What’s a more iconic and satisfying sandwich than the classic American burger? They’re great for a casual workday lunch, a celebratory meal with friends or just because you’re craving calories.
Good thing San Antonio, for all its love of Tex-Mex, also knows how to grill up a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs burger. This list is a sampling of some of the best we have tried in the Alamo City.
It’s by no means exhaustive, but if you’re looking for the ultimate burger in the 2-1-0, these places should be among the first you check off your list.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / bombays_sa
Bombay Bicycle Club
Multiple locations, bombaybicycleclubsa.com.
This beloved SA institution recently opened a satellite location in Hemisfair that offers the same hearty burgers and zippy margaritas as its original location in the Trinity University/Incarnate Word area. Either place, you’ll chow down on signature burgers and loaded nachos surrounded by kitschy decor.
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
The Cove
606 Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
With 50 craft beers on tap and a dog-friendly outdoor patio, The Cove is the perfect spot to grab a cold one and relax with your pup. Don’t miss out on the food or entertainment, either. Their burgers – as well as their salads and tacos – are to die for, and they have live music every Thursday.
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Cheesy Jane’s
4200 Broadway, (210) 826-0800, cheesyjanes.com
Jane’s burgers ignite your taste buds as much as the building catches your eye. Grab a grilled burger at the blue-and-yellow spot off of Hildebrand, and don’t forget to buy a malt. Just the burger from Cheesy Jane’s won’t cut it.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Dogfather
The Dogfather
Multiple Locations, sadogfather.com
Don’t be fooled by the name – in addition to its eponymous hot dogs, the Dogfather also serves up a variety of juicy burgers, including a rotating “Burger of the Week.”
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Krazy Katsu
Multiple Locations, krazykatsu.com
Yeah, you could get Krazy Katsu’s signature chicken sandwiches or loaded rice bowls. But that’s not all that the eatery is good for; the restaurant offers up a selection of smash-style burgers, all with unique flavors – like a green pandan or lemongrass – and equally as delicious.
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Armadillos Texas Style Burgers
Multiple Locations, armadilloburger.com
Armadillos Texas boasts that it serves up “Good Old-Fashioned Tasty Burgers.” Diners can enjoy a variety of classics, or switch things up with their signature dishes. The Fiesta Burger, for example, gives you their take on the bean burger, topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, fried tortilla chips and cheddar cheese.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Slider Provider
Slider Provider
Location varies, sliderprovider.com
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful slider, Slider Provider food truck is the spot to go. Moving around town slinging the mini-burgers it’s named for, you can check the truck’s location schedule on its Instagram.
Credit: Michael Karlis
Mr. Juicy
3315 San Pedro Ave., (210) 994-9838, mrjuicy.net
We know you haven’t missed this neon green building driving down Hildebrand. Mr. Juicy lives up to exactly what it says it is: “the second most fun between two buns,” and their signature wet sauce is sure to do its job.
Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Sam’s Burger Joint
330 E Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com
Though a little on the pricier side, Sam serves up a delicious branded burgers and fries. But don’t just come for the burger. Sam’s is a music hall that hosts musicians and comedians throughout the year; find their event schedule on their website.
Credit: Michael Karlis
Burger Boy
Multiple Locations, burgerboy.com
Though the spot on St. Mary’s is sadly closed temporarily, this San Antonio restaurant chain is still scattered throughout the entire city. If you’re wanting a step up from your national chain burger, Burger Boy is your boy.
Credit: Michael Karlis
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
103 E Jones Ave., (210) 201-5595, elsewheretexas.com
This fantasy-themed restaurant and bar is the perfect place to go when you and your friends are feeling whimsical – or mischievous. Along with their cocktails and tap beers, Elsewhere offers great burgers and frequent shows – from concerts to fire twirling.
Credit: Instagram / marksouting
Mark’s Outing
1624 E Commerce St., (210) 299-8110, marksouting.com
Advertising itself as the “Home of the Original Fatty’s Burger,” Mark’s Outing brings San Antonio huge, juicy burgers. We promise their classics are worth checking out, and though we won’t support you, maybe try their 2 lb. Burger Challenge.
Credit: Facebook / Diana’s Burgers
Diana’s Burgers
2202 N Zarzamora St., (210) 251-2252, facebook.com/dianasburgers
You’ve probably heard of Chris Madrid’s, the previously family-owned burger joint in the heart of San Antonio. That spot is no longer family owned, but Madrid’s daughter, Diana, opened her own spot in Woodlawn Lake.
Credit: Kat Stinson
Pumpers
1101 Broadway, (210) 888-0666, eatpumpers.com
Chef Stefan Bowers of Rebelle, Feast and Playland Pizza opened an “Adult Burger” joint right on Broadway. The “Pumpers” themselves are packed with flavor, including Bowers’ own Sour Sauce and Special Sauce.
Credit: Instagram / bigzburgerjointsa
Big’z Burger Joint
Multiple Locations, bigz-burgerjoint.com
With three locations across San Antonio, Big’z features large outdoor play areas and great burgers. It’s a must. We’re telling you.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
122 E Houston St., (210) 354-3555, tastybunz.com
Though the N Loop location is temporarily closed, Bunz is still grilling up perfection at their Houston St. location. The award-winning burger is topped with unique flavors like pear and Boursin cheese.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Candy’s Old Fashion Eats
Candy’s Old Fashion Burgers
115 S. Flores St., (210) 222-9659, candysoldfashiontx.com
Not far from the H-E-B on S Flores, Candy offers classic burgers and other dishes, like her Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad. If you’re feeling like you want a truly traditional burger joint experience, Candy’s is for you.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Chris Madrid’s
Chris Madrid’s
1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com
Chris’s started out as a family-owned restaurant, founded by the restaurant’s namesake in 1977 with a goal of serving burgers and tacos. He intended to make each one as he were making it for a friend, and the new management intends to continue that tradition.
Credit: Facebook / Mad Mack’s Burger Co.
Mad Mack’s Burgers
3023 S Presa, (210) 922-1500
This spot, nestled in Southside San Antonio, serves up classic ham and cheeseburgers, as well as chili dogs and onion rings.
Credit: Instagram / Fatburger
Fatburger
13480 San Pedro Ave., fatburger.com
The self-proclaimed “Last Great Hamburger Stand” has been serving San Antonio since 1952. Swing by for their mom-and-pop shop feel, class burgers and delicious shakes.
Credit: Instagram / dreynicole
Danny Boy’s Hamburgers
1537 W Summit Ave., (210) 736-1665, facebook.com/Danny-Boys-Hamburgers-273701852680767
Danny Boy’s Hamburgers has the same atmosphere as the burger joints you see in movies. A hole in the wall off of Summit Ave., you can try one of their endless options for burgering.
Credit: Instagram / smashd_satx
Smash’d
520 E Grayson St., (726) 238-4806, smashd-sa.com
Located just outside of the Pearl, Smash’d offers great food and a gorgeous outdoor patio to enjoy it on. Enjoy their signature Smash’d burger and corn dog nuggets, all while taking in the San Antonio scenery.