How to Get the Best Hamburgers in Austin

There are not many traditions more American than eating a good ol’ juicy hamburger outside in the sunshine, perhaps with a beer or a milkshake in hand. Austin is home to some of the best burger joints around. You can find just about any kind of burger you want, from the very chic and gourmet to the down and dirty greasy monsters that make your arteries ache. Either way, it is hard to beat a great burger, so venture out and sample some of the local favorites.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. It is not often that you drive past P.Terry’s on Lamar (between Riverside Dr. and Barton Springs Rd.) and do not see a line of cars waiting to order. But don’t be fooled as P. Terry’s is not your average drive-thru. Austin’s version of the infamous In-N-Out Burger, P.Terry’s cooks every burger fresh, quick and simple. But for the carb-conscious, they do offer a bunless burger, wrapped in lettuce only. For added punch, you can add jalapenos. The best part? For less than $5, you can get a killer cheeseburger and a milkshake in minutes, depending on the line.

2. You cannot consider yourself a true Austinite unless you’ve tried the Old-Fashioned Burger at Hill’s Café on South Congress. Truly a visit back in time to the cultural heritage of Austin, Hill’s was once just a 20-seat coffee shop. It has grown steadily since 1947, living up to its reputation as being a true Austin original from the memorabilia on the walls to its cowboy history. The setting is a perfect place to enjoy their burgers, grilled with a smoky and uncomplicated flavor that delights with every bite. Try visiting on a Wednesday during the spring and summer when Austin’s country radio favorite, KVET, puts on a free music series under the oaks in Hill’s backyard.

3. Hut’s Hamburgers on Sixth Street, just before Lamar, is another burger staple. They have some unique options with 20 varieties of hamburger alone, and a wide range of condiments that include homemade chipotle mayo and hickory sauce. The Alley-Oop is a local favorite, served on toasted multigrain bread with Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and Thousand Island dressing. Be warned – if you choose to try their onion rings, you may be coming back for more than just a great burger. The rings are thick, crispy, and juicy in all the right places, dusted with black pepper that becomes more addictive with every bite.

4. Since 1973, Dan’s Hamburgers has been family owned and operated, which naturally, makes it a local favorite. With three locations in Austin (on Manchaca, N. Lamar, and Airport Blvd.) and one in Buda, Dan’s offers high quality burgers in a friendly, laid back, family atmosphere that is great for any occasion that calls for a terrific, no frills burger. That said, the Hickory Cheeseburger and Jalapeno Burger are options for the more adventurous burger eater.

5. Start asking around for where the best burgers in Austin are, and one name will always come up among locals -- Casino el Camino. An unlikely nomination, given its location in the Sixth Street warehouse and club district, Casino is a small, unimpressive lounge that makes one heck of a burger. Using only the best Black Angus beef, the toppings vary depending on the theme--green chiles and jalapeno jack cheese on the Amarillo burger and blue cheese and hot sauce on the Buffalo burger.

6. Perhaps the only thing better than a good ol’ American burger is several of them. For slider lovers, there’s one place in Austin you cannot miss. Known as 219 West, on the southeast corner of Fourth St. and Lavaca, this place has drink-themed menus that bring out the best in each complimentary bite of the mini burgers. The Beer menu features the expected mini bacon cheeseburgers with pickles and mustard; The Mint Julep menu pairs mini blackened burgers with blue cheese and red peppers; The Martini menu has mini French onion burgers with swiss cheese and garlic aioli, the Tequila menu takes the slider to new heights with their mini southwestern burgers that are smothered in jack cheese, black bean corn relish and avocado salsa; the Wine menu is a taste of Italy, with mini Caprese burgers that are topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil; and finally the Scotch menu that features mini mushroom and swiss burgers with bacon and spicy mustard. It is a delightful meal, filled with whimsy and flair, perfect for a night out with friends when you want a burger or two or three.

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