When we’re talking serious buns on SA’s East Side, we’re talking about The Lord’s Kitchen and Mark’s Outing. The two are neighborhood favorites for a reason.
Mark's Outing
Mark’s Outing (formerly Fatty’s Burgers and More, 1624 E Commerce, (210) 299-8110) knows to stick to the basics, while offering literal novelty twists like the ice cream burger.
A sporty theme shines through on 13 different specialty burgers, but the indulgent fare is far from health food, unless you mitigate the caloric damage a bit with the veggie or turkey patty options. All burgers come cooked to order with soft, buttery buns toasted lightly enough to hold the burger (and to make them virtually impossible to put down). Free beans are available and after tasting them, one wonders why management just gives them away, as the creamy and slightly spicy frijoles could be a meal on their own—they’re that good.
Seasoned fries and tater tots are available as sides, but the real gem is an order of beer-battered onion rings. They’re portioned out just right, so you can enjoy them alongside your hefty burger, and leave without feeling too full or too guilty.
The Lord's Kitchen
Charlie Weaver started The Lord’s Kitchen (118 E Seguin, (210) 354-3888) in 1994 offering tacos and standard breakfast and lunch items until two years later, when it was clear that the burgers here were something special. These heavenly hamburgers come in a range of sizes from a quarter-pounder to the $22+ three-pound monstrosity titled “NOW That’s a Burger.” The third generation recipe has always been the same and the meat comes from a local butcher.
The half-pound patty is the most popular choice and employed on a variety of specialty burgers including a fantastic rendition on SA’s legendary bean burger and a “ghetto burger” with chile and cheese. There’s also turkey burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and grilled bean and cheese sandwiches.
The decor is homey but honest—Lord’s certainly isn’t trying to be something it’s not. If you’re visiting for the first time you will probably get a “Welcome to our burger family” greeting that makes return visits a sure bet.
