Dallas has one of the deepest benches of classic burger joints in Texas. Drive-ins that have been griddling for generations sit alongside dive bars, beer gardens, a neighborhood smash burger counter and chef-driven restaurants that use custom beef blends. Most of the city's best burgers are casual, and many come from bars, so it's an easy city to eat well without a reservation.

A few areas are worth knowing. Deep Ellum, just east of downtown, is home to an old honky-tonk and a long-running diner. East Dallas, Lower Greenville and Lake Highlands have beer gardens, bars and a classic drive-in. Oak Cliff, south of the Trinity River, has a smash burger counter and the Bishop Arts District. The Cedars, Oak Lawn and the Medical District round things out. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can explore more in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Dallas by style

Classic burger joints

Maple & Motor in the Medical District is famous for a griddled brisket-and-chuck patty with plenty of fat for a deep sear. AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum is a diner whose "Best Cheeseburger in Texas" comes with horseradish and dill pickles. Adair's Saloon, also in Deep Ellum, is an old honky-tonk that cooks simple cheeseburgers in a tiny back room. Lee Harvey's in The Cedars is a dive bar known for its half-pound burger and onion rings. Browse more on our best classic burgers in Dallas page.

Drive-ins

Dairy-Ette in Casa View has been griddling burgers to order for nearly seven decades, and its patty melt is a favorite. Keller's Drive-In on Northwest Highway is a classic drive-in known for very affordable cheeseburgers and tater tots.

Smash burgers

Herby's Burgers in Oak Cliff is a retro neighborhood counter with thin, crusty patties, American cheese and a house sauce. Roy G's in Oak Lawn serves a thin smashed patty with grilled onions, American cheese and special sauce. For more around the country, see our best smash burgers page.

Beer gardens and bar burgers

Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House in East Dallas serves a tribute burger named for Anthony Bourdain, with two crushed patties, American cheese and Kewpie mayo. The Peak Inn in Old East Dallas is a no-frills bar known for the Lil' Kahuna, made with ground bacon and brisket and topped with slaw.

Gourmet

Stock & Barrel in the Bishop Arts District has used the same wagyu brisket and chuck blend for about a decade. Goodwins on Lower Greenville makes a thick patty with a mixed-mustard sauce and horseradish pickles, and skips the lettuce and tomato. See our best gourmet burgers page for more.

Local burger traditions

Dallas burger culture is built on drive-ins, diners and bars, and it rewards simplicity: a well-seared patty, American or cheddar cheese, pickles, onions and mustard. Brisket also shows up often, either blended into the patty, as at Maple & Motor and Stock & Barrel, or ground into it alongside bacon, as at The Peak Inn. Learn more about how styles differ in American burger styles explained, or see more around the state in our best burgers in Texas roundup.

Tips for visiting

Dairy-Ette and Keller's are drive-ins, so you can eat in your car.
Adair's Saloon often has live country music, so expect a crowd on weekend nights.
Pair stops by area: Adair's and AllGood are both in Deep Ellum, and Herby's and Stock & Barrel are both in Oak Cliff.
Check hours before you go, especially for bar kitchens and drive-ins.
Try a Dallas-style double at home with our classic backyard cheeseburger recipe.
Know a Dallas spot we missed? Suggest a spot.

Browse by style

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

FAQ

What is the best burger in Dallas?

Maple & Motor and AllGood Cafe are the classic starting points. For a smash burger, try Herby's. For a gourmet burger, go to Stock & Barrel or Goodwins.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Dallas?

Keller's Drive-In and Dairy-Ette are the go-to budget picks, and Roy G's and The Peak Inn are casual and affordable too.

Where can I get a burger with live music in Dallas?

Adair's Saloon in Deep Ellum often has live country music, and Lee Harvey's in The Cedars is a lively bar with a big burger.

Are there drive-ins in Dallas?

Yes. Dairy-Ette in Casa View and Keller's Drive-In on Northwest Highway both serve burgers to your car.