Throughout my life, I’ve only seen a few foods so popular that they ended up on a best of list, whether in Texas or across the nation. The burger is one of those.
The History of the Burger, according to Athens, Texas
Athens claims to be the official home of the hamburger. According to local legend, in the late 1880’s, Fletcher “Uncle Fletch” Davis invented the burger in the east Texas town before debuting it at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. New Haven, CT, Seymour, WI, and Hamburg, NY, all claim to have created the burger. I’m sticking with the Texas story.
When it comes to burgers, everyone has their opinions, and I’m pretty sure I’ll hear many of those after people read this post, and that’s fine with me. The burger created by Uncle Fletch back in the day consisted of a fried ground beef patty with mustard and a slice of onion placed between two slices of homemade bread and served with a pickle.
These days, burgers vary widely, from the type of bun and meat to the choice of vegetables and condiments. What do you think absolutely has to go on a burger, and what should never, ever be on one? I’d love to hear your must-haves and dealbreakers!
Here’s my personal list of the top five burgers I’ve had in the Lone Star State. Now I’m not here to claim these are the best burgers in Texas for everyone. These are the ones I crave more than any other burgers I’ve had in Texas.
1. Perini Ranch – Buffalo Gap
Why I Love It
Perini Ranch is best known for steaks. Located in the tiny town of Buffalo Gap, population under 1,000, the restaurant is the go-to place for delicious food. While my husband loves their tomahawk ribeye that he enjoyed a few years ago on his birthday (and for the next couple of days), I love their burger. It’s big, bold, and packed with flavor. The first time I ate at Perini Ranch, I had a mesquite-grilled steak, green chile hominy, and their signature Perini Ranch Bread Pudding with Maker’s Mark Whiskey Sauce. When I returned with my husband a few years later, I ordered the Today Show Award-Winning Ranch Burger. It comes with cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms, green chiles and onions. To this day, it is the best burger I’ve ever eaten. And, yes, I saved room for dessert, because their bread pudding is worth it. But so is the Jalapeño Cheesecake.
2. East Texas Burger Company – Mineola
Why I Love It
East Texas Burger Company in Mineola is a classic stop for anyone craving a true small-town Texas burger. Their patties are juicy and the buns are toasted, something many restaurants don’t do any more. While you’re waiting on your burger, you can check out the napkins that are pinned all over the walls, and include kid’s artwork, adult doodles, and the occasional funny joke. The restaurant makes one of the biggest ½ pound burgers I’ve ever seen. So, I recommend going with a 1/4-pound burger, so you have room for dessert. Their fried pies are almost as big as their burgers.
3. Burgerland – Paris
Why I Love It
Burgerland in Paris is a hidden gem. The diner started as a Dairy Queen in the 50’s and became Burgerland sometime in the 70’s. According to the waitstaff, they make 500 burgers a day, and they’re open six days a week. They also hand cut their fries every morning. I had a half order of fries, and I didn’t come close to finishing it. There are about 20 seats inside the restaurant and four or five picnic tables outside, so it fills up pretty quickly. The parking lot was full, too. Some people were sitting in their cars, either waiting for their orders or eating in their vehicles. If you’re one of the lucky people who finds a seat inside, watching the staff and cooks making everything in such a tiny space is almost like watching a choreographed show. After you finish your burger, head over to the largest Eiffel Tower in the world (with a red cowboy hat). It’s definitely worth seeing.
4. GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina – Amarillo
Why I Love It
Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District is filled with vintage shops, neon signs, art galleries, and classic diners representing the golden age of American road trips. The GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina is located in the district. The cafe is recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Route 66 in Texas, serving locals and travelers since 1946. It is an Amarillo institution, and the burgers are old school goodness. I visited a few years ago but didn’t make it earlier this year when I drove Route 66. If I hadn’t already eaten lunch, it would have definitely been my stop just to enjoy their burger again.
5. Prime 102 – Tyler
Why I Love It
Most of the places I order burgers from aren’t upscale, high-end restaurants with white tablecloths and real silverware. That said, I used to work in downtown Tyler next door to Prime 102. The restaurant is housed in the historic, art-deco People’s Petroleum Building so it was a convenient location for me to go for lunch. I’ve tried many of their menu items, but my favorite hands down is the Ten Burger. The patty is made with a mix of house blended brisket, short rib and chuck and served on a toasted brioche bun. The fries are almost as good as the burger. It’s not pretentious, but it sure is tasty.
Honorable Mention
I discovered the Ranch House Restaurant in Sanderson when I drove the perimeter of Texas back in June of 2020. The Ranch House has a walk-up window for ordering. You wait under a covered patio, and when your name is called, it’s outdoor, old-school dining at its best. No frills, just delicious goodness in a bun, alongside hand cut French fries. What could be better? And while it’s a distance to drive there, as they say in Sanderson, “So far, so good!”
These are my favorites, chosen for memories, flavor, and the special Texas touches each one brings to the table. If you haven’t tried these spots, I highly recommend putting them on your burger bucket list!
Upcoming Burger Events in Texas
Several communities in Texas are getting ready to celebrate the humble burger with special events. Check these out.
Major Texas Burger and Restaurant Weeks
- Fort Worth Burger Week: August 17–23, 2026 (over 30 local spots with $8 specialty burgers)
- Dallas Burger Week: August 17–23, 2026 (inaugural event offering $8 specialty burgers at participating restaurants)
- Houston Restaurant Weeks: August 1–September 7, 2026. Hundreds of local restaurants showcase gourmet burgers on prix-fixe menus ($25). Proceeds benefit the Houston Food Bank.
Jamburgeree (formerly the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival)
Who can forget Uncle Fletch in Athens? Add the Jamburgeree to your calendar in October and head to the town where it all started.
- When: October 16–17, 2026
- The Celebration: Downtown Athens hosts a festival with an official hamburger cook-off, burger-eating contest, arts and crafts vendors, live music, kids activities, and classic cars.
Celebrate the Burger on National Whataburger Day
No Texas burger celebration would be complete without mentioning National Whataburger Day! Every year on August 8th, fans across the Lone Star State (and beyond) celebrate Texas’ homegrown fast-food legend. Many locations offer special deals, limited-time menu items, and plenty of orange-and-white pride. If you’re a Whataburger fan, mark your calendar and join the festivities!
Do you have a favorite Texas burger spot?
Share your picks in the comments. I’m always looking for new places to try.
Until next time from Texas…safe travels!