Searching for the tastiest burgers in San Antonio? Our guide, made by people who live in San Antonio, will tell you about the 14 most amazing burgers in the city!
In the big world of global cuisine ruled by culinary heavyweights like Italy, India, China, France, and Japan, the United States may not be leading the charge. Perhaps it’s because our nation is relatively young compared to those with centuries of cooking history.
Still, it’s intriguing that the USA, despite being a global powerhouse, doesn’t make a huge splash on the international food scene. But hold on, there’s a glimmer – a small, but notable blip. That blip? The USA’s ultimate gift to the culinary world – the classic American burger. Welcome to our guide on the finest burgers in San Antonio.
Let’s just say, making burgers seems like a patriotic duty for the USA. And the best burger joints in San Antonio are on a mission to preserve and champion this American culinary icon. If you happen to be in SA and have a hankering for the perfect burger, the eateries on our map are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Delicious burgers in San Antonio, Texas:
- Che’s Chicken & Burgers
- Cheesy Jane’s
- Longhorn Cafe
- Chester’s Hamburgers
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Burger Boy
- In-N-Out Burger
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
13 Best Burgers In San Antonio
| Chris Madrid’s | Diana’s Burgers | Bunz Handcrafted Burgers |
| Tycoon Flats | Mr. Juicy | Armadillo’s Texas Style Burgers |
| Fattboy Burgers and Dogs | Cheesy Jane’s | Chunky’s Burgers |
| Mark’s Outing | Chester’s Hamburgers | Longhorn Cafe |
| Benjie’s Munch | The Cove |
Chris Madrid’s
Introducing the one, the only… the OG of the San Antonio burger scene, Chris Madrid’s. Ever since Chris Madrid himself set up shop in 1977 as “Chris Madrid’s Tacos and Burgers,” it’s been a favorite among Alamo city locals.
Despite a fire damaging the original building, Chris Madrid’s continues its dedication to excellent food in a new spot. And if snagging the best burger title in SA for 2020 and 2021 doesn’t convince you, what will?
Chris Madrid’s is renowned for its super cheesy burgers – seriously, it’s like a 1:1 ratio of cheddar to chuck. Their most popular burger, fittingly named “Cheddar Cheezy,” is a cheese lover’s dream.
On the parking front, Chris Madrid’s has a dedicated lot, though it’s on the smaller side. If that fills up, you can scout for additional parking on residential side streets, but be prepared for a bit of a hunt. Get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness at Chris Madrid’s!
Diana’s Burgers
Enter Diana Madrid (yes, she’s the sister of the late Chris Madrid), and when Chris Madrid’s changed hands to a non-family owner, she took charge. To keep the name and the dedication to cheese alive, she opened up Diana’s Burgers. Her thriving burger joint stands as a testament to the Madrid name.
Situated in Woodlawn Lake on the city’s west side, Diana’s hot pink building, where she cooks up greasy yet delicious hamburgers, has become a neighborhood staple and the go-to spot for many burger regulars.
The menu, featuring the famous “Fab Five Burgers,” boasts 5 classic thin patty burger choices, all generously smothered in gobs of cheese, following the Madrid family tradition. And if you’re feeling a bit extra, pair your burger with a side of fries, nachos, or chalupas. Get ready for a cheesy delight at Diana’s Burgers!
Read also: Best Restaurants in San Antonio
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
Bunz likes doing things the fresh way – they make everything in-house, from sauces to cheeses and even the buns. This commitment to making things from scratch has made them quite popular in the two years since they started, and they even won the award for San Antonio’s best burger in the 2022 Express-News Reader’s Choice Awards.
When you’re ready to order, you can go for the classic cheeseburger, called the Z Bunz, but the 7 special burgers are really good and worth a try. You might like the Mercedes Bunz with chipotle mayo, refried beans, pepper jack cheese, a poblano pepper, an egg, and bacon. Or check out the Bunzai, which has BBQ Asian pork ribs, coleslaw, and pickled jalapeño. They also have seafood, chicken, and vegan burgers.
Now, let’s talk about parking, especially at the downtown Bunz location where there’s no dedicated parking. The easiest spot is a surface lot across from the Embassy Suites Hotel, but it costs $22, which is quite a bit. The Rand Parking Garage on the other side of Soledad St. is a more affordable option at $6/hr or $14/3hrs. If you can, try finding street parking with digital meters for $1.80/hr.
But if you’d rather not deal with parking, go to their location near La Cantera Mall – they have their own parking lot and a drive-thru. Enjoy the tasty and fresh treats at Bunz!
Tycoon Flats
Found in an old gas station over on 281 and N. St. Mary’s, there’s a cool spot called Tycoon Flats. It’s in a great spot north of downtown San Antonio, with a part inside that used to be the gas station and an outside area where you can hang out with your dog and enjoy some shade. They also have a full bar, making Tycoon Flats perfect for a night out with friends to munch on some awesome burgers.
Now, when it comes to their burgers, Tycoon Flats knows how to make them special. The burgers are big and juicy, the buns are light and fluffy, and the toppings can be anything from regular to really wild.
They’ve got more than 15 special burgers, like the Monte Cristo burger with melted mozzarella, thick-cut fried Canadian bacon, and raspberry preserves. Or check out the Fried Apple Blue Cheese Bacon burger (which was on TV!) with fried granny smith apples, blue cheese aioli, applewood smoked bacon, onion, and homemade bacon onion jam.
Every burger comes with a side of French fries, but I’d recommend trying their sweet potato fries – they’re so good! They also have other tasty stuff like fried pickles, mushrooms, and veggies, plus a bunch of different hot dogs.
Now, if you’re worried about parking, there’s a small parking lot behind the restaurant on Woodlawn Ave. If that’s full, you can park across Woodlawn in the big parking lot of the El Ojo bar and club. So, go have a great time at Tycoon Flats!
Mr. Juicy
Mr. Juicy might seem underwhelming at first glance. Their two small locations have minimal seating, and the menu offers just 6 burger options. But here’s the kicker – while they might do a little, they do it the BEST.
In 2019, Chef Andrew Weissman, known for the fine dining spot Signature, ventured into the burger world with Mr. Juicy. And let me tell you, it was an instant hit. The secret to their success? Well, it’s an actual secret sauce – Chef Weissman’s take on the peppery French steak sauce, au poivre sauce. If you want to take your burger experience (and maybe your life) to the next level, just ask for your burger “wet.” It might not sound appetizing, but trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Bonus tip: If you’ve never had New Mexico green chile, Mr. Juicy is one of the few places in San Antonio where you can try it. Give their green chile cheeseburger a shot, and then drop us a note to confirm how right we were about this one. Enjoy the flavor journey at Mr. Juicy!
Armadillo’s Texas Style Burgers
When all you crave is a straightforward, tasty burger, Armadillo’s two locations have got you covered. They may not be flashy, offer a bunch of unique choices, or be all that innovative, but one thing’s for sure – you won’t leave disappointed or hungry. Armadillo’s is all about old-fashioned burger perfection, where tradition simply tastes delicious.
And the best part? Enjoying tradition at Armadillo’s won’t break the bank. Their 1/3 lb burger will only set you back between $6.25 to $8.15. I’d personally suggest the mushroom burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for $7.95 – it’s a crowd-pleaser. With generous portion sizes, tasty food, and reasonable prices, Armadillo’s hits the spot without costing you an arm and a leg. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet!
Fattboy Burgers and Dogs
Meet the team behind Fattboy Burgers and Dogs in San Antonio – Frank Torrez and Veronica Khan, who also happen to be brother and sister. They’ve been making a mark in the SA restaurant scene for a long time, and Fattboy is their second venture. Living and working in the same neighborhood, it’s clear they want to be the top spot for families looking for the best burgers in San Antonio.
Now, when you’re at Fattboy, you’ve got two burger choices – a ¼lb Slimmboy and a ½lb Fattboy. Both come on sesame seed buns and you get to load them up with toppings of your choice. The cool thing about Fattboy? You get lots of toppings, so you can make your burger just the way you like it. And if burgers aren’t what you’re in the mood for, no worries – Fattboy’s menu also has chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, and onion rings. It’s like a food paradise for whatever you’re craving!
Cheesy Jane’s
Cheesy Jane’s is a long-standing spot in San Antonio, serving up tasty cheeseburgers from their 50s-style diner on Broadway for more than 20 years. They’ve made some changes, selling off a few locations and adding food trucks to their lineup. Now, whether you’re at their classic diner or chasing down their food trucks, Cheesy Jane’s has become a go-to.
Their menu keeps things simple, focusing on classics with a few special burgers. The classic burger comes in four sizes (third, half, three-quarter, and one-pound) and includes lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. You can make it your own with your favorite cheeses and toppings. Add some tasty tater-tots or French fries on the side, grab a perfect milkshake, and you’ll see why Cheesy Jane’s is usually busy. They keep it simple and perfect.
For parking, your best bet at Cheesy Jane’s is their lot across the side street, Groveland, next to Gibson Costume Shop. Enjoy the classic taste and vibe at Cheesy Jane’s!
Chunky’s Burgers
Chunky’s Burgers is a bit of a star in the eating challenge world, known for having the “**hottest burger in the world**” – the 4 Horsemen Burger. Over the years, it has attracted competitive eaters, spice enthusiasts, and even Adam Richman from the Travel Channel’s Man vs Food. The challenge? Finish this burger topped with jalapeño, serrano, habanero, and ghost peppers in 25 minutes to earn a spot on their wall of fame (note: barfing disqualifies you).
A few “fun” facts about this burger: You need to wear gloves to eat it because it can burn your skin, you must sign a waiver beforehand, and if you throw up and miss the provided bucket, you’ll be charged a $20 cleaning fee. Just to be clear, we’re not suggesting you try this – it’s pretty extreme.
But if you’re not into torturing your taste buds, don’t worry, Chunky’s has 17 other great burger choices. The burgers here are hearty, with homemade buns and a variety of toppings. Local favorites include the Island Burger with a teriyaki glazed patty and grilled pineapple, or the Zipper Burger with grilled jalapeños and cream cheese. We like it spicy, but not shocking hot! So, even if you’re not up for the 4 Horsemen challenge, a visit to Chunky’s is definitely worthwhile.
Mark’s Outing
Open since 2005, Mark’s Outing is a San Antonio burger joint with a rich history of tasty food and serious fun. They’re famous for the $25.99, 2lb burger challenge. If you can conquer this giant, your picture goes up on the restaurant’s wall of fame. And let me tell you, that wall is a testament to the impressive number of people who can apparently tackle a 2lb burger!
Beyond the big challenge, Mark’s has a variety of standard hamburgers on the menu and a few special ones like the BBQ Burger and the Coaches Chili Burger. A personal favorite is the All-Star Avocado Burger with added bacon. If you’re not in the mood for red meat, they’ve got options like a turkey burger and three vegetarian choices, including a black bean burger, a beyond beef burger, and an in-house veggie burger with mushrooms.
Located southeast of downtown with a second spot opening at the Rivercenter Mall, Mark’s Outing also runs a food truck and caters events or parties.
For parking, you can find space to the side of the restaurant or on the street. If you’re in a rush or the lot is full, order ahead and pick up your meal at the walk-up window at the front of the restaurant. Mark’s Outing is where great burgers and good times come together!
Chester’s Hamburgers
Chester’s Hamburgers is a local fast-casual chain that’s been crafting old-fashioned hamburgers in San Antonio since 1984.
With four locations, they’ve been serving up quality burgers for decades. Every burger is cooked to order and comes nestled in a fluffy 5-inch, poppy seed bun that they bake fresh every day.
The burger menu at Chester’s keeps it classic, offering burger and cheeseburger versions of their house favorites like bacon, chili, and green chile. Our personal favorite is the green chile cheeseburger, a dish they’ve proudly perfected since the beginning.
Back in the day, they had to directly order green chile from New Mexico because you couldn’t find it in Texas. Chester’s Hamburgers – where tradition meets tasty burgers!
Longhorn Cafe
Longhorn Cafe proudly claims to be the birthplace of the original Big Juicy, and they’ve been serving up these hefty and flavorful burgers for over 35 years.
The atmosphere at Longhorn Cafe is friendly and laid-back. You place your order at the counter, find a seat, and they’ll call you when your food is ready. We suggest going for whatever big and juicy burger fits your mood, and don’t forget to add a side of their fantastic tater tots.
If you’re into vegetarian options or need a gluten-free bun, they’ve got you covered. And for those times when burgers aren’t calling your name, give their crowd-pleasing chicken fried steak sandwich a try. Longhorn Cafe – where burgers are not just big, but they’re also seriously juicy!
Benjie’s Munch
Chef Benjie started his burger journey in 2015 by cashing out his 401k and getting a food truck. After a few successful years on wheels, he took things to the next level in 2017 with a brick-and-mortar spot near Bitters and Blanco on the city’s north side. While the food truck still hits events around town, the restaurant is the prime spot to savor some of Benjie’s exceptional burgers.
Seriously, these burgers are top-notch. Benjie’s Munch is all about “scratch comfort food.” The menu is loaded with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks, all made with a focus on freshness – nothing is ever frozen, and the ingredients are top-quality. They grind their own chuck for the burger patties and source soft, delicious brioche buns from a local baker.
The menu is ever-changing, so there’s always something new to try. Options range from standard to highly unusual – like the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese or the Hatch Chickpea Veggie Burger.
The burger menu has both traditional choices and house specialties. We highly recommend the Candied Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger, where the sweetness and spiciness of the jalapeños perfectly complement the savory grilled patty. Also, don’t miss out on Benjie’s Rocket Burger with bacon, arugula, and red onion jam.
Pro tip: There’s a Top Secret hidden menu of specialty items that the chef can whip up if asked. These are long-time favorites that rotate on and off the main menu and can be recreated by request. So, if what you want isn’t on the menu, just ask for the top-secret menu, and they’ll let you in on the chef’s specialties. Benjie’s Munch – where every burger is a culinary adventure!
The Cove
The Cove is a bit unusual but in a good way. It’s a family-friendly restaurant that’s even been on the Food Network. They care about using local and organic ingredients. And here’s the quirky part – it’s not just a restaurant; it’s also a car wash, an outdoor beer garden, a play area for kids, and a dog park. Despite not fitting into a neat category, The Cove definitely has some of the best burgers around.
Their burgers are special, just like the place. You can pick from a bunch of vegetarian and vegan options or go for something meaty like the Blue Bison (made with a grass-fed bison patty) or the Good’a Burger. And even though we’re talking about burgers. I can’t skip telling you about their super-popular fish tacos. They’re served on those special blue corn tortillas and are really tasty!
While the parking lot in front of The Cove is not huge. They’ve made it easy to park in different areas around the restaurant. So, whether you’re there for the unique burgers or the cool vibe. The Cove is a place where all kinds of interesting things come together!
FAQs
What is the famous burger chain in Texas?
Texans often rave about Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. Known for its distinctive orange and white striped buildings, Whataburger has become a cultural icon in the state, serving up a variety of burgers and other classic American fare.
What is the oldest burger place?
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, claims to be the oldest burger place. Established in 1895, Louis’ Lunch is recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. The restaurant still uses the original cast-iron grills and continues to serve its burgers on white toast with only cheese, tomato, and onion as optional toppings.
Which burger is best in Burger King and why?
The “Whopper” is often considered the flagship and best-known burger at Burger King. It features a flame-grilled beef patty, sesame seed bun, and a signature combination of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise. The flame-grilling process imparts a distinctive flavor to the patty. Setting the Whopper apart as a favorite among Burger King enthusiasts.
Who won the best burger in JHB?
Load-shedding chased me out of the house in search of something to eat and I stumbled on Kitchen of Oz burger joint in Emmarentia. The recent winner of 947 radio station’s best burger challenge.
It’s Ethan Richards, the guy leading the way at “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been making tourism a whole lot of fun. Over at San Antonio Vista, we’re here to make your visit incredible. Let’s add some excitement and insights to your San Antonio experience together!
