Mom & Pop Burger Joints in Austin

When it comes to burgers, Austin becomes the capital of Texas in more ways than one. If fast food chains are what you are after, you are in the wrong place. The places listed here don't have a clown or a crown among them. If you are looking for independently owned hamburger joints, on the other hand, what follows are the top three, in no particular order. Avoid these places during rush times like rush and dinner, though, unless you are prepared to wait in long lines.

First up we have Moonie's which, strictly speaking, is not in Austin. Moonie's is actually north of Austin, in Cedar Park, in the former location of Bubba's Icehouse. They make their unique buns in house and the bread alone is worth the trip. The fries are excellent. The Hawaiian Burger with pineapple and special sauce is a must try for anyone who wants more than just a burger. If you do want just a burger, they make those really well, too. Expect to spend more than $5 per burger, about $10 per meal.

Way downtown on Guadalupe Street, there is the burger joint that sounds bad, but whose food tastes so good. Dirty Martin's Place Kum-Bak Hamburgers has been in business for nearly 100 years, but don't think that makes them out-dated. Their burgers are some of the best, period, and now they've even got Wi-Fi and HD. Their back patio is an unassuming little place, but there is nothing unassuming about one of their hot fresh cheeseburgers. Vegetarian and feeling jealous? Try one of their black bean burgers instead. Unlike most burger joints, they've got beer on tap. Burgers are $3.25 and up, as are appetizers and sides.

Finally, there is Dan's Hamburgers on Lamar, near the Department of Public Safety. Small, oddly shaped building, with a parking lot barely large enough to turn around in, but some of the best burgers and fries anywhere, and the shakes are fantastic, too. How else could a tiny restaurant have thrived while accepting Cash Only well into the 21^st century? The booths are a tight squeeze because there are always hungry people, and there is only so much room for tables and lines, but don't give up - it will be worth it when that burger comes. Most burgers are under $5.