10 Best Burgers in Austin

Originally published March 2019. This post has been edited and updated.

If you've seen the Big Bite Out logo, you'll notice it's a hamburger. That's because hamburgers are truly my absolute favorite dish in the whole wide world. And, of course, once people know that they immediately ask, "So, what's your favorite burger in Austin?" Here are the seven that truly never steer me wrong.

First things first, I like a pretty boring burger. I don't want it super fancy. I don't want a fried egg on it. I want an amazing patty (medium rare, please), great cheese, an impeccable bun, and the usual mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. That's not to say that some fancy stuff sometimes makes it onto my burger du jour, but this is my basis of comparison, so deal with it. Without further adieu, in no particular order...

Pool Burger

You'll notice a bunch of McGuire Moorman Hospitality hotspots on this list, and for a good reason--they make awesome burgers! So, whatever. Pool Burger is just the cutest little eatery next to Deep Eddy Pool that whips up perfect crinkle cut fries, decadent burgers, and strong AF tiki drinks. You can't go wrong with any of the burgers, which all come on top of a buttery delicious bun. Save room for soft serve.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd.

Leroy & Lewis

The barbecue food truck doesn't offer their burger every single day, which is a total shame. So, if you see it on the menu, order it! You can tell I couldn't wait to eat it since my photo has a bite in it--whoops. These bad boys are not only smoked for 45 minutes but then also seared in a hot skillet to give it an amazing texture both inside and out.

121 Pickle Road

June's All Day

OK, so, yes, I'm obsessed with the SoCo bistro. And, frankly, everything on the menu is great. But, since it's geared towards food that pairs well with wine, nothing is so wonderful as a burger with a big glass of vino. With a charbroiled patty, American cheese, and grilled onions and jalapenos, I like that this one is a little trashy AND classy. Better yet: it's 25% off every day 4-6 p.m.

1722 S Congress Ave.

Top Notch

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with this Austin classic. These burgers are charbroiled as well, giving them a distinct smoky quality. I like to go extremely traditional when I hit up this drive-in.

7525 Burnet Road

Carpenter’s Hall

Make mine a double! Don’t skip the double patty at this swanky hotel restaurant. It’s definitely worth visiting for lunch just for this griddle burger!

400 Josephine St.

Second Bar + Kitchen

OK, here's one instance I go just completely fancy AF. The Congress Burger at Second Bar + Kitchen is like the gold Caddy of burgers. It has Gruyere cheese, ground brisket and chuck, horseradish pickles, and shallot confit. It does not mess around.
Disclaimer: I am currently employed by La Corsha Hospitality Group, which owns/manages SBK.

200 Congress Ave.; 3121 Palm Way #101

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Clark's Oyster Bar

Told you that the MMH places dominate this list! I seriously ate this burger like a week ago and was so famished (plus it was SO dark out) that I just spazzed on snapping a pic. But, this burger is, perhaps, my absolute favorite in town. (Shhhh don't tell the rest of this list!) It's the perfect size with these sharp and crisp pickles that make all the difference. And that brioche bun! Man, oh man. My only quibble is that the shoestring fries that accompany it are total garbage in my mind. Give me a regular fry, Clark's!

1200 W. Sixth St.

Delray Cafe

Technically just a "slider," this is no mere burger. These are Detroit sliders, and they are super huge--and wicked cheap. At this food truck behind Nickel City, I go for the double steamed burger with cheese and onions, and, for the only burger on this list, mustard. Grab a cheap Aperol spritz during happy hour and a double slider! This is THE perfect drunk burger...I mean slider.

1133 E. 11th St.

Golden Tiger

Thank goodness this food truck moved from Rainey Street to East Sixth Street, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have even been! That sounds way harsh, but, like everyone else, I’m totally a creature of habit, and I was not about to brave Bro City USA for a delicious burger. OK, maybe I would have. The Golden Tiger truck, parked behind Whisler’s, offers some delicious smash burgers (and fries—so important!) with perfect seasoning and texture.

1816 E. Sixth St.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

I love this little coffee shop, even though it’s ALWAYS packed. The food is just too good to ignore, including the burger. It’s a fairly straightforward and basic burger (totally NOT an insult by any means), but the schmear of dijonaise elevates this mighty little burger.

406 Walsh St.