We have compiled what we think are the better burgers in Dallas. This said, let us begin in no particular order, except for the first burger which we consider our favorite in the Dallas area. We will offer a chef-driven list and a Fort Worth list later.
Dairy-Ette: A drive-in holdover from the fifties that is just now eligible for Social Security, opening in 1956. This was a time when burgers were hot, juicy, and full of flavor. Consider their homemade onion rings, root beer, and jumbo shakes as well.
Rodeo Goat: A Fort Worth transplant from the gent who brought us beer at Flying Saucer, Meddlesome Moth, and also checks in at Flying Fish to name a few of Shannon Wynne’s establishments. The burgers and beer are top-notch, and regardless of your political leanings, you will want to try the Dallas mayor’s favorite The Mike Rawlings which is made with heaping beef patty, Irish whiskey-infused cheddar, candied bacon and blackberry jam. It’s our jam.
Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House: When you have the name burger in the title of your restaurant you best make a pretty good one. This is the case for Goodfriend with the addition of their Bordain Burger which is two patties, kewpie mayo, TWO slices of America’s best cheese (truly the best for a burger), pickles, lettuce and tomato. Seems so simple.
Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha: Dallas makes some great burgers, and so does Richardson. Get down with the El Shady (ahh see what they did there?) which is a certified Angus beef burger topped with chorizo, a fried egg, fresh cheddar cheese and grilled jalapenos.
Wingfield’s: Burgers grilled by the master Richard Wingfield who was once a DISD science teacher and now spends his time with the science of making a damned good burger in South Dallas. A true bucket list burger with a side of fries cooked in bacon grease.
Keller’s Drive-In: A burger list without Jack Keller’s place is false and misleading. Old-school drive-in burgers served with a side of beer and onion\ rings is the place to be. Great people and car-watching spot, too. Order the #5 for no regrets.
Liberty Burger: Burgers made by one of the best restaurant families in the state, The Street Family. Mariel Street knows how to grill a burger and there are a few suggested burgers to choose from including the Woodstockwhich is comprised of Swiss cheese, spring greens, avocado, tomato and basil garlic aioli, or the Napa with its gorgonzola cheese, arugula, roasted tomatoes, green olives, onion, basil garlic aioli.
Boot’s Burger: Throwing a curve ball at you within burger terms can only be described as a speakeasy burger. Located in Rockwall in a very suburban neighborhood where the neighbors go about their business of mowing lawns and trimming hedges, Boot’s has been serving burgers since 1968 next door. In a house. Grandfathered in as Rockwall’s best no-so-secret burger, these need to be experienced to believe. At $3 for a burger and 3.50 for a cheeseburger, you will not want to miss this one. No website but it is located at 701 Austin Street.
Adair’s Saloon: We are only doing burger restaurants in this story, and this is pretty much what Adair’s is known for: burgers, beer and sweet tunes. Get down on a half-pound burger and hand-cut fries for the best of Deep Ellum. Grab this burger for 55 years of burger history.
Lee Harvey’s: C’mon, did you think we would leave off Lee Harvey’s? Great burger, great fries and tunes. And Beer. All in a funky prison-like compound (barbed wire for your protection). This is also a half-pound wonder because Lee Harvey is a madman!
Jake’s Burgers: With more than a few locations in Dallas we are digging what Jake does with his burgers. great fries and nachos seriously help this burger along as well.
Del’s Charcoal Burgers: Made uniquely over charcoal, these are of the old-fashioned variety and not the gut bomb of more modern burgers. You will appreciate this fact as you head back to the office to vegetate. Nosh on the burger or select the smoked dog or CFS sandwich.