The Best Burger Spots in San Antonio

There are quite a few nifty burger joints in greater San Antonio, which exude the Happy Days atmosphere and are not the usual fast food establishment.....

55 Diner
7530 Bandera Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78238
210-533-1155

On the outside looking in, the restaurant looks like a typical eating place. But once you enter the establishment, it resembles a simpler time when basic American food thrived.

You're in the Happy Days era and can order the food of the teens from hamburgers and fries to old-fashion malts and sundaes.

You can sit in booths or at tables salvaged from vintage Chicago diners - and even on stools at the counter - on a black-and-white checkerboard floor.

The most popular selection: cheeseburger! cheeseburger! cheeseburger! For dinner, the menu caters to adults and ranges from chicken fried steak dinner to a T-bone.

There are several luncheon specials, which include a drink, that's served until 2 p.m.

Cheesy Jane's
11654 Bandera Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78250
210-767-9090

This is the place where you can woof down huge burgers and flavorful milk shakes or malts.

Young and old patronize the busy joint in a renovated gas station that also serves a variety of sandwiches from grilled cheese and tuna melts to chicken and hotdogs.

Most popular is the Cheesy Jane, a half-pound patty and all the trimmings with double Cheddar on a toasted bun and fries. Adults can wash it down with a bottle of beer or glass of wine. Kids can sip on fountain drinks at the soda bar.

There are specials for kids from the quarter-pounder to chicken fingers.

Clear Springs Café
6030 Bandera Rd.
Leon Valley, TX 78238
210-692-3474

This eatery features a varied menu of country-cooked entrées from seafood and steaks to ribs and burgers, plus award-winning onion rings.

Traditional dishes such as shrimp and oysters, plus the popular catfish and chicken fried steak, are hand breaded with a slightly spicy recipe and fried in cholesterol free pure vegetable shortening.

The Texas-size order of onion rings can feed from six to nine diners. The menu includes blackened catfish and grilled steaks. Many orders come with coleslaw and hushpuppies or either rice, fries or pinto beans.

Fuddruckers
115 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78025
210-223-9944

Patrons build their own burgers made from ground beef, turkey, salmon and ostrich baked daily on the grill if this sandwich joint with a diner-like atmosphere.

The condiment bar is stocked with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos and a variety of sauces. Side dishes include cole slaw, baked beans and wedge-shaped fries.

Best beverages for the buck are 32-ounce sodas and iced tea.

Sammy's Restaurant
202 U.S. 90 East
Castroville, TX 78009
830-538-2204

Adding a room at a time, the seven-days-a-week restaurant, with a full bar, serves American dishes with a touch of Tex-Mex.

Erected in 1948 as an icehouse, the operation evolved into a drive-in burger joint in '50 and provided curb service until '69. Spacious, wood-paneled dining areas, with low-key décor, are comfortable.

There's a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soups are fresh. Charbroiled hamburgers are big and juicy. Lunch specials are served daily.

Featured dishes include chicken fried steak, catfish and enchiladas. Freshly baked breads, light pastries and desserts are furnished from the family-operated bakery across the street.

Private meeting rooms are available for large and small groups.

Willies Grill & Icehouse
15801 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-490-9220

The burger joint is great for adults with kids. While parents dine, they can watch their siblings enjoy video games, play in the outdoor sandbox or view the big screen TV.

The Chili Willie cheeseburger is huge while the Chicken Willie grilled sandwich is tender. Start off with an appetizer, light, crispy chips and queso.