The 17 Best Burgers in Dallas

We stick to Anthony Bourdain’s interpretation of a proper burger: good-quality beef, a soft, squishy potato bun and processed cheese for the melt factor. Of course, that's a starting point, from which there are many paths to wander along.

Our annual list of the best burgers in Dallas has a lot more caramelized beer onions and Thousand Island dressing than a purist like Bourdain may appreciate. But rest assured: Most of these burgers start with quality beef, mostly ground in-house, which separates the real burger champs from all the others.

AllGood Cafe

2934 Main St.

When AllGood Cafe owner Mike Snider started this Deep Ellum institution more than 20 years ago, he didn't have a burger on the menu. But among Snider's many interests is an appreciation of Dallas food history, so he built AllGood's "Best Cheeseburger In Texas" as a nod to the cheeseburger served at The Grape. Come hungry, because this 10-ounce burger doesn't mess around; there's melted white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon and horseradish brined pickles from Hunn's, which supply pickles to a long list of Dallas restaurants. Dijonaise splits the difference for those who prefer mayo or mustard, and a pain au lait bun does yeoman's work in holding everything in place.

Bistro 31

87 Highland Park Village

Listen, we know what you’re thinking: a French bistro? Oui. When it comes to Bistro 31, you need to throw any Francophile burger qualms out the window. This Highland Park restaurant uses a blend of whole brisket and chuck, ground in-house, with some New York strips and filet mignon thrown in for good measure. And let’s talk toppings: Tillamook cheddar, house-made pickles, aioli, Bibb lettuce, beef steak tomato and red onion all piled high on a brioche bun from Empire Baking Co. Sure, it’ll set you back $23, but just let it happen: laissez-faire fare.

Blackjack Pizza

2536 MLK Jr. Blvd. and 2120 N. St. Augustine Road

Blackjack Pizza might be the ultimate sleeper hit of the Dallas burger scene, with the namesake pizza taking a back seat. These are simple burgers — chunky patties seared on a grill, then loaded with thick slices of tomatoes and onion — reminiscent of the kind Mom or Dad made over long weekends. You can get a double for less than $10, but the single patty cheeseburger is plenty for a meal and is just $6.50. Go for the side of onion rings. But don't forget Blackjack is cash only and is closed on Sundays.

Burger Schmurger

718 N. Buckner Blvd.

We reported in April that this roving burger pop-up has finally opened in a proper brick-and-mortar with its name on the marquee out front. Burger Schmurger has long been a favorite since it started popping up at breweries. Smashed ground patties (made in-house), cheese and onions on a searing hot grill trap in flavor and a healthy dose of grease. Go for the Claremont Hotel with Swiss, mushrooms and bacon. Purists may want to try The Pasadena with LTO and American cheese.

Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House

1154 Peavy Road

Goodfriend is an East Dallas favorite. It's well-worn, like those favored old Adidas or jeans, but still has energy and pep. The meat here is a proprietary blend (that means it's secret and they're not sharing) of all-Texas beef. Goodfriend boldly has a burger named for the ever-wandering chef, Anthony Bourdain. Fortunately, it's worthy. Chef David Pena builds this burger with two 6-ounce smashed patties and double American cheese, simply dressed with Kewpie mayo, pickles, lettuce and tomato. And it's perfect.

Herby's

2109 S. Edgefield Ave.

Herby's is a kitschy throwback, simple burger spot in the South Dallas neighborhood of Edgefield. The menu and jukebox are all retro, as are many of the booths and the checkered tile floor. They've got smashburgers, hot dogs and tater tots, which you should get slathered in their house sauce and cheese. The OG Smash comes with American cheese, thinly sliced sautéed onions and a beef patty smashed into an odd shape, all topped with Herby’s secret sauce. You can add jalapenos or bacon if you'd like. Afterward, head next door to OLMO Market for locally crafted chocolate from Coco Andre.

HIDE Bar

1928 Greenville Ave.

HIDE originally opened in Deep Ellum and closed during the pandemic, but it reopened on Greenville Avenue in 2023. Luckily, they double bubble-wrapped the OG Double Cheeseburger for the move. This stellar burger is made from a blend of brisket and chuck and is slathered with caramelized beer onions, pickles and garlic aioli on a brioche bun, giving it a touch of sweetness. Check out their happy hour prices (all day Monday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday) to save a few bucks.

Hudson House

Multiple Locations

Do you surf and turf? Then Hudson House is the perfect spot for you. This bougie destination with several outlets in Dallas and one in Beverly Hills is known for its killer seafood options and coastal vibe, but don't miss the Hudson House Cheeseburger with two 80/20 thin patties, each topped with a slice of American cheese, thick-cut pickles, onions and Hudson Sauce, a house-made spicy version of Thousand Island dressing. During happy hour (weekdays, 3–6 p.m., bar only) the burger is only $10. Consider a side of macaroni and cheese.

Kenny's Burger Joint

5809 Preston Road, Plano, and 1377 Legacy Drive, Frisco

This joint is an offshoot of the upscale restaurant Kenny's Woodfired Grill, where the burgers were magic. After more than a few customer suggestions, founder Kenny Bowers opened Kenny’s Burger Joint, using the same hickory wood-burning grill for half-pound patties. The Black and Blue with Cajun spices and blue cheese dressing that combines spice with a pungent and tangy twist. And if you’re looking for a good kick in the pants, try the seasonal Hatch Green Chile Burger.

Knox Bistro

3230 Knox St.

Knox Bistro, previously Up on Knox, is a classic French brasserie — sneakers or heels will do. You could go high with the Cote de Boeuf Bearnaise (wood-fired bone-in cowboy prime rib) but go low with the Le Burger au Poivre a burger blessed in a classic rich French peppercorn cream sauce that is ladled over the patty, forming a pool of love on the plate. This is a knife-and-fork situation. Use the final pieces of the toasted bun to soak up every spec of sauce, or just lick the plate clean.

Maple & Motor

4810 Maple Ave.

Jack Perkins opened his humble burger abode in 2009, thinking it was going to be a side hustle to his teaching gig. Needless to say, Maple & Motor is a full-time hustle. The burgers are a mix of brisket and chuck seared on a hot griddle, turned once; Perkins does not have time to fuss with things. The meat-to-fat ratio here has no shame. On a social media job post in 2023, the restaurant boasted about having its highest sales ever in 15 years of business. In a city that loves to chase a social media trend, that is a testament to getting the simple things right. This is just a damn good burger.

The Peak Inn

132 N. Peak St.

The Peak Inn is like that cool older cousin who let you smoke their ciggies back in the day. It offers quite the elixir: a no-frills hangout we can afford. The burgers here are taken seriously (all the food is, for that matter) but not like $27-serious. The Lil' Kahuna Burger is a house favorite and is $11.25. Two one-third-pound patties (ground in-house) come with from-scratch Thousand Island dressing along with a slice of American cheese. Local bakery Signature Baking provides the bun, which is buttered and toasted. The kitchen stays open until 1:30 a.m. every night.

Pesca

3011 Gulden Lane

Pesca is one of the new tenants at Trinity Groves in West Dallas and is the work of longtime Dallas restaurateur and classically trained chef Jesus Carmona, who also runs Milagro Taco Cantina nearby. Here, he wanted to create an "everyday restaurant" and kept everything on the menu under $30. The coastal classics we've tried are all spot on, but Carmona's attention to every detail on the plates comes through in spades on the burger too. Two Angus patties, bacon jam and aged cheddar are barely held together with a brioche bun. 

Rodeo Goat

Multiple Locations

Rodeo Goat offers some fantastic burgers as part of its regular menu, but be sure to try the Evan Grant Burger, named after the local sports scribe. This seasonal burger is stuffed with bacon and topped with gouda, brisket from Zavala's and housemade aioli. Or track down The Cortez, which is topped with al pastor, chopped onions, cilantro and spicy lime mayo, all squeezed in a bun coated in Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Sky Rocket Burger

Multiple Locations

Sky Rocket Burger is the type of joint that brings you right back to your childhood: as soon as you walk in, scents from the well-seasoned grill hit you. They use quarter-pound Angus beef patties, all ground on-site. It’s not fancy like the burgers you see on Instagram, but it doesn't need to be. Nothing is bungled by being overdesigned. If you're looking to play a little, pay attention to the add-ons like spicy mayo, a secret sauce, grilled jalapeños or onions. Or get all of them — yes, do that. Get all of them.

Stock and Barrel

316 W. Davis St.

In late 2024, Stock and Barrel in the Bishop Arts District sauntered into the Michelin guide as a recommended restaurant, noted for its open and convivial bar counter, which we can testify to. We love the whipped feta and braised ribeye cigars (together), but the burger here is on another level. They use wagyu brisket and short rib to form the patty that is smothered with aged yellow cheddar, remoulade, smoked bacon and caramelized onions. Served with hand-cut Russet fries, it'll set you back $21 and that'll be the best money you spend all week.

Wingfield’s Breakfast & Burger

2615 S. Beckley Ave.

Burgers here start at $10, and a double with bacon combo will run you a full $20 — not for bougie reasons, but because it's so much food. Wingfield's has challenge-level servings. We ordered a double with bacon just to show the kids, "See there? That's how they do it at Wingfield's," and they'll always remember that day and place. Wingfield's has been smashing huge meat patties on the grill since the mid-'80s and has acquired a large following who patiently hover for parking spaces and then hop into the tiny spot to pick up orders. You can (and should) order ahead online. Despite the name, Wingfield's doesn't serve breakfast and is closed on Sundays.