Originally we ran this guide for Off-The-Beaten-Path Burgers for National Cheeseburger Day, but we're updating it now on account of our very own Burger Week. We've also lost one and gained two. But, who are we kidding? "Reasons" for burger posts are arbitrary. We could rinse and repeat all day.
Sandburgs in Burleson closed (total bummer). But, we missed Griff's on the original run and, after the aforementioned closing, discovered Grump's.
As a reminder, this is list of places where you can find a good burger that you might not expect. We cover the usual suspects regularly and will give them even more attention throughout the week.
Griff's Hamburgers Griff's (715 E. Irving Blvd) is homage to a bygone age. After over 50 years in the burger business, not much has changed from the greasy burgers to the A-frame architecture. Bring a roll of quarters for the Ms. Pac Man and Galaga games. There's nothing real fancy here, just slightly-over cooked greasy, thin patties served sans apologies. There are other locations at 1050 S. Buckner Blvd, 2150 N. Jupiter and few other North Texas spots.
See also: - The 10 Best Burgers in Dallas - The Epic Burgers of Dallas
Grump's Burgers Fortunately, it's just a name and there's no surly shtick passed off as part of the restaurant theme. Everyone is really nice at Grump's (108 S. Main St., Burleson). Even nicer are their thick home-style burgers, preferably enjoyed with a cold beer perched on their upstairs patio on a nice evening. Everything is made as it's ordered, so consider calling ahead if you're in a hurry. Or just relax and chill with a bowl of chips and queso while you wait.
Burger Bueno I know what you're thinking ... cool, a Mexican burger. Nope. This place at 13021 Coit Road actually is actually more Greek than anything. Customers rave about the gyros and Greek salad. The burgers are pretty impressive as well. In the words of Cheap Bastard, it's a Holy Balls Burger.
Burger House The Burger House has several locations around the city, including the original spot at Snider Plaza that opened in 1951. What makes their burgers, and everything else, unique is their own house-made spice mix, which they sell jars of at the register. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Texas Hamburger packed with with a hot dog, bacon, grilled onions and chili.
Wimpy's Hamburgers Jesse Hughey tried Wimpy's (1802 Singleton Blvd.) during the Untapped Festival, and he said it was great burger and super cheap. Wimpy's is a small, yellow, run-down walk-up shack about a mile west of the new fancy bridge. According to DallasHistory.org has been around since at least the late '50s. Cash only. Greasy old-school thin patties. Hughey recommends the onion rings to go with.
Burger Island Burger Island has been busy since Cheap Bastard first wrote about them a couple of years ago, when they had just two locations. Now there are five in the area, and they're still making bellies fat and happy with their huge, piled-with-peppers burgers. The Double Jungle is a pound of meat topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, two slices of cheese, hickory sauce and bacon.
One Stop of Runaway Bay Sara Blankenship previously told us about the One Stop market at Runaway Bay in Wise County (601 Highway 380 West) near a bunch of cow pastures. In addition to gas, bait, a meat market and a "massive beer cave," they cook up some mammoth burgers. Blankenship's advice: "Take a seat at any of the picnic tables set up in the middle of the store and order a cheeseburger with hand-dipped onion rings and prepare for what might be the most surprisingly delicious meal you'll ever have in a gas station."
Bell's Better Burgers Bell's Better Burger has been flipping patties on Peachtree Road in Mesquite for 50 years, and all that time it's stayed in the same family. The rundown drive-in is quiet and popular with locals who grew up in the area. The beef is fresh never frozen, and other than that, it's just a simple burger and a good place to relax while eating lunch in your car.
Farnatchi Previously Foodbitch pointed us towards the burger at the pan-Mediterranean spot Farnatchi. She ordered the burger only because it was what everyone else in the house was munching. The burger is loaded with aromatic spices and is stuffed with gooey cheese served on a toasted bun.
Burguesa Burgers For something a little different, track down the other orange burger place at one of its four locations in the area. Or for something huge, order the La Monumental burger with avocado, refried beans, a tostada, ham, two patties and two slices of cheese. You can also order any burger the "El Jefe way," which comes with a tortilla instead of a bun.
Boots Burgers I'm pretty sure Boots Burgers is in someone's backyard (701 Austin St., Rockwall), but the history of the spot is hard to nail down because they don't mess with things like Facebook and probably don't know nor care what a GoDaddy account is. They've been serving lowbrow burgers for several decades out of a small garage-like structure. According to local legend, Chuck Norris ate there. Pow! They're open only for lunch.
The Holy Grail The Holy Grail's (8420 Preston Road) burger is made with a mix of 90 percent sirloin and 10 percent pork fat, which they grind in-house daily and pass through one time to maintain a thick and chunky texture. The Knights would be proud.
