So, here is the story. I like my burgers thick and juicy, which sounds a bit like a Sir-Mix-A-Lot song, but that’s just how it is. I want them more red and pink than cooked all the way, and I want it to fit in my hand and ooze a bit with flavorful seasoning and tender juices with the medium rare inside and little crispy char on the outside is a bonus. My number one topping is caramelized onions, but I’ve yet to find one here like Minetta Tavern, so ketchup is my second choice. Bottom line is there are many ways to make a burger and these are my priorities — size, temperature, bun. See below for my full reviews!
12 Best Burgers in Austin
Le Beef – If someone asks me what my #1 top favorite burger in town, Le Beef is it. The soft bun cradles the precious meat, keeping it snug and secure as it fits in your palm, and it’s enough to make you want a second — but just right to keep you satisfied and well-fed. The patty size allows the meat flavor to shine underneath the little layer of cheese and special sauce without any extra fussy toppings like lettuce to distract from the main event. It’s juicy, but not drippy! Keep an eye out for their next pop-up, and when they open their seafood spot FISH SHOP in the spring, it will be on the menu!
June’s All Day – The best burger to take down with some natural wine while sitting at the bar. I have always loved June’s burger, and their thin (not skinny) fries are solid, which is a great way to tango. It’s charbroiled with fresh ground chuck, grilled onions, jalapeños, American cheese, and pickles.
Jeffrey’s – For an upscale evening, snag a sexy seat in the blue velvet booths at the bar at Jeffrey’s, and know that you are going intentionally for the Hamachi Carpaccio app to start politely, but will most definitely get messy with the Dry-Aged Prime Wagyu Burger with raclette cheese, french onion aioli and the best steak fries in town. Now, if this is a little too messy for you, go for the Pan Seared Bar Steak, a prime tenderloin paillard, pommes puree, and salad that I actually might be more fond of these days in the meat department. Just remember that you can only get these two items in the lounge, where there are no reservations, so try going at 5 p.m., especially on Monday nights in the lounge, when there’s 25% off food and wine by the glass.
Launderette – Perched on the east side, this unassuming burger looks like a country club burger that’s cooked more than I prefer, BUT it’s actually off the charts for me so is the exception to my rule, if you will. It’s on a challah bun with special sauce, cheese, and pickles. Don’t forget the birthday cake ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Clark’s – This is my favorite burger at a sit-down restaurant for sure. It’s a hard choice, too, because seafood is my favorite food, so when I come here, I kind of have to know in advance if I’m getting the Cioppino or the Burger or else I’ll melt into the table with decision fatigue. This burger is a larger one, I’d say, and good to share as well. Covered with sauce gribiche and gruyere, and I might be the only person that doesn’t love shoestring fries, but you probably will!
NADC Burger – The DOUBLE patty burger by Chef Phillip Frankland Lee and skateboarder Neen Williams is made using 100% Texas Wagyu Beef. It tastes like a fancy burger, but is still casual and down-to-earth with the counter service vibe and skateboard TV shows airing inside the 6th street flagship location. You can taste the preciousness and the quality of the meat with each bite, and it’s tender in the way I like my beef cooked, and also very rich. Most people say this is their favorite in town.
Uptown Sports Club – The Uptown Burger, not to be confused with the Downton Burger, at Uptown Sports Club is a double patty with double cheese, pickles, mayo, and dijon, and served with the saltiest fries I’ve ever had. They are a little darker in color and golden in a good way. I think it’s a fun spot for a daytime drinking extravaganza, paired with their shrimp cocktail and El Jardinero tequila and aperol cocktail.
Bill’s Oyster – When the chef at Bill’s Oyster recommended the burger, I laughed because it’s the only thing on the menu that’s not seafood, but I now know why! It’s soft, comforting, made with short rib and brisket, and the squishy bun fits cozily in your hand, plus the salty fries are addictive and thin.
Bad Larry Burger – This down-and-dirty smash burger fits in your hand and is a little gooey with a lot of attitude. I’d say this started the whole smash burger craze with all of their pop-ups, and they are now opening a brick-and-mortar on Cesar Chavez in 2025. Their online personality makes you smirk, and the burger is soft and smash-y.
JewBoy – I tried JewBoy’s burger for the first time at a holiday party, and this burger with a latke on top made me smile with delight on the first bite! The crunch of the fried potato was so good on top of that meat, and the smaller size of the slider made it feel like a good salty snack instead of an overwhelming meal. Jewboy Burgers has a location on Airport Boulevard that I’ve never been to, but I’ll have to go back to have this Yenta Burger again soon, and try their other burgers, burritos, fries, and tots.
Wholly Cow – For a healthier, grab-and-go option, Wholly Cow’s burger is very simple, but still hits the spot. It feels like a burger you grew up eating as a kid with no frills and no grand plan in sight. I’ve actually only ever had it at ACL, and I get it for the nostalgia every year.
Justine’s – Ok, I saved this one for the last because it is the thickest and can definitely take you out. I’d recommend sharing this because starting with a salad, oysters, or the mussels is something I love here, but when you get to this big monster and it stares you back in the face with flavor, you’ll have a hard time putting it down, and then you might have to go home. Who wants that?! It looks like it could be 3 burgers in one with the height and is topped with comté, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo.