 restaurants where you'll find the best burgers in Texas, and maybe, all of the United States.
15. Willie's Place - Wichita Falls
While the slogan "Wrap your lips around a wet willy burger" may not sound too appetizing to the uninitiated, locals will tell you that Willie's is the place to go for good burgers in Wichita Falls. The North Texas eatery also offers brisket sandwiches and homemade fruit cobbler. Pictured above is the Frito Pie Burger, one of many unique creations on Willie's menu.
14. Maple & Motor - Dallas
Named one of America's best burgers by the Daily Meal, Maple & Motor is a popular burger joint in the Big D. In 2013, Maple & Motor was ranked best burger in America by Zagat, and was even featured on Diners Drive-ins & Dives.
13. Christakis Burgers - Lubbock
Not far outside the Depot District of Lubbock on 34th street sits Christakis Burgers, a family owned burger joint that has been satisfying the appetites of Red Raiders since 2003. Christakis is known for its classic burgers and its great value - the slogan is "At Christakis Burgers you can feed a family of four for under 25 bucks".
12. Toro Burger Bar - El Paso
The El Paso burger and beer joint known as Toro Burger Bar has become something of a sensation in West Texas after having been featured in Texas Monthly for their delectable Toro Burger which is topped with avocado, pepper jack cheese and an original spicy mayo called "Toro Sauce." The menu is full of mouthwatering surprises!
11. Counter Cafe - Austin
The burgers at Counter Cafe in Austin have caught the eyes of the nation, because they are undeniably delicious. The buns are sweet and the patties are juicy, a good combination when it comes to hamburgers. Counter Cafe is also known for its sweet potato fries and incredible breakfast offerings along with its burgers.
10. Rodeo Goat - Fort Worth
America's favorite classic gets a makeover at Fort Worth's Rodeo Goat! With offerings such as the Nanny Goat (featuring herb goat cheese and garlic herb mayo) and the Whiskey Burger (topped with whiskey cheddar, candied bacon and blackberry compote) Rodeo Goat's menu is not for unadventurous taste buds. For a real taste experience, try the Chaca Oaxaca, which among its other attributes, contains chorizo, avocado and a fried egg.
9. Coyote Bluff Cafe - Amarillo
Ranked as one of the top burger joints in America by users of Trip Advisor, the Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo prepares half-pound burgers on your choice of white, whole wheat or onion buns. The tiny cafe fills up quickly after it opens each day, and if you like your food on the spicy side, try out the "Burger from Hell" topped with fresh jalapeños, tabasco and something called "Coyote Hell Sauce." Coyote Bluff doesn't accept credit cards, so be sure to bring some cash when you visit.
8. Tookie's - Seabrook
Named for the old Tooker Brothers Drugstore, Tookie's is a slice of Americana you've got to experience. Though it was all but destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the little burger joint has since rebuilt and returned in full force to feed hungry Houstonians and Galvestonians alike. If you make it down that way, try the #99 and add a side of Mo' Bettah Beans for an extra special treat!
7. Dirty Martin's Place - Austin
Situated on Guadalupe just West of UT Campus, Dirty Martin's Place has been satisfying the hunger of ravenous Longhorns since 1926. Thriving on the main drag of UT Campus for so many years is a real accomplishment when you consider how often businesses come and go in that area of Austin. Many a frat boy and grad student have stopped in for the reasonably priced OT special after a football game.
6. The Grape - Dallas
If you want to try the fabled burger at The Grape in Dallas, you'll have to plan your trip carefully, because the coveted delicacy is only served on Sundays. It's worth the wait, though. The burger is perfection in its simplicity; the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced and the portions are plentiful. The cheeseburger at the Grape may not do anything new, but it does everything just right.
5. Perini Ranch Steakhouse - Buffalo Gap
Don't be fooled by the old barn building housing Perini Ranch Steakhouse, it's far from being just some small town burger joint. Owner Tom Perini is half burly Texan, half traveling diplomat. He has made multiple trips to foreign nations to promote American beef abroad. And for good reason too, the burger at Perini Ranch Steakhouse is made with quality Angus beef, and features such surprising toppings as mushrooms and chilis.
4. Hubcap Grill - Houston
Hubcap Grill is a cash only venue, but that didn't stop it from becoming Houston's number one burger joint according to Travel & Leisure magazine. It's a good thing there are four locations around the Houston area, because the lines are never short for a hubcap burger. Locals say the Philly Cheesesteak burger is to die for.
3. Chris Madrid's San Antonio
Try the tostada burger when you visit Chris Madrid's in San Antonio. The house specialty, the Tostada burger comes topped with tortilla chips and Mama Madrid's homemade refried beans. The little burger joint at Hollywood and Blanco has spent 40 years serving locals and travelers alike mouthwatering burgers with a little bit of Tex-Mex flair.
2. Hopdoddy - Austin
Hungry folks who wander into Hopdoddy Burger Bar will undoubtedly wander back out extremely satisfied and possibly 10 pounds heavier. The artisan burgers are crafted with creativity and a whole lot of Texas, like the Terlingua burger, topped with - obviously - chile con carne, or the Llano Poblano, swimming in melted pepper jack and various peppers.
1. Keller's Drive-In - Dallas
The nostalgic drive-in atmosphere at Keller's in Dallas isn't the only thing keeping folks coming back to the Dallas institution for over half a century. The famous poppy-seed buns and juicy patty combined with low prices and a distinct Dallasite feel makes Kellers top our list of best burgers in Texas. Kellers has been featured in CNN, Food and Wine, the Daily Meal and GQ just to name a few.
