San Antonio, a city where international cuisine from Italy, India, China, France, and Japan meets the culinary traditions of the United States, is a unique melting pot on the global food map. But amidst this diversity, the old-fashioned American burger stands out. Burgers in San Antonio aren’t just meals; they’re a homage to a centuries-old cooking tradition, elevating the city to a global superpower in burger mastery. When hunting for the best burgers in San Antonio, you’re not just fulfilling a craving; it’s almost a patriotic duty to savor this American icon. And for those looking to extend the experience into the evening, the city offers numerous options for a memorable Date Night, where the culinary journey can continue in style.
The restaurants in San Antonio offering these delectable burgers are as varied as the burgers themselves. Each establishment on our map promises to satisfy your burger need, but be mindful of the parking situation. My advice? Check online for recommendations and parking tips before you venture out. This way, you can enjoy your burger without the hassle of finding a spot for your car.
Insider Tips for Enjoying Burgers in San Antonio
- Try the Specials: Many burger joints offer daily or weekly specials. Check their websites or social media pages for the latest promotions.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their recommendations on the best burgers and sides.
- Pair with Local Beverages: Enhance your burger experience by pairing it with local craft beers or specialty sodas.
- Bring Friends and Family: Burgers are best enjoyed with others. Bring friends and family to share in the experience.
- Check for Outdoor Seating: Many burger places offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal in pleasant weather.
The 16 Best Burgers in San Antonio
1. Chris Madrid’s
Chris Madrid’s, an iconic landmark in the San Antonio burger scene since 1977, embodies the soul of the Alamo city with its unwavering commitment to excellent food. Known originally as Chris Madrid’s Tacos and Burgers, this beloved eatery faced a setback with a fire but rose again, showcasing their dedication in a new building. Their burgers are a testament to their legacy, particularly the Cheddar Cheezy, a super cheesy delight blending cheddar and chuck. Despite the challenges, including back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021, they have maintained their status among locals. Navigating the parking can be tricky, but their dedicated lot and nearby residential side streets offer options for those hunting for a spot. After indulging in a hearty burger, a visit to one of the local Ice Cream Shops provides a perfect sweet ending to your culinary adventure.
Address: 1900 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212 | WEBSITE
2. Diana’s Burgers
At Diana’s Burgers, the legacy of Chris Madrid, under the ownership of Diana Madrid, flourishes. This burger joint, carrying forward the Madrid name, sits proudly near Woodlawn Lake on the city’s west side. Its hot pink building is a beacon for burger lovers. As a neighborhood staple, Diana’s offers a menu that resonates with every burger regular. The classic thin patty burgers here are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of family heritage in every bite. Beyond burgers, the menu extends to cheese fries, nachos, and chalupas, offering a variety of flavors for all tastes. After enjoying a meal at Diana’s, visitors can explore nearby attractions and discover Free Things To Do in San Antonio, making the most of their visit to this vibrant city.
Address: 2202 N Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78201 | WEBSITE
3. Bunz Handcrafted Burgers
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers in San Antonio has quickly made a name for itself in the local food scene. Known for their commitment to quality, they make everything from scratch, including sauces, cheeses, and buns. This dedication has earned them the 2022 Express-News Reader’s Choice Awards. Their menu boasts a variety of unique burgers, such as the Mercedes Bunz with its bold mix of chipotle mayo, refried beans, and other flavorful toppings, and the Bunzai, which features BBQ Asian pork ribs. They cater to a range of dietary preferences, offering seafood, chicken, and vegan burgers as well. Parking options are convenient for downtown visitors, and their La Cantera Mall location offers the ease of a drive-thru. For dessert lovers, Best Ice Cream Spots in the area provide a sweet finish to the culinary journey.
Address: 122 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 | WEBSITE
4. Tycoon Flats
Tycoon Flats, situated north of downtown San Antonio near 281 and N. St. Mary’s, offers a unique dining experience in a former gas station. It features an indoor dining room and a spacious, dog-friendly outdoor beer garden shaded by trees. The menu includes specialty burgers with juicy patties, light buns, and innovative toppings, highlighted by their Monte Cristo burger and the Fried Apple Blue Cheese Bacon burger, which was featured on Food Network’s Burgers, Brew & ‘Que. Additionally, they offer a variety of fries, fried appetizers, and hot dogs. Convenient parking is available off Woodlawn Ave, near El Ojo bar and club. For coffee lovers, nearby Coffee Spots provide a perfect complement to the meal.
Address: 2926 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212 | WEBSITE
5. Mr. Juicy
At Mr. Juicy, with its minimal seating areas and streamlined menus, the focus is squarely on the burger options. Chef Andrew Weissman has made a mark since 2019 with his Signature creations. The burgers here aren’t just food; they’re an experience, especially with the unique secret sauce and the au poivre sauce that make each bite memorably wet and flavorful. A standout is their New Mexico green chile cheeseburger, a perfect blend of heat and taste that elevates the classic green chile cheeseburger to new heights.
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Address: 3315 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 | WEBSITE
6. Armadillo’s Texas Style Burgers
Armadillo’s is where you go for a no-frills, delicious burger experience in San Antonio. Their approach to burger making is about sticking to traditional, old-fashioned burger perfection. It’s a place where tradition and cost find a delightful balance. Their 1/3 lb burger hits the perfect price range, offering affordability without compromising on taste. The mushroom burger, with its sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese, is not only tasty but also generous in portion size, guaranteeing satisfaction in every bite. While Armadillo’s has perfected the art of the burger, those in the mood for a different culinary journey can explore the rich flavors of Mexican Food that San Antonio is also famously known for.
Address: 1423 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 | WEBSITE
7. Fattboy Burgers and Dogs
Fattboy Burgers and Dogs, founded by Frank Torrez and Veronica Khan, has become an integral part of the San Antonio restaurant scene. This establishment is more than just a neighborhood eatery; it’s a family dining location where every meal feels like a familial gathering. From the ¼lb Slimmboy to the ½lb Fattboy, each burger is served on sesame seed buns with a quantity of toppings of the guest’s choice, allowing you to customize your meal to perfection. Beyond burgers, their menu includes chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, and onion rings, catering to all tastes and preferences.
Address: 2345 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213 | WEBSITE
8. Cheesy Jane’s
Cheesy Jane’s in San Antonio is an old-timer in the world of cheeseburgers, bringing the charm of a 50s-style diner right to Broadway. For over 20 years, starting from food trucks to a brick-and-mortar location, they’ve mastered the art of house specialty burgers. Their classic burger comes in various sizes, from a third of a pound to an indulgent one-pound burger. Each burger is a delightful combination of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and a variety of cheeses and toppings. Complement your meal with their crispy tater-tots or French fries, and don’t forget to try a classic milkshake. Parking is easy, with a lot available on Groveland, near the Gibson Costume Shop.
Address: 4200 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 | WEBSITE
9. Chunky’s Burgers
Chunky’s Burgers is not just a burger joint; it’s a rite of passage for the most spice-tolerant muscles in San Antonio. Gaining celebrity status through eating challenges, it’s famed for having the hottest burger, which even challenged competitive food eaters like Adam Richman on the Travel Channel’s Man vs Food. Their infamous 4 Horsemen Burger, layered with peppers like jalapeño, serrano, habanero, and ghost, isn’t for the faint-hearted. Successful challengers earn a spot on the wall of fame, but beware, you must wear gloves and sign a waiver, and there’s a cleaning fee for any mishaps! For the less adventurous, they offer a variety of hamburger choices like the Island Burger, a teriyaki glazed patty with grilled pineapple, or the Zipper Burger, topped with grilled jalapeños and cream cheese.
Address: 4602 Callaghan Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 | WEBSITE
10. Mark’s Outing
Since 2005, Mark’s Outing has been an integral part of the San Antonio burger joint scene, combining appetizing food with fun. Known for its $25.99 2lb burger challenge, the successful challengers grace the hall of fame with their picture on the wall of the restaurant. Beyond the challenge, their menu is a playground of standard hamburgers and specialty options like the smoky BBQ Burger, the hearty Coaches Chili Burger, and the fresh All-Star Avocado Burger. They also cater to diverse tastes with non-red-meat options including a turkey burger, vegetarian options like a black bean burger, beyond beef burger, and an in-house veggie burger with mushrooms. Located southeast of downtown, they’ve expanded with a second location at Rivercenter Mall, a food truck, and offer catering for events and parties. Parking is available on the side street, and they also have a convenient walk-up window. For visitors exploring the city or those in need of transportation for a food tour, Need A Car services can be an excellent option to conveniently navigate to Mark’s Outing and other dining destinations.
Address: 1624 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 | WEBSITE
11. Longhorn Cafe
Longhorn Cafe, renowned for its original Big Juicy burgers, has been a stalwart in the burger scene for over 35+ years. Known for its friendly and casual service, customers can order at the counter and enjoy a laid-back dining experience. Their menu caters to a variety of tastes, offering not just their famous burgers but also vegetarian burgers with a gluten-free bun option, and the comforting chicken fried steak sandwich. Alongside their delicious burgers, their tater tots are a must-try. With multiple locations, Longhorn Cafe makes it easy for anyone in San Antonio to enjoy their hearty, satisfying meals.
Address: MULTIPLE LOCATION | WEBSITE
12. Benjie’s Munch
Benjie’s Munch, founded by Chef Benjie in 2015, evolved from a modest 401k-funded food truck to a beloved brick-and-mortar establishment on Bitters and Blanco in the city’s north side. This eatery is known for its scratch comfort food, with a menu that ranges from burgers to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Emphasizing freshness, they steer clear of frozen ingredients, using only fresh chuck for their burger patties and brioche buns sourced from a local baker. The menu regularly rotates, featuring unique items like the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese, Hatch Chickpea Veggie Burger, and the Candied Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger. Not to be missed is their Rocket Burger, topped with bacon, arugula, and red onion jam. For the adventurous, ask the chef or cashiers about the Top Secret hidden menu, offering specialty items that promise a culinary surprise.
Address: 1218 W Bitters Rd APT 107, San Antonio | WEBSITE
13. Chester’s Hamburgers
Chester’s Hamburgers, a fast-casual chain with four locations in San Antonio, has been crafting old-fashioned hamburgers since 1984. Their commitment to quality is evident in each burger, cooked to order and served on fluffy 5-inch buns with a hint of poppy seed, baked fresh daily. The burger menu ranges from standard offerings to house faves like the bacon, chili, and green chile cheeseburger. The latter is a nod to both New Mexico and Texas traditions, blending regional flavors into a memorable burger experience. With multiple locations, Chester’s makes it easy for everyone in the city to enjoy their classic, mouth-watering hamburgers.
| WEBSITE
14. Last Place Burgers
Last Place Burgers, known for serving some of the best burgers in town, operates as a food truck adjacent to Roadmap Brewing Co.. Their specialty, smash burgers, are a must-try for any burger aficionado. The OG and The Standard are popular choices, but their jalapeño cheeseburger stands out for its spicy kick. This burger spot offers a unique, relaxed atmosphere where good food and great beers come together, providing a distinctive dining experience in the heart of San Antonio.
Address: 723 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78215 | WEBSITE
15. Filé’s Burgers
Filé’s Burgers, though Closed Sunday and Monday, ensures that its patrons leave satisfied and well-fed the rest of the week. When you choose your burger here, it’s not just about the main course. Their combos offer a delightful range of sides, from classic fries to crunchy onion rings and tater tots, each adding a unique texture and flavor to your meal. This burger spot has become a go-to for those seeking a hearty, flavorful burger experience in San Antonio.
Address: 543 Ceralvo St., San Antonio, TX 78207 | WEBSITE
16. Mad Mack’s Burger Co.
At Mad Mack’s Burger Co., the essence of simple deliciousness shines through in their house classics. A standout is the chalupa burger, which offers a unique twist on traditional burger flavors. The ability to customize your burger here is a game-changer; with add-ons like chili, beans, and pico, each burger becomes a personal masterpiece. Mad Mack’s has established itself as a must-visit for burger enthusiasts in San Antonio, offering both classic and inventive options.
Address: 2933 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, TX 78214 | WEBSITE
Criteria for Selecting the Best Burgers
To ensure you experience the finest burgers in San Antonio, we selected these spots based on the following criteria:
- Quality of Ingredients: High-quality, fresh ingredients are a must. We prioritized restaurants known for using premium beef, fresh buns, and local produce.
- Variety and Creativity: A diverse menu with unique burger creations and classic favorites, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: High ratings and positive reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor to ensure these spots are well-regarded by diners.
- Ambiance and Atmosphere: The overall dining experience, including the restaurant’s atmosphere, decor, and service.
- Value for Money: Good portion sizes and reasonable prices, ensuring diners get great value for their money.
- Location and Accessibility: Conveniently located spots that are easy to access, with ample parking or public transportation options.
By following these criteria, we have compiled a list of the best burger spots in San Antonio for 2024, promising an exceptional and satisfying dining experience.
FAQ about Burgers in San Antonio
What are the best burger places in San Antonio?
Some of the best burger places in San Antonio include Chris Madrid’s, Burger Boy, Longhorn Cafe, Big’z Burger Joint, and Attaboy Burgers. These spots are renowned for their delicious burgers, excellent service, and inviting atmospheres.
What types of burgers can I find at these restaurants?
You can find a variety of burgers, including classic cheeseburgers, specialty burgers with unique toppings, veggie burgers, and options for different dietary preferences such as gluten-free and low-carb.
Are these burger places family-friendly?
Yes, all of the recommended burger places in San Antonio are family-friendly. They offer a welcoming environment for families, with menu options that cater to all ages, making them great choices for family dining.
What is the best time to visit these burger places?
The best time to visit these burger places is typically during lunch and dinner hours. Weekends can be busy, so making a reservation or arriving early is advisable to avoid long wait times.
Do these burger places accept credit cards, or should I bring cash?
Most burger places in San Antonio accept credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash, especially for smaller establishments or for tipping.
Is there parking available at these burger places?
Yes, most of the top burger places offer ample parking. Restaurants like Chris Madrid’s and Big’z Burger Joint have designated parking areas for customers. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak dining hours, to secure a convenient parking spot.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at these burger places?
Yes, many burger places in San Antonio offer vegetarian and vegan options. Restaurants like Burger Boy and Attaboy Burgers have specific menu items that cater to dietary restrictions, ensuring that all customers can enjoy a delicious meal.
What are some must-try burgers at these places?
Some must-try burgers include the Tostada Burger at Chris Madrid’s, the Cheesy Classic at Burger Boy, the Big’z Burger at Big’z Burger Joint, and the Spicy Texan at Attaboy Burgers. These burgers are highly recommended for their unique flavors and excellent preparations.
Do these burger places offer takeout or delivery services?
Yes, many of the top burger places in San Antonio offer takeout and delivery services. You can order directly from the restaurant’s website or through popular delivery apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
