The Best Burgers in Austin, Texas Come from Three Long-Standing Burger Joints

While seen as typical American fare, the hamburger, ironically, has roots that are more international. The hamburger comes from a German food and an English eating method. The Hamburg steak, named for the German port of Hamburg, comprised the inside the sandwich, which was named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich who ate steak inside two bread slices.

Where can you find the best version of the hamburger in Austin? I've eschewed franchises in favor of Austin originals. You won't find these best burgers anywhere else.

Huts

Hut's has blessed Austin with originally named delicious burgers since 1939. I eat the Hut's Favorite (bacon cheeseburger) while my more adventurous dining companions (teenage children) are up for anything including The Wolfman Jack (sour cream, chilies, Jack cheese and bacon) and the All American Buddy Holly Burger, AKA The Works.

If you'd rather your burger be a chicken burger, veggie burger or buffalo burger (yes, buffalo raised in Texas), Hut's will happily oblige you. I like it that Hut's buys burger ingredients in Texas from Texans and all meat is fresh, never frozen, and comes from grass fed, hormone free animals.

For a deal, eat a Hut's from 6pm - 10pm on Wednesday and enjoy 2-for-1 burgers during Hut's Hamburger Happy Hour. As a bonus, treat yourself to a milk shake - Huts serves the real deal - thick and tasty.

Hut's is on 6^th Street in downtown Austin, but west of Congress Avenue away from the 6^th Street party area.

Hut's - open daily from 11:00am - 10pm.

807 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Dan's Hamburgers / Fran's Hamburgers

Dan's and Fran's are Austin institutions with reasonably priced, retro, greasy, sinfully good burgers, shakes, and fries. They are also famous for their breakfasts - also greasy and yummy and their overstuffed breakfast tacos are a triumph.

Dan and Fran were married and owned four Dan's locations in Austin, Texas. I remember when Dan and Fran divorced and luckily for Austin, they decided to split the restaurants; Dan got two and Fran got two with Dan later adding more locations. There are Dan's fans and Fran's fans. I didn't take sides. For me, whether you go to Dan's or Fran's you'll get the same almost addictingly great burger Austinites have loved for years.

The ambiance is decidedly fast food at both Dan's and Fran's, but no one cares because the food and service are both so good.

Dan's and Fran's are incredibly popular so call ahead to place your order for pickup if you don't want to wait.

Dan's Hamburgers open 6am - 11pm daily.

5602 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78751; 512-459-3239
844 Airport, Austin, TX 78702; 512-385-2262
2028 E. Ben White #426, Austin, TX 78741; 512-428-3800
4308 Manchaca, Austin, TX 78704; 512-443-6131

Fran's Hamburgers - Hours: Sun.-Thu., 10am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-10:30pm

1822 S. Congress, Austin, TX 78704; 512-444-5738
6214 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78723; 512-458-6007‎

Fran's S. Congress Avenue location boasts a can't-miss-it redheaded girl sculpture atop the drive-in.

Hill's Cafe

Hill's has been serving great burgers and free live music in South Austin since 1947. Consistently voted best burger in Austin, Hill's burgers are more expensive at almost $10 each, but deliciously worth it. The folks at Hill's believe you can't truly call yourself an Austinite until you have eaten there. Click for the Hill's Web site.

Source: Personal knowledge and experience; Google for addresses and hours.