It's grilling season and we have the jump on where to find two-fisted burger goodness in Austin. Dig in and let these pros do the cooking for you this summer.
Top Notch
Enjoy old school curb service and 100% pure beef charcoal broiled burgers at this 1971 family-owned gem. You might recognize the Top Notch burger stand from its appearance in the 1993 film, "Dazed and Confused." Go classic cheeseburger or kick it up with the Longhorn Special stacked with double meat, special sauce, cheese, tomato, lettuce and onions. Select from wide ranging sides like sweet potato fries, fried okra and sweet buttered corn.
Dan's Hamburgers
An Austin tradition since 1973, Dan's throwback style is all about family. The four Austin locations are family owned and operated and all customers are welcomed like next of kin. Dan's uses certified Angus ground chuck and hand-breads their onion rings. Choose from small, medium or large burgers and add jalapenos and bacon for a true Texas kick. Consistency and time-honored family recipes are the key ingredients here. Oh, and the chocolate malts. No burger is complete without one.
Sandy's Hamburgers
Some say it looks like a scene straight out of "Happy Days" or the movie "Grease." Serving up beloved burgers since the 1940s, Sandy's Hamburgers keeps it simple with a straightforward menu centered around juicy, gigantic cheeseburgers. The old-fashioned frozen custard also gets rave reviews. Try the butterscotch. On Thursdays, take advantage of the burger, fries and drink special for around $5.
Casino el Camino
Voted Austin Chronicle's Best Burger 1995-2010, this Sixth Street neighborhood bar has been featured on The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Casino el Camino's award-winning three-quarter-pound charbroiled Angus beef burgers are ground fresh daily. Try the Buffalo Burger grilled with house hot wing sauce and smothered with bleu cheese. Wash it down with a $2.50 happy hour domestic beer on the garden patio.
Hill-Bert's Burgers
This longstanding, family-owned burger joint was started in 1973 by a University of Texas student who wanted to make the best burger in Austin. Today, you can still find good ol' fashioned burgers and homestyle meals like chicken-fried steak sandwiches and hot ham and swiss sandwiches on the menu at Hill-Bert's Burgers. And don't forget to save room for a milk shake. Yep - this place is the real deal.