The best burgers in Houston are found in quirky, out-of-the-way joints that do their thing in their own unique way. But Houston is huge, and when you're in the mood for a burger, you often can't drive across miles of traffic to that perfect out-of-the-way spot.
The solution: A burger from a chain. Here in Houston we're fortunate enough to have some very good burgers from stores with multiple locations. But how do you decide which chains are craveworthy and which are only for emergency use?
We're here to help, with our Houston Burger Chain Hierarchy.
The Big Kahunas - Comparable to the best burgers in town
Beck's Prime
SmashBurger
Worth the Wait - We always enjoy these burgers
Cheddar's
Culver's
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Jax Grill
MooYah Burgers
Just Fine if It's On the Way - Nothing exceptional, but not disappointing either
Burger Tex
Cafe Express
Cliff's
59 Diner
Fuddrucker's
Houston's
Otto's
Skeeter's Mesquite Grill
TGI Friday's
What-a-Burger
I'm In a Hurry - Just Feed Me - Go in with low expectations, or prepare for disappointment
Avalon Diner
Burger King
Chili's
Jack in the Box
Johnny Rockets
McDonald's
Prince's Hamburgers
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Sonic
Sweet Mesquite
Wendy's
Just Say No - If you like burgers, keep on driving
Applebee's
James Coney Island
Who have we forgotten? We'll update this list if we've left someone off.
The Big Kahunas needs to include Hubcap Grill.
ReplyDeleteJohn, Hubcap Grill will be on the list when they spread into more than one location.
ReplyDeletewhat do you think of the bellaire broiler burger. i've heard some good things http://www.houstonbizdir.com/bbb/
ReplyDeleteThe following have more than one location. I'll let others decide what category they should be in.
ReplyDeleteAvalon Diner
59 Diner
Jax Grill
Otto's
Miller's Cafe
Thanks, tshu - list updated.
ReplyDeleteBellaire Broiler Burger is a classic. But it's not on the list because it only has one location.
ReplyDeleteJack in the Box too, but I would put it in the lowest category.
ReplyDeleteI would move Fuddrucker's up one category, and Smashburger down one category (or more).
Cafe Express?
ReplyDeleteSweet Mesquite has at least 3 locas. Probably the Hurry category. I don't think they are up to Skeeters quality.
ReplyDeleteI'd put the grilled sourdough burger from Jack-in-the-box into the Fine category, but the other burgers into Hurry. (my comparison is Whataburger)
Okay, one more post (next time I'll compose all my thoughts first):
ReplyDeleteChristian's Tailgate has two locations -- does that count? I think you should set the minumum at 3, although I like them a lot.
Good catch on JitB. It's always been a fast food chain that I like, but they don't seem to be able to do a good premium burger. Their sirloin burgers have a weird, chemical taste.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the grilled sourdough burger; it's the best burger that JitB has ever done. But to me, it's just a slightly better fast food burger; the utterly generic hamburger patty keeps it from moving up in class. I'll also update the list with your new suggestions.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Christian's doesn't feel like a chain; the two locations couldn't be more different.
I personally think Smashburger is over-rated! The meat is dry and flavorless.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely add Mel's Country Cafe to the "Worth the Wait" category.