As our Best of Everything series comes to an end, we thought we would go with a topic that very few people care about: burgers. Namely, the five best burgers in Dallas.
A couple of criteria: These joints had to be from Dallas originally, so places like Hopdoddy’s were out, even though Hopdoddy’s could’ve made this list. The other criterion was that we made sure to not put your favorite burger joint on here. Just because.
So here they are, in alphabetical order: the five best burgers in Dallas.
Chip's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
This Park Cities joint has been around awhile for good reason. Yes, they put mayonnaise on the burgers, which ought to be grounds for disqualification — and it would be if it didn’t all just work so well. There’s a char on the edges that gives the patty some texture without that heavy char flavor. Add in cheddar, toasted poppy seed bun and all the toppings, and you have a burger in which each element acts like an instrument in a song. Put some shoestring onions on the burger if you ever thought about playing the keytar.
Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House
Great patio? Check. Dedication to craft beers? Bingo. Those are big draws to this neighborhood joint in East Dallas, but people come back because the burgers are really good. And really inventive. Like the Redneck, a beef burger with crispy Rudolph’s bologna, redneck cheddar, red onion, lettuce and Miracle Whip, or the Pepper Bomb with spicy house harissa, roasted tomatoes, lettuce and chipotle cheddar. They’re not as cheap as the other burgers on this list, but they’re also getting a bit crazier. And, as anyone who has ever dated someone with a few screws loose can tell you: crazy will cost you.
Keller’s Drive-In
This drive-in on Northwest Highway is as old-school as it gets, with dirt-cheap burgers — go with the double-patty, double-cheese No. 5 special for $2.49 — and tater tots with melted cheese sent from the gods or Idaho. The fact that there are neon signs everywhere and you can have beer brought to your truck (always a truck) just adds to the charm.
Maple & Motor
Maple & Motor got its big moment when Guy Fieri came to town for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, but we still like this place anyway. The line is usually out the door come lunchtime, but it moves fast, so you won’t have to wait long for your burger. (And don’t even try to sit down before you order.) With a touch of char for added flavor and crunch, the fatty patties are more medium-well than some of the others on this list, if that’s your thing; just tell them “no pink.” Of course, you should throw some Wright Brand bacon on it. And charred jalapeños.
Off-Site Kitchen
Some people think that this is the ninth hottest burger joint in America, and it’s tough to deny the buzz surrounding the little building on the outskirts of the Design District. We still think Eater is a little nuts, but we would be equally nuts if OSK weren’t on this list. The patty is thick and juicy, if a little small, and the toasted bun provides the right ratio of bread to everything else. That ratio is paramount to a truly enjoyable burger. Too little bread and you’re dealing with a slip-and-slide disaster. Too much and you’re eating bread with some other stuff on it.
The No. 5 at Keller's is a steal at $2.49. Throw in a longneck of Bud Heavy and some cheesy tots, and there's nowhere else to be.
