30 Best Burgers In Austin (2024 EDITION!)
Aaaand here we go with the 30 best burgers in Austin! Burgers are fun because nearly every city in America has GREAT burgers, and everyone loves them. And if you're visiting Austin (or if you're a local!) and you're hoping to try some of the BEST of the best burgers in Austin Texas, you've landed in the right place.
After diving in wholeheartedly into the Austin burger scene and trying basically every popular burger spot in Austin, we've compiled this guide. It's hopefully the most complete list of best burgers in Austin that you've ever seen.
We'll start at #30 and work our way down to the very top #1 burger in the city of Austin.
Here's how we found the best burgers in Austin:
We started big and worked our way down. This guide started with a HUGE list of burgers. We asked for reader recommendations, talked to restaurants and PR firms, searched every single list that’s already out there, and took advantage of all of our years of living and eating in Austin to try dozens of different burgers.
What qualifies as a “good” burger?
We read and ate and read and ate and found a few important things to look for in a burger: first, it's important to always tasted a bite of the meat by itself (that fat ratio is important), consider the bun (because whether it’s a soft Martin’s potato roll or a heftier bun to hold up a more robust patty, the bun needs to be sturdy enough to not turn to mush in seconds), and taste the toppings (not as important as meat + bun, but bad pickles and cheese can definitely ruin a burger.)
Burgers at every price point are included. Sometimes a $5 burger hits the spot, and other times you want to splurge on a $20 wagyu burger. Note: this guide has been updated to include the 30 best burgers, regardless of price point. As a result, there aren’t many burgers in the $5-10 prices range on this guide..but there are a few!
Was it eat-able? Some burgers are just so hard to eat… You take a bite out of one side, and all the toppings slide out the opposite side and it's impossible to even take a bite. A burger should be eaten with hands, not a fork and knife.
This guide to the best burgers in Austin is about beef burgers. We're not going to factor in veggie burgers, black bean burgers, lamb burgers, or chicken burgers..it’s all about beef!
30 Best Burgers In Austin
And here are the results. We're going to share the 30 best burgers in Austin, starting with #30 and working down to #1.
Under each title, you can read a bit about the burger, the name of the restaurant, and then find the address and website link to each restaurant.
Use the map of the best burgers in Austin (above) in case you’re simply looking for a burger near you.
30. Kumback Burger at Dirty Martin's Place
Dirty Martin’s has been serving the same burger for about 100 years in Austin. And if it ain’t broke, you know? We're starting with Dirty Martin’s Place on this guide to the best burgers in Austin because it’s the tastiest classic Austin burger. (There are lots of other classic old-timey burgers, like Sandy’s, Dan’s, and Billy’s, but Martin’s wins.
These burgers are hefty and high-quality. The fries and onion rings aren’t included, but they’re hand-cut every day and definitely worth adding to your order. Dirty’s is a classic greasy spoon place in Austin right by the UT campus. It’s a great option for lunch or tailgating before a football game, and one of the best burgers in Austin near the $10 price point.
WEBSITE | 2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
29. Pool Burger
Pool Burger is an airstream + cabana located right next to Deep Eddy Pool, and they serve tiki drinks and hormone-free burgers and soft serve. Pool Burger is included on this list of the best burgers in Austin with one caveat: you must go after a day in the sun at Deep Eddy pool. The burgers are fine, but the patties are a bit thin and the best burgers on the menu are the ones with all the froo froo toppings. (Meaning the meat doesn’t really stand on its own.)
But… (you knew there had to be a but, right?!), Pool Burger is all about those sunshine-y Austin vibes. Picture a hot summer day in ATX, sunscreen and floaties and splashing around in the ice cold water at Deep Eddy, and then a fresh cheeseburger and vanilla soft serve topped with rum soaked pineapple. It’s a fun burger ambiance, if that makes sense.
WEBSITE | 2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
28. The Texan Burger at TLC
The Texan Burger at TLC might be the first time you've tried refried beans on a burger, and it works so nicely. This is a really good Austin burger on its own (the seared beef patty is nice and thick) and would probably still taste fine without the toppings. But the fritos, refried beans, guac, and salsa make this a really unique burger. The Texan at TLC is a really fun burger to try if you’re wanting something unique.
TLC is a gulf coast seafood restaurant in Austin. It’s a really good spot to dine with a big group, and they have an amazing happy hour.
WEBSITE | 1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste. #1150, Austin, TX 78704
27. Delray Cafe
Delray Cafe is the grill attached to Nickel City bar on the Eastside. If you've never been, it's the best little "dive" bar (that actually serves incredible craft cocktails) and has the perfect east Austin vibe to it.
But since we're talking about burgers here, did you know that Delray Cafe has REALLY good sliders? They're cheap (about $5 for a double slider with cheese) and a little big bigger than your average slider. They're served on steam buns with minimal toppings, and they pair perfectly with those hot and crunchy tots.
Seriously, if you just want a fun night out, a few good drinks, and a laid-back spot to eat a burger with friends, head to Delray Cafe at Nickel City. {Photo: Jennifer L, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
26. Phoebe's Diner
If you’re looking for a great diner burger in Austin, try this one (Phoebe’s) or go to number 5 on this list. Phoebe’s Diner now has a few locations in Austin, and their diner on Oltorf is still the most popular.
Their Diner Double Burger is kinda messy, a bit drippy, and totally satisfying. It’s two ¼ pound patties, house pickles, spinach and tomato, onion, cheese, and special sauce on a potato roll.
Phoebe’s is an excellent option for a quick solo breakfast or lunch. The waitlist is often long for a table, but if you’re dining solo, you can grab a bar stool. It definitely has all the small-town diner vibes. Be sure to order the tater tots with this one, by the way!
WEBSITE | 533 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
25. Loro
Loro’s burger is so fantastic. The patty is made of Franklin BBQ smoked brisket and bavette, topped with red onion jam and lettuce and muenster cheese, and it easily earns a spot on this list of the 30 best burgers in Austin. The only annoying thing about this burger is that it’s only available from 11:30-5 pm…but the good news is that from 2-5, it’s on the happy hour menu.
If you haven’t been to Loro yet, it’s a great place to go with out-of-town guests. It’s an Asian Smokehouse from Aaron Franklin (Franklin BBQ) and Tyson Cole (Uchi). It has a beautiful patio, delicious food and cocktails, and a fun and lively atmosphere.
WEBSITE | 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
24. Lebowski's Grill
Lebowski’s Grill is one of the burgers that old-timey Austinites will always mention! It’s a booth that’s inside Highland Lanes bowling alley, so if you want to try this one, you can make an event of it and go bowling first and then grab a burger and tots.
The burger that's pictured above is their Frito Pie burger. It's a really fun one, and kids especially get a kick out of it. It’s similar to TLC’s Texan, but it doesn’t have refried beans, and it does have lots of jalapenos.
WEBSITE | 8909 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
23. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Hopdoddy is usually one of the first restaurants someone visits upon visiting Austin. The SOCO location is always hoppin' on the weekends. It originated in Austin, but it’s more of a “Texas” thing now.
They make handmade burgers with high-quality ingredients. They use certified Piedmontese's ranch-to-table beef, 3 different types of buns that are baked fresh daily, fresh-cut veggies, Vital Farm's pasture-raised eggs, and handspun milkshakes.
The burger menu is pretty large, but here are a few favorites worth trying:
Llano Poblano // A beef patty with Tillamook pepper jack cheese, steakhouse bacon, seared poblanos, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato & onion. It's rich and hearty and a little bit spicy.
Bacon Jam Double // Go for this one if you're really hungry! Two 1/4 lb beef patties topped with both white & yellow American kinds of cheese, the most amazing house-made tomato bacon jam, mustard grilled onions & pickled mayo.
The Primetime // Feeling like a splurge? The Primetime is the highest quality burger you can get at Hopdoddy, made with ½ lb Prime Blend of Brisket + Shortrib + Chuck, topped with fondue cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, tomato, Truffle aioli & HD1 steak sauces.
No matter what burger you order, be sure to get a bowl of their shareable fries. They're made from hand-cut Chipperbec potatoes and come served in a giant bowl that's big enough for the whole table. Our favorites? The classic parmesan truffle fries, but you can also try hot honey sage fries, green Cchile queso fries, buffalo fries, and more!
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
22. Wholly Cow
If there was ever an authentically Austin burger joint, this is it: no frills, a little dated looking on the outside, and serving organic, grass-fed burgers before it was even cool. Wholly Cow’s burgers are a MUST for my list of best burgers in Austin.
The Pure Single w/ Cheese is less than ten bucks and is a really fantastic burger. (Sweet potato fries here are good, too!) The high-quality meat stands out at Wholly Cow, and this no-frills burger is one of the best in Austin nearly $10.
WEBSITE | 3010 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
21. Josephine House
The Josephine House Burger is perfectly pink and topped with melted Grafton cheddar, harissa aïoli, and grilled red onion on a housemade bun…but the real kicker? Those amazing frites!
WEBSITE | 1601 Waterston Ave, Austin, TX 78703
20. Smash Burger at Summer House on Music Lane
For a really great smash burger in Austin, head to the sophisticated Summer House on Music Lane. It's a bright, welcoming restaurant tucked just behind South Congress (it's the full-service restaurant at the Hotel Magdalena) where you can dine outdoors on the shaded patio, sip on a cold glass of Chardonnay, and enjoy one of the best burgers in Austin.
This smash burger is served on a soft sesame bun and covered in melty American cheese, some crunchy pickles and onions, and a creamy "special sauce" that totally puts it all over the top. The handout fries are served on the side, and big, fluffy potatoes that are slightly crispy on the outside and served with a side of aioli.
Note: the smash burger is only on the lunch and late afternoon menus, not on the dinner menu.
WEBSITE | 1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704
19. Pascal Burger at Hopfields
The Pascal Burger at Hopfields is a unique one with French flair! Camembert, cornichon, whole grain mustard, and caramelized onions on a brioche bun. Ooh, and those pommes frites and housemate aioli? Oui oui!
WEBSITE | 3110 Guadalupe St #400, Austin, TX 78705
18. Fat City Stacks (Permanently Closed)
We had to include one more slider on this 30 Best Burgers in Austin guide. While sliders are fun (and the size of them means you can eat a bunch!), they often end up slightly dryer and less flavorful than full-size burgers. But Fat City Stacks is just wayyy too much fun to not mention on this list!
These burgers are very thin, chargrilled beef patties tucked inside a small soft bun. You’ll probably be able to eat 3-5 of them, depending on how hungry you are. They have all sorts of dipping sauces like sriracha ketchup, togorashi ranch, and (a fan favorite) the fat sauce.
Fat City Stacks is a walk-up window located outside Yard Bar, a popular fenced-in dog park + bar in north Austin. It’s a fun place to visit whether you have a dog or not! These are some of the best little sliders in Austin. (Psst: get the fries and soft serve, too.)
WEBSITE | 6700 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
17. Foreign and Domestic
Foreign and Domestic has a lovely burger made from 44 Farms beef. It’s a simple and delicious beef patty with pickled onions and cheese, and it’s best with a side of fries and saffron rouille.
A quick note about ambiance: Foreign and Domestic is the loveliest little neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant. It’s a calming and charming spot to go for a plate of fries and a burger, and a glass of cab franc. The kitchen is open, and there’s a row of bar stools that overlook the chefs so you can watch all the action.
WEBSITE | 306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
16. Sour Duck Market
This little neighborhood bakery has a GREAT burger and definitely deserves a spot on this list of the best burgers in Austin! Sour Duck Market (from the Odd Duck team) has a simple double cheeseburger on a house-made challah bun. They keep things simple with a pickle, a slice of American cheese, and some special sauce because the meat + bun is a high quality here and doesn’t need a lot of sprucing up.
You’ll see Odd Duck’s burger on this list a little later, and while that burger is certainly one of the best in Austin, Sour Duck’s is a nice alternative from the same hospitality group. It’s a bit more of a classic burger.
WEBSITE | 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
15. Casino El Camino
Casino’s burgers are OG, and long-time Austinites call them the best. Honestly, there are some better ones that have graced the scene in the past decade, but this one is still solid.
For starters, it’s 3/4 pound (GIANT!) and charbroiled over a well-loved grill and topped with roasted serrano chiles, jalapeño jack cheese, and cilantro mayo. They’re cooked a little bit too well done (they won’t ask how you want it, so speak up), but as far as bang for your buck goes, this is it.
WEBSITE | 517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
14. Jewboy Burgers
There are very few burgers in Austin that are both this good (and this popular) under $10. Mo Pittle (the owner of Jewboy. Burgers says his philosophy on burgers is high-quality meat and buns, cheap pickles and mustard, and it’s obviously working because these burgers will knock your socks off.
1/3 lb freshly ground beef with onion grilled into the patty, melted cheddar, lettuce pickles and mustard on a Martins Potato Roll. Oh, and definitely pay extra to get the latkes. SO darn good.
WEBSITE | 5111 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
13. Odd Duck
Odd Duck is one of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants in Austin, so there’s a very good chance you’ve already been. Have you tried their burger? It’s a dry-aged wagyu burger with pimento and bbq sauce and a beer-battered onion ring. It’s hefty. (And it has a hefty price tag to go with it…)
WEBSITE | 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
12. June's All Day
This darling neighborhood café on South Congress not only has a phenomenal wine list, but they also have one of the best burgers in Austin! When you’re in the mood for a perfect burger and frites paired with a glass of rosé, you must go to June’s.
The grass-fed beef burger is perfect with the warm, melty layer of American cheese on top. Two thick slices of pickles, some grilled onions and jalapenos, and a big pile of crispy fries on the side round it all out to one of the best burgers in Austin.
WEBSITE | 1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
11. Griddle Burger at Carpenters Hall
Carpenters Hall, a neighborhood eatery located inside the Carpenter Hotel, has received plenty of national recognition. Bon Appetit called it one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the Country, and if you've never been, there are plenty of items on the menu worth trying.
But if you're in the mood to work through the best burgers in Austin, be sure to add their griddle burger to the list.
It’s a thin patty with sweet onions, cheddar, and a special sauce. The fries are soft and fluffy on the inside, a bit crispy on the outside, and the perfect companion to this salty, interesting burger.
Also of note: Carpenters Hall has a wonderful natural wine selection, so this is one of the best places to dine outside on a warm summer evening and pair your burger with a glass of wine.
WEBSITE | 400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
10. Chargrilled Burger at Clark's Oyster Bar
Oooh it is SO good! Clark’s Oyster Bar is well known for their delicious burger and teeny shoestring fries. The pan-roasted black angus hamburger is a big patty, seared perfectly with a bit of pink on the inside, and covered with a tangy and salty sauce gribiche and gruyere.
This burger is fairly pricey, but it’s a popular happy hour spot in Austin because the burger is 50% off each day. Check their website for current details.
WEBSITE | 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
9. Henbit
When Henbit reopened at the Fareground food hall in downtown Austin, they introduced several new menu items. One of which was this delightful Henbit Burger, which is served as a single (which is actually two patties) or a double (three patties.)
Like many of the other best burgers in Austin, the patty is made with nearby 44 Farms beef. But what's really exceptional about this burger is the extra flavorful white Sonoran bun and the housemade shiitake aioli. You’ll also get American cheese, sour pickles, and fresh tomato/onion/red romaine on this burger.
WEBSITE | 111 Congress Ave Fareground, Austin, TX 78701
8. Royale With Cheese at Justine's Brasserie
The Royale With Cheese might be one of the very best burgers you ever try...and it just so happens to be at one of the most romantic restaurants in Austin.
Our advice? Go all out for this burger. Book at the table and wear something to impress your date. Order a sophisticated aperitif and maybe get some caviar or raw oysters.
And then order the Royale and indulge. The hand-Angus beef is cooked to a light pink color, showing off the quality of beef that this French restaurant sources, and then topped with simple slice of gruyere and some crisp lettuce, onion, and tomato.
Justine's makes their own ciabatta bun, which is slightly chewy and extra flavorful. The Royale With Cheese is definitely quality over frills, and that's why it's near the top of this list of best burgers in Austin.
WEBSITE | 4710 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
7. Dai Duye Wagyu Burger
The Dry-aged Wagyu burger at Dai Due is for those of us who love eating local Texas food. The burger patty is prepared with wagyu beef and ground Dai Due bacon and served with styrk cheddar and special sauce.
The thick-cut fries are served with homemade beet ketchup, which is surprisingly delicious. It’s very different from traditional ketchup if that’s what you’re used to eating.
WEBSITE | 2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
6. Better Half Bar
Smashed patties, ‘merican cheese, shrettuce, comeback sauce, French’s, dill pickles, diced onion. Not fancy, just delicious.
It’s at a brewery, so this is the burger you can go to again and again when you're craving a phenomenal classic cheeseburger paired with a pale ale.
WEBSITE | 406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
5. Counter Cafe
Texas Monthly has called the Counter Burger the second-best burger in the entire state of Texas, so it should definitely be on your list to try. The soft sourdough bun is what really makes it fantastic! The grass-fed burger and sharp cheddar cheese are perfect. Be sure to add those salty sweet potato fries to your order.
Just like Phoebe’s Diner (number 26 on this list), Counter Cafe is a casual Austin diner with a really good basic burger. It’s the perfect go-to when you're in the mood for a burger + fries in a casual environment.
WEBSITE | 1914 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
4. Jacoby's Burger
Jacoby’s is a ranch-to-table restaurant that raises their own beef, and they definitely have one of the BEST burgers in Austin.
The beef patty, made with fresh-ground Jacoby beef, is served on a grilled bun, soft with just a little bit of char on it. You can choose to add special toppings to your burger, like avocado, mushroom, bacon, or fried egg. While they’re all delicious, they’re definitely not necessary; this burger stands on its own. However, do NOT skimp on the fries!
WEBSITE | 3235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
3. Launderette Plancha Burger
So simple, yet so fantastic. American cheese, special sauce, pickles, and beef on a challah bun. Perfect. The bun on Launderette’s burger is quite possibly the best burger bun in Austin. It’s a cloud! They make it in-house, and it’s always fresh and perfect.
But this meal is even perfect-er if you order the frites on the side. Not sure how they do it, but Launderette’s fries stay crisp for the entire meal. Seriously! Order a bowl for the table, snack on them throughout the meal, and even at the end of the meal, as you're paying your tab and snacking on the last few fries at the bottom of the bowl, those fries will still be fresh and crisp and delicious.
WEBSITE | 2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702
2. Butcher Burger at Salt & Time
Salt & Time is literally a butcher shop, so it is no surprise that they have one of the very best burgers you can buy in Austin. It’s a ½ pound burger (yup) of daily steak trimmings. It. Is. So. Good.
The Butcher Burgers are served with mayo and pickles, and you can choose to add cheese (like cheddar) and bacon. The brioche bun is the perfect companion to this all-star burger. It doesn’t overshadow the meat and just compliments it beautifully.
WEBSITE | 1912 E 7th St A, Austin, TX 78702
1. L&L Burger at LeRoy and Lewis
Here we go…you ready for the #1 burger in Austin? Say hello to the L&L. It’s the perfect combo of BBQ + burger: a smoked and seared akaushi brisket patty, American cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and special sauce on Martin’s potato roll. This burger is hefty and smoky, and decadent, but still tastes like a regular burger (not too many crazy frills on it.)
There are a few reasons why this burger is in the #1 spot. It’s a fantastic burger. The patty is juicy and rich, and you should definitely taste the meat by itself when you order the burger.
LeRoy and Lewis is a fun place to recommend to Austin visitors because it crosses a bunch of fun Austin-y things off your list all at once: it’s bbq, a food truck, and a fun outdoor beer garden vibe where you can get craft Texas beer. (It’s parked at Cosmic, a little coffee shop and cocktail bar that serves lots of local options.
And finally, the LeRoy and Lewis win because it always satisfies that basic, primal burger craving that we get. They use Martin’s potato bun, which is the best companion to a big, juicy burger. While a lot of Austin burgers are served on homemade buns, which are fun and even expected at a high-end farm-to-table restaurant, there is something so satisfying and crave-able about Martin’s bun. (Jewboy Burgers uses these buns too.) The L&L Burger is that big, juicy, perfect Austin burger that you’re going to crave again and again.
WEBSITE | 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
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