Austin's burger scene has two sides, and both are worth your time. One is the old guard: drive-ins and campus hangouts that have been flipping patties for decades. The other is newer and more playful, with food trucks parked at breweries, bar kitchens that run late and chef-driven restaurants that treat the burger as seriously as anything else on the menu. Barbecue is never far away either, and at least one of the city's most talked-about burgers comes out of a smoker.

A few areas are worth knowing. Downtown and Sixth Street have dive bars and polished restaurants within a few blocks of each other. East Austin and Cherrywood, just east of I-35, are where many chef-run spots and late-night bar menus live. South Austin, around St. Elmo and Emerald Forest, is home to trucks and smokehouses, and Burnet Road and the UT campus area keep the classics going. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Austin by style

Smash burgers and sliders

Patty Palace is a food truck in the yard at St. Elmo Brewing in South Austin, and it presses its patties paper-thin for a dark, crunchy crust and a slick of special sauce. In East Austin, Delray Cafe works out of the Nickel City bar and serves thin-patty sliders on steamed buns, plus a chili-topped looseburger. If you're new to the style, our smash burger vs. regular burger guide explains what sets it apart.

Classic burgers

Top Notch Hamburgers on Burnet Road is an old-school drive-in that has been charcoal-broiling burgers since the early 1970s. Dirty Martin's Place near UT is a century-old institution with straightforward burgers, a full bar and a double patty melt on Texas toast. Sandy's Hamburgers on Barton Springs Road is a walk-up stand that keeps things flat, buttery and simple. For more spots like these, see our best classic burgers page.

Gourmet and chef-driven

Dai Due on Manor Road is a butcher shop and restaurant whose burger stacks two dry-aged wagyu patties with bacon, dill pickles and cheddar. Downtown, VanHorn's serves a dry-aged patty with caramelized onions and cheddar, with cornichons on the side. Curious about the aging part? Read our guide to dry-aged beef burgers, then browse our best gourmet burgers in Austin.

Barbecue and bar burgers

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in South Austin makes a thick, peppery patty from smoked brisket, so it eats like a cross between a burger and a barbecue plate. Casino El Camino on Sixth Street is a dark, divey bar that char-grills huge three-quarter-pound burgers with creative toppings.

Cheap and casual

Sandy's and Top Notch are the easiest picks for a no-fuss, budget-friendly burger. JewBoy Burgers on Airport Boulevard blends Mexican and Jewish flavors on its burgers and is a casual counter-service stop. Find more in our best cheap burgers in Austin list.

Local burger traditions

Austin doesn't have one signature burger, but a few habits show up again and again. Charcoal and char-grilling still matter at the older joints, where you can taste the grill. Barbecue culture spills over into burgers, from smoked brisket patties to brisket toppings. And food trucks parked at breweries and bars are a normal place to find a great burger here, not a novelty. Texas as a whole has plenty more to explore in our best burgers in Texas roundup.

Tips for visiting

Check before you go to trucks and bar kitchens. Patty Palace and Delray Cafe operate inside or beside other businesses, so their schedules can differ from the host venue.
Pair stops by neighborhood. Dai Due and the bars on Manor Road are close together in Cherrywood, and VanHorn's and Casino El Camino are both downtown.
Plan around UT events and big festivals, when campus and downtown spots get crowded.
Expect a wait at popular spots on weekend evenings, and consider an early lunch instead.
Craving one at home? Try our ultimate smash burger recipe.
Know an Austin spot we missed? Suggest a spot.

Browse by style

Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers, classic burger joints, gourmet burgers, cheap burgers in Austin.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Austin?

It depends on the style. For a classic, start with Top Notch or Dirty Martin's. For a chef-driven burger, try Dai Due or VanHorn's. For a smash burger, go to Patty Palace.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Austin?

Sandy's Hamburgers and Top Notch are longtime budget-friendly favorites, and Delray Cafe's sliders are a good small bite.

Is there a barbecue burger in Austin?

Yes. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue makes its patty from smoked brisket, which gives it a peppery, smoky flavor you won't find at a standard burger joint.

Where can I get a burger late at night?

Bar kitchens are your best bet. Casino El Camino on Sixth Street and Delray Cafe at Nickel City both serve burgers in bar settings; check current hours before heading out.