The best burger joints in Austin continue to raise the bar for flavor, creativity, and downright comfort food greatness. Whether you’re a longtime local or just moving to Austin, the city offers an unmatched burger scene that hits every craving—from classic backyard styles to gourmet creations piled high with smoked brisket and house-made pickles.
For newcomers and families relocating to Austin, exploring the city’s burger joints is a delicious way to get to know different neighborhoods and support local institutions. This 2025 guide covers the most talked-about, most devoured, and most loved burger spots that help define Austin’s character—bite by bite.
The Power of the Classic: P. Terry’s Burger Stand
If there’s one name synonymous with the best burger joints in Austin, it’s P. Terry’s Burger Stand. Known for its commitment to simplicity and quality, this local favorite uses all-natural Angus beef and fresh-baked buns served with a side of nostalgia. With multiple locations across the city, P. Terry’s is a first-stop must for newcomers getting their bearings.
The vibe is unpretentious, the service fast, and the burger—well, let’s just say it’s often imitated but never duplicated. Families relocating to Austin will appreciate the affordable prices and kid-friendly menu, while longtime locals swear by the breakfast burger and shoestring fries.
Gourmet Meets Austin Grit at Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Moving to Austin means discovering elevated burger experiences like Hopdoddy Burger Bar. With origins on South Congress Avenue, Hopdoddy helped pioneer the gourmet burger movement in town. Their prime burgers are made from hormone-free, humanely raised beef, and the results speak for themselves.
The menu is filled with inventive options like the “Magic Shroom,” a decadent mushroom and goat cheese burger, and the “El Diablo,” which turns up the heat with habaneros and chipotle aioli. For newcomers looking to explore Austin’s more modern food scene, Hopdoddy delivers craft beer, fresh-cut fries, and one of the best burger experiences in the city.
Neighborhood Staple: Dan’s Hamburgers
For those relocating to Austin who want an old-school, Texas-style burger experience, look no further than Dan’s Hamburgers. Founded in the 1970s, Dan’s is a South Austin institution that has stood the test of time by doing things the right way: fresh meat, griddled patties, fluffy buns, and no-frills charm.
Locals swear by the breakfast menu too, but it’s the double cheeseburger with grilled onions and a side of crispy tots that keeps people coming back. Dan’s captures the flavor of classic Austin, making it an essential stop for newcomers hungry to taste the city’s roots.
For the Plant-Based Crowd: Arlo’s Curbside Kitchen
If you’re moving to Austin and eat plant-based, don’t worry—the city has you covered. Arlo’s Curbside Kitchen is a vegan food truck that makes even the most die-hard carnivores reconsider their choices. The Bac’n Cheeze Burger, made with a house-made soy and gluten-free patty, is indulgent, smoky, and completely meat-free.
Located outside bars and venues like Cheer Up Charlie’s, Arlo’s is a fixture in the late-night food scene and a top choice for newcomers who want to embrace Austin’s progressive, plant-forward food culture.
Craft and Culture at JewBoy Burgers
One of the most unique additions to the best burger joints in Austin is JewBoy Burgers, where El Paso roots and Jewish deli traditions collide in glorious fashion. Burgers here are smashed on a flattop and layered with rich flavors like green chiles, latkes, or pastrami. The “Goyim Burger” is an over-the-top crowd-pleaser.
Newcomers relocating to Austin who value cultural fusion and storytelling through food will appreciate the creativity and warmth at JewBoy. The owner’s personal journey is woven into every bite, offering a uniquely Austin experience.
Dirty Martin’s Place: 100 Years of Burger Legacy
Relocating to Austin means stepping into history—and no burger place offers that like Dirty Martin’s Place. Established in 1926, this iconic burger joint near the UT Austin campus is still going strong nearly a century later.
Their “Kum-Bak Burger” is made from hand-formed patties and grilled to juicy perfection. The old-school décor, friendly service, and generous portions make Dirty Martin’s a rite of passage for students, locals, and newcomers alike. It’s a great first bite into Austin’s legacy.
Salt & Time’s Butcher Burger
For serious meat lovers moving to Austin, Salt & Time in East Austin offers a butcher shop and restaurant in one. Their dry-aged butcher burger is rich, juicy, and topped with pickled onions, aioli, and cheddar on a house-baked bun.
Because they grind their beef fresh daily from responsibly sourced cuts, it’s one of the highest-quality burgers in town. It’s not cheap, but it’s unforgettable—and perfect for newcomers looking to treat themselves while exploring East Austin’s culinary scene.
Pool Burger: Tiki Vibes and Crave-Worthy Stacks
Behind Deep Eddy Pool, you’ll find Pool Burger, a tropical, tiki-themed burger shack with unbeatable vibes. The menu features juicy patties made from grass-fed beef, topped with everything from grilled pineapple to sambal mayo. The “Jack Kerouac” and “Blue Hawaiian” are both wildly creative options.
Newcomers who’ve just relocated to Austin and are hunting for that “keep it weird” experience will love Pool Burger’s fun fusion of good food, good drinks, and laid-back energy.
Wholly Cow Burgers: Local, Organic, and Texan
Locally sourced and grass-fed, Wholly Cow Burgers has earned its reputation among the best burger joints in Austin for doing it right. Located off South Lamar, this joint takes pride in serving beef from nearby ranches and crafting everything in-house, from patties to buns.
Their “Farm to Table” approach resonates with newcomers who value sustainability and want to support Austin’s local economy. Try the Fit Cross Burger for a protein-packed, low-carb option or go all in with the Big Texan.
Hat Creek Burger Company: Family-Friendly Favorites
Hat Creek Burger Company is more than a burger joint—it’s a community hangout spot, especially for families moving to Austin with kids. With multiple locations and kid-friendly playgrounds, Hat Creek is designed for casual dining without compromising on quality.
The menu offers customizable burgers, crispy fries, and excellent shakes. Hat Creek also serves gluten-free and vegetarian options, making it an inclusive stop for every member of the family. Newcomers will love the warm hospitality and local pride that comes with every visit.
How to Explore the Best Burger Joints in Austin
Whether you’ve just moved into a downtown apartment or are relocating to Austin’s quieter suburbs, the burger scene is your best excuse to get out and explore. Many of these places are near greenbelts, parks, or entertainment districts, making them perfect additions to a weekend adventure.
From grabbing a quick bite after unpacking boxes to sharing a meal with new neighbors, burger joints serve as informal gathering places that reflect Austin’s spirit. Each neighborhood has its go-to spot, and discovering your personal favorite is a rite of passage for any newcomer.
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