Matt Tobin and Josh Yingling were bartenders who didn’t want to become the kind of bartenders who are still pouring drinks at fifty, chain-smoking behind the stick until dawn. So, in 2011 they did what seemed like the logical alternative: they opened a bar. The difference was that this time it was theirs.
In February 1940, a teenage girl from Houston named Josephine Powell appeared on the cover of Life magazine. She was wearing a drum majorette outfit with very short shorts, a plumed hat, and boots. She was holding a tray. She was a carhop at a drive-in restaurant called Sivils, and after that issue hit newsstands, Louise Sivils started receiving letters from young women all over the country asking for a job.
Four months later, J.D. and Louise Sivils brought their operation to Dallas.
Dallas and Fort Worth have never had a shortage of great burgers. What they do have is a shortage of people writing about the ones that aren’t already on every list. Here are seven worth knowing about — five in Dallas, two in Fort Worth — that run the full range from a 1950s drive-in to a Choctaw-owned window in the Stockyards.
American cheese sparks spirited debate among culinary purists, yet step into almost any serious burger kitchen and you’ll find it front and center. For chefs focused on building the perfect cheeseburger, the choice is less about nostalgia alone and more about performance, balance, and guest satisfaction.
A great burger is built around beef. American cheese delivers a mild, creamy profile that enhances the savory richness of the patty without overpowering it. While aged cheddars or blue cheeses can dominate, American cheese acts as a supporting player—rounding out salt and fat while letting the meat remain the star. The result is a balanced, cohesive bite.
After more than 100 years as a cornerstone of American fast food, White Castle is finally coming to Texas. The iconic burger chain will open its first Texas location at Grandscape in The Colony, with an anticipated debut in summer 2026. For a brand that has inspired lifelong loyalty across the Midwest and East Coast, the move marks a significant expansion—and for Texans, a long-awaited chance to experience a true original.
Located in a modest strip on South Polk Street,Chadeni’s Dallasis the kind of neighborhood burger spot that makes you wonder why more people haven’t discovered it. There’s just burgers grilled to order, juicy and perfectly seasoned, served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crisp pickles, and just the right amount of red onion. Every bite feels intentional; the kind of burger that makes you pause and enjoy it rather than just eat it.
If you’re driving along Davenport Road in far north Dallas and see a Chevron, it might be easy to pass right by. But behind the everyday gas pumps and convenience store sits John’s Backyard Grill, a place that feels like a secret the locals have been happily keeping to themselves. The first thing you notice isn’t fancy décor or a polished dining room—it’s the smell of sizzling burgers, grilled chicken, and spices that hit you the moment you step up to the counter. It’s the kind of spot where the food does all the talking.
Located in Fort Worth’s Foundry District, M&O Station Grill offers a dining experience that combines classic diner charm with inventive flavors. The locally owned eatery has become a favorite for burger enthusiasts, drawing both regulars and newcomers with its rich menu and inviting atmosphere.