Dallas loves a big, unapologetic burger—greasy‑spoon drive‑ins, chef‑driven stunners, and craft‑beer burger bars all have their loyal fans. These five names come up nonstop in local burger debates.
1. Maple & Motor
Maple & Motor feels like a classic Texas burger joint: cramped, loud, and totally focused on the food. There’s no pretense—just a griddle, good beef, and people who know what they’re doing.
Burgers are thick, juicy patties cooked on a flat‑top with a serious crust, then topped with American cheese, jalapeños, grilled onions, bacon, and whatever else you want. The bun is soft but sturdy, and the whole thing leans just the right amount of greasy. Add tater tots or fries and a cold beer or soda, and you’ve got peak Dallas burger energy.
2. Rodeo Goat
Rodeo Goat has several locations around DFW, and pretty much every one of them is busy because the burger menu is stacked with creative (but actually good) combinations. The vibe is laid‑back, with big patios and a strong craft‑beer program.
You can go classic, but most people dive into their signature builds: burgers topped with grilled peaches and bacon, candied jalapeños, house‑made sauces, or goat cheese. The “Chaca Oaxaca” (with avocado, pico, queso fresco, and a fried egg) is one of the most popular. With crispy fries, loaded cheese fries, and lots of local beers, it’s a perfect group spot.
3. Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House
Over in East Dallas, Goodfriend is a neighborhood hangout that takes both beer and burgers very seriously. The interior is warm and wood‑heavy, with a big patio that fills up when the weather cooperates.
Burgers here tend to be big and chef‑y, with toppings like caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, fancy cheeses, house pickles, and unique sauces. The “Cheeses is Born” and other whimsically named burgers get constant love from regulars. Their tap list focuses on local and regional craft beers, making this one of the best “burger + beer” combos in the city.
4. Knife (at The Highland / other locations)
Knife is a modern steakhouse from chef John Tesar, and its burgers are absolutely part of what made it famous. It’s more upscale than the other spots on this list, but locals who care about beef put this burger high in the rankings.
The O.G. Burger is a thick, perfectly cooked patty made from high‑quality beef, topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a house sauce on a soft bun. There’s also the Ozersky—a simpler, almost minimalist burger that many hardcore burger fans love for its focus on meat and technique. It’s the kind of burger you order when you want to see what a steakhouse can do with ground beef.
5. Keller’s Drive‑In
Keller’s is pure nostalgia: an old‑school drive‑in with carhops, neon, and shockingly cheap burgers for what you get. It’s cash‑only and gloriously stuck in time.
Burgers here are thinner patties, usually stacked double or triple, with melty cheese, shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, and special sauce on a seeded bun. The famous No. 5 special (double‑meat, double‑cheese with special sauce) is what a lot of locals order on autopilot. Eat it in your car with tater tots and a cold drink and you’ll understand why this place is so beloved.
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