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.

Hosted in the Houston Farmers Market, Underbelly Hospitality restaurant offers some solid burger options, including its 44 Farms Angus Burger and its R-C Ranch wagyu burger, which comes with two all-beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and house sauce. Vegetarians can join in on the burger fun with the homemade veggie burger, with a patty made with a combination of black bean, brown rice, and beets, and topped with avocado, lettuce, and corn relish. Upgrade to a combo for $5 and add the Ranch-seasoned potato fries.

Though a clear departure from the Vietnamese cuisine she's known for, this sandwich shop by MasterChef winner and James Beard Award-nominated chef Christine Ha is quickly becoming a favorite in Spring Branch. The Belly burger is no exception. Made with two smashed beef chuck patties, this burger is topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, and its signature Stuffed sauce on a toasted potato bun.

Old school since 1961, Stanton’s serves up an impressive array of thirteen burgers, all made with a half-pound of fatty, smoky deliciousness and topped with house-made condiments. The Cowboy Brunch — topped with a fried egg, grilled onions, bacon, house-fried pickles, Swiss and American cheese, on Texas toast — is a great option. But if you really love bacon, go for the Miss Piggie, which comes with candied bacon.

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.

Diners don’t typically go to an Italian restaurant for a good burger, but this Dallas import has a true gem on its menu. Made with house-ground chuck, this juicy burger is topped with aged provolone, Calabrian chilies for spice, and then arugula, fennel, and red onions for a perfect balance of punchy freshness that helps cut through the pleasant fattiness of the burger,

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.

The Jewish delicatessen’s “In Queso Emergency” burgers have scored big points with Houstonians. Swimming in a sea of fries and a side of cold coleslaw, find a monstrous burger worth every cent of the $21 it costs. It starts with light, glossy challah buns spread with chipotle mayonnaise, then topped with a lethal combination of meat, bacon, pepper jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and fried onion strings. Mike’s Meshugganah, a whopper topped with bacon, blue cheese, mushrooms, and crispy onion rings, blue cheese dressing, on a molasses wheat bun, is another belt-buster.

What would this bonafide Houston drinking destination be without a solid burger? In between sips of frozen drinks and Ranch Waters on tap, be sure to browse the tapas-style food menu, which includes a cheeseburger that might take you back to childhood when McDonald’s Happy Meals were all the rage, but in the best way. For $12, you’ll get a satisfying quarter-pound beef patty from 1855 Farms that’s topped with American cheese, pickles, and diced onions. Ramp up the flavor with a fried egg for $3.

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 a Brioche bun with black sesame seeds, 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 home-grown burger joint serves up smashed patties and falafel burgers with an Asian flair — all assembled your way. Grab its checklist-style menu and choose between sweet sourdough, brioche, rye, or lettuce buns; pack on toppings like seared spam, kimchi relish, pickled or charred jalapenos; and opt for sauces like scallion aioli or sambal mayo for the dipping or slathering. Then, open wide.

Bun B’s pop-up burger concept finally opened its brick-and-mortar in Montrose in June, drawing in celebrities and diners from all around the country, many of who lined up around the block to try one of its smash burgers. Luckily, it’s lived up to the hype. Order a one-, two-, or three-patty burger, composed of smashed beef patties seasoned to perfection with a hint of crisp and topped with American cheese, pickles, caramelized onions, and the creamy Trill sauce. Vegans will be delighted by the vegan version, which is topped with vegan cheese and vegan mayo, and a tasty option, even for meat eaters.

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.

Rice Village’s newest restaurant offers a twist on the traditional beef burger, instead layering two short rib and duck patties, ground and formed in-house, with grilled onions, gooey gruyere, and a special sauce. And in true Eau Tour tradition, the delightfully delicate sesame-seeded brioche bun is also homemade. Bonus: Score the burger as a “happy meal” with a side of fries and Kronenbourg 1664 lager for $18 during Eau Tour’s happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

With a second location in Bellaire, Lankford’s is dishing out some of its esteemed burgers, fries, and milkshakes — now, with a self-pour tap station, with more than 20 beers, wines, and ciders to choose from. The Grim, a beefy patty topped with macaroni and cheese, jalapeño, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sunny-side-up fried egg, will always be a classic. Like spice? Make it hot and order the Grim Reaper, which adds cayenne butter and a habanero sauce. The Red, White, & Blue burger, topped with Ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, roasted red peppers, and red onion is a sleeper hit. Don’t like beef? Sub it out for grilled or fried chicken, turkey, salmon, tilapia, a black bean burger, or an Impossible patty.

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.

Just like its smoky predecessor, Killen's Burgers is already inspiring the kind of lines that only Ronnie Killen can seem to cultivate. An expertly-blended duo of brisket and chuck produce a patty that can only be described as ridiculously delicious, and the addition of housemade toppings and a buttery bun only adds to the magic. Pair with crinkle fries or onion rings and enjoy burger nirvana.