The Hot-Off-the-Grill Burgers and Selena Tributes at Country Burger

Recently while driving north along Hampton Road on a Friday afternoon, I noticed a line of cars wrapped around an orange-ish building. I immediately hung a U-turn from the middle lane because there was an obvious fuss about something, and I saw the word “Burger.”

I joined the drive-thru line at Country Burger. If everyone else there needed a pregame dinner on Friday at 4:30 p.m., then I did, too. I listened closely to the lady in front of me as she ordered for a bit of insight. She got a “country burger” and a cheeseburger (the first is a child’s meal). Good to know.

Despite a lot of reviews that complain about the wait in the drive-thru at Country Burger, it was fast enough. It’s not McDonald’s-fast, but that’s OK. That expediency comes with its pros and cons. Country Burger is in a different league. Manager Rafael Jimenez took my order at the intercom, and after no more than five minutes, handed me my food, heat emanating from the bag.

Country Burger is a basic neighborhood spot, with very reasonable prices for burgers right off the grill. The large cheeseburger combo (there’s also a small and medium) comes with a quarter-pound of meat and a large cup of fries and a drink for $7.99.

Country Burger also serves chili-cheese dogs, Frito pie, chicken sandwiches, chili-cheese nachos, chicken-fried steak, ham and a double-meat bacon-cheese sandwich. I didn’t get onion rings, but after reading a bit about them, I will soon.

Jimenez has been managing Country Burger for more than 20 years. He says he has garnered a steady group of regulars over the years, which is supported by a reliable staff. It’s not frilly, just a place to grab a good burger.

Country Burger is also very popular for its extensive collection of Selena (Quintanilla-Pérez) memorabilia. A mural of the Queen of Tejano music is on the outside of the building and is a popular spot for selfies. And it's particularly beautiful with a setting winter sun throwing a golden glow on it.

Jimenez hosts an annual Selena Day as a way to give his community a place to celebrate everything that Selena represents. This event is usually held around the anniversary of her passing, March 31. This year that falls on a Tuesday, and there aren’t solid plans yet, but Jimenez says he’ll probably hold the event the Saturday before, March 28.

In the meantime, get in line or go inside for a grilled burger, and be sure to get an order of onion rings.

Country Burger, 401 S. Hampton Road (Oak Cliff). Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.