This Humble-based burger joint now has four locations and counting in the Houston area, and for good reason. As the name implies, the cooked-to-order grilled beef and chicken burgers are massive with big flavor and ample topping choices. Take the brainwork out of your order and opt for their combinations, like the Hippo special burger, topped with bacon, jalapenos, American cheese, lettuce, or the cheesy Eggvolution that’s topped with a fried egg. Don’t forget the fries — you can cover them in garlic, cheese, buffalo sauce, cajun seasoning, and more.

The self-proclaimed Houston Godfather of Burgers has got burgers down pat, so much so that it’s unafraid to experiment and go beyond its specialty options. While October brought a savory and sweet Pumpkin Pie Burger, diners can indulge in its Thanksgiving Feast beef burger, that’s layered with Swiss cheese, grilled turkey breast, a hearty mound of sage dressing, and cranberry compote, with turkey gravy on the side. Other favorites include its Greek burger, which is topped with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, onions, green bell peppers, lettuce, tomato, and a special mayo sauce, or the multi-layered Hubcap Decker.

Open late at night, Cantina Barba serves up a dependable and delicious $6 burger that is straightforward and dare we say iconic? This 1⁄4 pound smash patty is topped with American cheese, housemade pickles, and burger sauce, and it’s so good, you might as well make it a double for $3 more.

This newly opened burger joint is already making waves on the burger scene, not only for its unique decor that’s modeled after a New York-style bodega, but for its delicious burger offerings. Go for its classic smash burger with grilled onions and its creamy Bodega sauce, or the show-stopping chopped cheese, made up of diced beef patties, cheese, peppers, and onions on a hoagie roll. But just know other options, like fries piled high with a variation of beef and cheese sauce, are also available. Don’t forget the milkshake, which comes in vanilla, chocolate, mango lassi, and Vietnamese coffee.

A top choice for burgers among many Houstonians, Christian’s Tailgate cooks up meaty patties and offers a hearty list of fix-ins, like oozing fried eggs, American cheese, mushrooms, chili, avocado, thin crispy bacon, jalapeños, and more. Switch it up and try their burger of the month, and add a side of classic crispy fries or onion rings for a meal that lives up to your imagination.

Though a Dallas-Fort Worth export, Rodeo Goat localizes itself with Houston-inspired burgers, like the Marvin Zindler burger, named after the late Houston reporter, which is topped with a pickle chutney and barbecue sauce, and the Mike Jones-themed “(281) 330-8004” burger, which is topped with garlic-roasted cremini mushrooms, pickled onions, swiss cheese, and a soy caramel glaze. Help the Texas burger chain pick its best burger in its Battle of the Burgers competition each month. Every order counts.

Home to the original “Texas Size Steak Sandwich”, this old-fashioned walk-up burger institution has been serving Houstonians for over 50 years with 1⁄3 pound patties made from prime ground chuck. Order your burger how you like it, and that’s just what they’ll serve.

This former food truck slings some of Houston’s most creative burgers, influenced by classic Filipino flavors. Order the Jeepney burger, which pairs akaushi beef patties with a link of longanisa sausage, fried egg, banana ketchup aioli, and steamed burger buns for a seriously decadent burger experience outside the norm.

Though previously only served as a special on Wednesdays, J-Bar-M’s old-fashioned smoked burger is now available every night during dinner. Served with a side of fries, the burger’s hefty, seasoned patty is stored in beef tallow and finished on Post Oak wood before it's placed on a bun, and topped with tobacco onions, Mop sauce, and thick slices of melted cheese.

Burgers in Houston can’t go without mention of this Montrose mainstay, which now has locations in the Heights and Baybrook. Top these locally-raised Texas beef patties with everything from kimchi and pulled pork to classic chili cheese, then pair with crispy fries and a thick, boozy shake infused with 8th Wonder Brewery's Rocket Fuel.

This food truck is living proof that vegan burgers can just be as exciting as the beefy ones. Served on brioche buns, Houstonatlantavegan offers its signature Rodeo burger topped with crispy fried onions and the cleverly-tiled WAP-er, a double-patty double cheese, vegan bacon, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and its “H.A.V.” sauce.

Doris’ flashy $16 burger isn’t one you’ll see every day, which is just one reason it makes the list. Made with an eye-catching, buttery Brioche black bun, Doris tops its juicy beef patty with smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, and aioli, and serves it with a side of crispy truffle fries for a flavor bomb of a meal. There is a catch, though. The Doris Burger is only available during happy hour, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or for take-out during dinner, so plan accordingly.

Who doesn’t love a good deal on a burger? At Winnie’s, you get all that, and then some. The Winn-A-Burger comes with an Oklahoma-style smash 44 Farms beef patty that’s layered with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, with serrano mustard and mayo au poivre. Get it any time in single ($12) or double ($15) form, or head there on a Monday after 8 p.m. for its $5 late-night burgers and cocktail specials.

This divey gem lives up to its iconic reputation as having some of the best buffalo burgers in the Lone Star state. Crowds have been known to flock to the little shack under the Southwest Freeway to polish off the “Vegas Burger” topped with BJ’s signature habanero hot sauce, bacon, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, and a fried egg served over a juicy patty, made with your choice of beef or bison.

This Austin-owned burger bar is considered a favorite for a reason. It consistently serves up undeniable, beefy burger combinations like the charitable Goodnight, Good Cause, which is slathered in barbecue sauce, Doddy mayo, jalapenos, caramelized onions, and Tillamook cheese, and El Bandito’s corn and black bean burger. In the mood to share? Try the hot honey and sage sweet potato fries for an enticing combo of sweet and spicy.

This neighborhood spot has been serving up classic all-beef smash burgers for more than 30 years, and needless to say, they’re pros. Spring for the double meat for $6.20 — only a dollar difference from the single, load up on your choice of sauces and fix-ins like crispy bacon, drink down a hand-blended shake or the homemade lemonade, and don’t forget a side of onion rings.