This inventive food truck on the lawn of Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden sources all their meat from small, responsible Texan ranchers before firing them to perfection. The L&L is their richest and tastiest, made with a smoked, reverse-seared half-pound Texas Akaushi brisket patty, melted American cheese, house made pickles, chopped and grilled onions, and housemade beet barbecue mayo, all on a Martin’s potato roll. A side of Kale Caesar Slaw should help fan the flavor.
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order take-out online.

This butcher shop and salumeria serves up quality local and sustainable meats at their 7th street patio, where it’s totally acceptable (and encouraged) to pair wine with your burger (their lineup of Texas-born wine deserves special shout out). The Signature Burger was such a hit that it spawned two forthcoming spinoff properties—both called The Butcher Burger—set to open in Austin and Houston later this year. It features a half-pound beef patty, prepared daily with steak trimmings, layered with mayo and sour pickles and tucked into a sweet-yet-savory brioche bun. An order of deliciously crispy beef fat French fries sweetens the deal. 
How to book: Reserve via Resy, order take-out online, and get delivery via Favor.

Texan grad squad Saad, Zain, and Isha launched Buddy’s in June 2020 and subsequently got a generation of burger addicts, well, addicted. The trio harnessed trusty family recipes for Smack sauce and seasoned fries using 11 homegrown spices, and focused on creating quality to-go options during lockdown. The menu is short and simple, using natural stunners like 100% Angus beef patties handmade fresh daily. Go for the Spicy Burger with Jack cheese, jalapeños, and Smack sauce if you like a kick with your meat, then cool down with an Oreo milkshake.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, call 512-401-3325 for take-out, or get delivery via Grubhub.

With an almost entirely outdoor seating plan, a visit to ranch-inspired Contigo is the best way to enjoy the summer nights—especially if you’re chowing down on thick juicy burgers. Our favorite is the Smash Burger, a manageably sized, fast food-style delight that packs a lasting punch with double meat, double cheese, grilled onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and special sauce. And don’t skip the fries. Or the crispy green beans. Or anything else, really.
How to book: Reserve online or order take-out via Toast, or get delivery via Uber Eats and Postmates.

With friendly owners and staff, potent cocktails, and great Southern-inspired fare, there’s a lot to love about The Cavalier. We adore The Cavalier Burger, with your choice of beef or veggie patty in an Easy Tiger bun, topped with white American cheese, house pickles, and house mayo. Happy hour runs every day from 3 pm to 7 pm and it’s extended until 10 pm on Sundays for sweet deals on drinks and fries. 
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out and delivery via Toast.

Hopfields’ Pascal Burger, with its toasted Challah bun, poignant-smelling Camembert cheese, cornichons, grain mustard, and caramelized onions—not to mention pommes frites and aioli—is the answer for those in search of the bougiest burger in town. Pro tip: Hopfields boasts one of Austin’s best beer selections so be sure to grab a growler to-go.
How to book: Reserve via Resy and order take-out via Toast.