It’s safe to say the smashburger trend is here to stay. Even before hip hop legend Bun B’s Trill Burger–a double beef patty smash burger lathered with Trill sauce–was awarded the coveted title of “Best Burger in America” by Good Morning America in 2022, a number of Houston chefs were wowing guests with their approach to the cheesy, melty handheld, and today, even more have entered the chat.
A welcome alternative to a traditional backyard-style burg, smashburgers are made with ground beef that is cooked on a hot griddle, then smashed with a flat spatula or burger press until it forms a thin, seared patty. This technique results in imperfect, caramelized rounds that pack in plenty of juicy flavor. Topped with a slice of melted cheese, the patty is layered on a hamburger bun with condiments and toppings like pickles and chopped onions.
With Houston chefs putting their own spin on smashburgers, whether it be using locally sourced beef and buns, or creating their own secret sauce, there is much to consider when choosing one to sink your teeth into. Here are 10 smashburgers that are not to be missed in Houston.
Hotline Burger
Hotline Burger’s smashburgers are a masterclass in simplicity. Built with double patties of 100% Halal beef, the discs are pressed on a hot griddle until crisp, locking in a juicy, savory center. Each burger is layered with American cheese, sweet grilled onions, pickles, and a swipe of signature tangy “Smack Sauce”. Every bite delivers a fantastic balance of crunch, melt, and drip-down-your-hands indulgence. Multiple locations
Burger Bodega
This pop-up turned brick-and-mortar on Washington Avenue is reminiscent of a New York City-style bodega, complete with mock advertisements cluttering up the windows and Graffiti-inspired murals commissioned from local artists. The smashburger stacks double smashed beef patties with American cheese, grilled onions, housemade pickles, and bodega sauce on a potato bun. But, it’s the long list of add-ons where diners can get really adventurous. From spicy mayo and Harlem aioli to habaneros and thin cut fries, a smash burger from Burger Bodega can easily break free from tradition… if you so choose. Burger Bodega is just as lauded for its chopped cheese, a sandwich of ground beef and cheese built on a hero roll that hails from the Big Apple. 4520 Washington Ave., Houston, burgerbodega.com
Trill Burgers
Long before opening a brick-and-mortar and becoming a household name in Houston, Trill Burgers started as a pop-up, co-founded by rapper Bun B, in 2021 in the wake of the pandemic. The Trill OG burger, a smash burger built with two smashed beef patties, caramelized onions, pickles and “Trill” sauce on a potato bun, was often the only item sold at the pop-ups and it swiftly gained a cult following. Earning top honors in countless food competitions in the months that followed, including Good Morning America’s search for the “Best Burger in America”, solidified the young burger concept as a major player in Houston’s culinary scene. Today, Trill fans no longer have to wait for a pop-up to get their hands on the Trill OG burger, as it is available at both Montrose and Spring locations. 3607 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston, trill-burgers.com
Jethro’s
Quietly situated on the east side of Montrose near Midtown, Jethro’s is more of a bar than a restaurant, yet it has garnered widespread attention for its smash burger. The patty is an angus blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and it’s layered with American cheese, pickles, and a zesty house spread on a toasted brioche bun. It serves as an excellent snack between cocktails, and can be amped up with double patties or the addition of sauteed onions and a side of ranch. 95 Tuam St. Ste. 102, Houston, jethroshouston.com
Bun Slut
With multiple locations around Houston, Bun Slut is among the most convenient places to score a smash burger, and it’s easy on the wallet. The single smash burger packs a smashed beef patty with melted cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and “slut” sauce on double buns, while a double isa couple of bucks more. Guests can also go for the Slutty Melt, which swaps out hamburger buns for thick slices of Texas toast. Multiple locations, eatbunslut.com
B.B. Lemon
As the sister restaurant of popular Houston steakhouse, B&B Butchers and Restaurant, it’s no surprise B.B. Lemon serves a fantastic smash burger. The burg is built with double 100% American wagyu beef patties, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions, and is a favorite among the lunch crowd who frequent Downtown’s Enterprise Plaza tunnels. 1100 Louisiana St. Suite T80, Houston, bblemon.com
Graffiti
A festive alternative to grabbing a smash burger to-go, Graffiti offers guests a vibrant and light-filled dining space in which to dine, with a bar, picturesque wraparound patio, and full table service. The all-day menu features a multicultural mix of dishes, inspired by the travels of its trio of partners, Grant and Jacy Cooper, and Josep Prats, including ceviches, tartare, pastas, and a killer smash burger. The cheeseburger boasts double smashed patties, made with a combination of Angus beef and chopped onions, and is layered with American cheese, dill pickles, and a house-made spicy aioli, coined “Daddy’s sauce”. At more than $20, it’s got a hefty price tag, but visit during Graffiti Raw’s happy hour and enjoy a scaled down version called Daddy’s burger, with a single patty for just $12. 1001 California St. Ste. 101, Houston, graffitiraw.com
Boo’s Burgers
A former pop-up turned East End favorite, Boo’s Burgers serves up smash burgers with a side of nostalgia, drawing inspiration for its design from roadside burger stands and ice cream parlors of times past. The signature OG Burger is built with 44 Farms beef smashed to crispy-edged perfection, and is layered with American cheese, shaved onions, spicy pickles, sliced tomatoes, “shrettuce”, and a drizzle of smoky burger sauce in a Cake & Bacon challah bun. 2510 Navigation Blvd., Houston, boosburgershtx.com
Proper – A Burger Spot
Proper – A Burger Spot is one of the many restaurant vendors situated inside the Finn, a bustling food hall located on the street level of the Jones on Main. The restaurant features smashburgers, milkshakes, and has a retro diner atmosphere, making it a comforting escape from the office among the power lunch crowd. While the restaurant slings a few different burgers, and a chicken sandwich, the Proper Smash is the way to go, built simply with American Cheese, Proper sauce, dill pickle, and caramelized onion. 712 Main St, Houston, thefinnhou.com/proper-burger
Clutch City Grill
Located inside Conservatory Galleria, a multi-level food hall with a variety of diverse food options, Clutch City Grill slings a smashburger that is hard to pass up. Built with smash patties, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a drizzle of housemade Clutch sauce, the sandwich is packed with goodness and fresh flavor. Get a double dose of delicious with a side of Clutch fries, which are topped with a smash patty and all of the same toppings. 5353 W. Alabama St. Ste. 100, Houston, clutchcitygrillhtx.com
