What’s a more iconic and satisfying sandwich than the classic American burger? They’re great for a casual workday lunch, a celebratory meal with friends or just because you’re craving calories.
For all San Antonio’s love of Tex-Mex, it’s a good thing restaurants ’round these parts also knows how to grill up a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs burger. This list is a sampling of some of the best we have tried in the Alamo City.
It’s by no means exhaustive, but if you’re looking for the ultimate burger in the 2-1-0, these places should be among the first you check off your list.
Bombay Bicycle Club
Multiple locations, bombaybicycleclubsa.com.
This beloved SA institution recently opened a satellite location in Hemisfair that offers the same hearty burgers and zippy margaritas as its original location in the Trinity University/Incarnate Word area. Either place, you’ll chow down on signature burgers and loaded nachos surrounded by kitschy decor.
The Cove
606 Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us.
With 50 craft beers on tap and a dog-friendly outdoor patio, The Cove is the perfect spot to grab a cold one and relax with friends and family while enjoying a juicy burger. Not only do these taste great, the beef and trimmings are sourced from area farms, meaning the ingredients are fresh and you’re keeping your dollars in the area.
Cheesy Jane’s
4200 Broadway, (210) 826-0800, cheesyjanes.com.
Jane’s burgers ignite your taste buds as much as the building catches your eye. Grab a grilled burger at the blue-and-yellow spot off of Hildebrand Avenue, and don’t forget to buy a malt. This place has ’50s diner vibes galore, so just a burger alone won’t do the trick.
The Dogfather
Multiple Locations, sadogfather.com.
Don’t be fooled by the name – in addition to its famous hot dogs, The Dogfather also serves up a variety of juicy burgers, including a rotating “Burger of the Week.”
Krazy Katsu
Multiple Locations, krazykatsu.com.
Yeah, you could get Krazy Katsu’s signature Asian-inspired chicken sandwiches or loaded rice bowls. But that’s not all that the eatery is good for. It also offers up a selection of smash-style burgers, all with unique flavors — such as a green pandan or lemongrass — and they’re all equally delicious.
Armadillos Texas Style Burgers
Multiple Locations, armadilloburger.com.
Armadillos Texas boasts that it serves up “Good Old-Fashioned Tasty Burgers.” Diners can enjoy a variety of classics or switch things up with their signature dishes. The Fiesta Burger, for example, gives you their take on the bean burger, topped with refried pintos, pico de gallo, fried tortilla chips and cheddar cheese.
Slider Provider
Location varies, sliderprovider.com.
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful slider, Slider Provider food truck is the spot to go. Moving around town slinging the mini-burgers it’s named for, you can check the truck’s location schedule on its Instagram account.
Mr. Juicy
3315 San Pedro Ave., (210) 994-9838, mrjuicy.net.
We know you haven’t missed Mr. Juicy’s eye-catching neon green building when driving down Hildebrand Avenue. The restaurant run by famed SA chef Andrew Weissman promises “the second most fun between two buns,” and it’s not kidding. These burgers are big, juicy and prepared with impeccable technique.
Sam’s Burger Joint
330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.
While the music may be the main attraction at Sam’s, its delicious branded burgers and fries are worthy of a visit on their own. Enjoy your meal surrounded by music memorabilia before heading into the venue to catch one of the many touring acts that come through — Americana is a strong suit.
Burger Boy
Multiple Locations, burgerboy.com.
Though the OG Burger Boy on North St. Mary’s Street has been temporarily sidelined by a fire, this San Antonio restaurant chain has expanded rapidly in recent years, opening spots all over the city. If you’re looking for a step up from your national chain burger, Burger Boy is your boy.
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E Jones Ave., (210) 201-5595, elsewheretexas.com.
This fantasy-themed restaurant and bar is the perfect place to go when you and your friends are feeling whimsical — or mischievous. Along with a deep bench of cocktails and tap beers, Elsewhere serves up hearty burgers on brioche buns augmented with fresh and flavorful toppings.
Mark’s Outing
1624 E. Commerce St., (210) 299-8110, marksouting.com.
Advertising itself as the “Home of the Original Fatty’s Burger,” Mark’s Outing brings San Antonio huge, juicy burgers. We promise their classics are worth checking out, and those with something to prove may want to step up for the spot’s insane 2 lb. Burger Challenge.
Diana’s Burgers
2202 N. Zarzamora St., (210) 251-2252, facebook.com/dianasburgers.
You’ve probably heard of Chris Madrid’s, the previously family-owned burger joint in the heart of San Antonio. That spot is no longer family owned, but Madrid’s sister Diana opened her own spot in the Woodlawn Lake area that carries on the tradition of big, delicious burgers with lots of cheddar cheese.
Pumpers
1101 Broadway, (210) 888-0666, eatpumpers.com.
Chef Stefan Bowers of Rebelle, Feast and Playland Pizza opened his “Adult Burger” in the River North neighborhood after having success with the concept as a pop-up. The “Pumpers” themselves are packed with flavor, including Bowers’ own Sour Sauce and Special Sauce, and the 21-and-up full bar make this a burger spot for grownups.
Big’z Burger Joint
Multiple Locations, bigz-burgerjoint.com.
With three locations across San Antonio, Big’z features large outdoor play areas and great burgers. They’re huge, juicy and satisfying making the chain’s name 100% accurate.
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
122 E. Houston St., (210) 354-3555, tastybunz.com.
Though the North Loop 1604 location remains temporarily closed, Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is still grilling up perfection at its downtown location. You can order the award-winning burgers topped with unique flavors such as pear and Boursin cheese or you can stick with the standard. Either way, they do it right.
Candy’s Old Fashion Burgers
115 S. Flores St., (210) 222-9659, candysoldfashiontx.com.
Not far from the H-E-B on South Flores Street, Candy offers classic burgers and other dishes, like her Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad. If you’re feeling like you want a truly traditional burger-joint experience, Candy’s delivers big on flavor and authenticity.
Chris Madrid’s
1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com.
Chris Madrid’s started out as a family-owned restaurant, founded by its namesake in 1977, and it became a north-of-downtown institution thanks to massive burgers that don’t skimp on the melty cheddar cheese. The spot is under new management after Madrid’s passing, but they’re smart enough not to change a good thing. The place still feels inviting and homey — and the burgers are bomb as ever.
Mad Mack’s Burgers
3023 S. Presa St., (210) 922-1500,
This Southside spot keeps the classic burger-stand feel alive with a walkup counter and picnic tables out front. The house specialities such as the Cowboy Burger with added sausage and cheese are crave-worthy classics, and don’t pass on the crisp and amazing onion rings.
Fatburger
Multiple locations, fatburger.com.
Yes, this is a California-based chain, but if we’re going to put one chain on this list, it would have to be the self-proclaimed “Last Great Hamburger Stand.” Perhaps because of its founder’s South Central Texas origins, these spots have a welcoming mom-and-pop feel, and the burgers deliver the kind of meaty goodness you just can’t get from a drive-thru window.
Danny Boy’s Hamburgers
1537 W. Summit Ave., (210) 736-1665, facebook.com/Danny-Boys-Hamburgers-273701852680767.
Danny Boy’s Hamburgers has the same atmosphere as the been-there-forever neighborhood burger joints in movies. This hole in the wall isn’t just putting on an act, though. The burgers are made with real love and deliver a big, beefy punch.
Smash’d
520 E. Grayson St., (726) 238-4806, smashd-sa.com.
Located just outside of the Pearl, Smash’d offers great food and a gorgeous outdoor patio to enjoy it on. The signature Smash’d burger is hot, fresh and delightfully crispy around the edges, and its served on a meltingly soft bun embellished with homemade toppings.