This List - Edition 1

THE LEADER.

THE LIST. February 2013

Introducing a new Leader publication First things ďŹ rst. We probably need to apologize in advance to those of you who have opened this new publication. There’s a pretty safe bet that once you read through these pages, you’re going to immediately get in your car and go ďŹ nd a hamburger to eat.

The genesis of The List is quite interesting. Right around the New Year, we were looking at stories in our community that needed to be told. One of those stories actually had to do with weight loss, and we wondered how all the wonderful restaurants, namely hamburger restaurants, fared during the ďŹ rst couple of months of any New Year. More to the point, we wondered if business got really bad while people feigned New Year’s resolutions.

As we began talking through the stories, we started naming all the places in our area that serve a tremendous hamburger. The List, as you might say, went on and on and on.

That’s the birth of The List.

One thing we know about our readers is that they love good food. And with so many restaurants in our community, we didn’t feel there was a publication anywhere that just focused on us.

Sure, there are foodie publications all over the area. We get national TV shows and Cooks who, ever so often, come review our restaurants. But beginning with this inaugural edition of The List, publishing the ďŹ nal week of every month, we’re going to ďŹ nd the major food groups in our area and tell you about specialties you can’t ďŹ nd anywhere else.

For those businesses who took us at our word and have supported this ďŹ rst edition, I’d like

Page 2 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Jonathan McElvy, Publisher

to personally thank you. We hope people read about your restaurant’s excellent burgers and visit you tenfold. As this publication grows and evolves, we look forward to telling the stories of restaurants all over our area.

There are a few things to know about The List. First, there are no rankings here. We’re not trying to tell you which burgers are the best. We’re just hoping to introduce you to some places you should try.

Second, this section does not pretend to list every restaurant in the area that serves a burger.

Nothing was guaranteed when we started, and there may be some that were left o. We approached as many as possible and many chose not to participate.

Last, you’re going to ďŹ nd – throughout the publication – some restaurants that are “Spotlightsâ€? or “Places you must try.â€? While some publications would hide this, we will not: Those highlighted restaurants were those that chose to support this publication. We ďŹ gure we’re a business just like them, and they deserve our extra support.

Let us know what you think of The List. We sure got full publishing it.

5)& -*45

3ERVES UP THE 3IZZLE #OMING -ARCH TH

Page 3 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

From chain patties to gourmet, we love our burgers

by Wes Swift

every year. From stripped down, thin patty burgers to a slew of upscale “gourmet” offerings, burgers continue to For The Leader weather bad economies and passing food trends to reign supreme as one of Americans’ favorite foods.

Where’s the beef? It’s right here. The turkey, lamb, What’s so special about the hamburger that keeps us short ribs, brisket, buffalo and veggie blend, too. coming back for more?

Nearly 30 years after Clara Peller posed that simple “Hamburgers are the great democratic food,” said R. question in the famous Wendy’s commercial, America’s Kenji Lopez-Alt, chief creative officer of SeriousEats.com love affair with the hamburger is still going strong –– and and a burger connoisseur himself. “It’s the kind of food getting more complex. that with a few simple ingredients and the right cooking According to studies, Americans eat 100 hamburgers techniques, anybody can make a quality burger that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”

The burger itself has seen a bit of rejuvenation in recent years. Once considered a blue-collar food for the masses, chefs at upscale restaurants began adding fancy burgers to their menus. The trend began in 2007, when famed chef Daniel Boulud introduced a burger stuffed with foie gras and braised short ribs that sold for $32.

Meanwhile, a slew of new hamburger chains specializing in burgers with quality ingredients have sprung up nationwide, looking to improve on the massproduced offerings from popular chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King.

Houston has its hometown Becks Prime (now expanded to Dallas), and diners here looking for a quick bite can grab a burger at places such as Smashburger and Five Guys Burgers & Fries, among others. All have locations in burger-ravenous Leader neighborhoods.

Those new “better burger” chains are already making a dent in the burger industry. According to a report by Techtomic, they account for only $2.5 billion of the $70 billion burger industry; however, those same chains grew 20.8 percent from 2010 to 2011. The overall R. Kenji Lopez-Alt: You can’t hide a poor burger by covering it in burger market grew just 3.7 percent in the same timeframe. toppings. (Photo by Peter Tannenbaum)

By the

NUMBERS

Americans love hamburgers.

There’s no disputing that. Here’s a few little known facts about Americans’ love affair with burgers:

Out of this world

Americans eat 13 billion burgers a year. If lined up in a straight line, the burgers would circle the Earth 32 times.

Lion’s share

Burgers account for 72 percent of all beef served at U.S. restaurants.

At the same time, small eatery owners began tinkering with their own burger recipes, adding new toppings, gourmet cheeses and specialty breads to bring more uncommon flavors to a new class of food enthusiasts who would travel miles for a good burger in their own city, while making time to explore beloved burger spots during vacation trips.

Leader-area burger kings like Hubcap Grill, Little Bitty Burger Barn and Christian’s Tailgate have all received national attention (and corresponding crowds) for their specially blended patties with creative toppings.

So whether you’re looking for Whataburger or an Angus burger with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions, rest assured that somewhere in Leader communities, you can satisfy your craving.

Common denominators Regardless of your leanings for a healthy hunk of beef and bread, there are some things that are key to making a good burger. And the first thing that has to be right is what makes a burger a burger: The meat.

“The first thing I look for is the quality of the beef,” Lopez-Alt said. “It has to be juicy and properly seasoned.

And it has to be just pure beef. Otherwise, it tastes like a meatloaf sandwich.”

The emphasis on quality beef has affected even the big chains. Facing stiff competition from the upstart chains, McDonald’s, Burger King and other big chains are introducing Angus beef burgers. Meanwhile, gourmet restaurants are devising their own blends of hamburger meat, including beef shoulder, sirloin and other cuts to devise special flavors.

After the beef, the remaining pieces of the burger have to be in balance. The buns have to be the right size and texture. Too hard, and the buns squeeze out the juices; too soft and the bun falls apart as you eat. Both can take away from the dining experience. Meanwhile, toppings — whether it be simple American cheese, foie gras, or anything in between — have to complement the burger, not overshadow it.

“You can’t hide a poor burger by covering it in toppings,” Lopez-Alt said.

That’s a big burger

Cheese is tops

Fork out the dough

Ketchup reigns

The world’s largest hamburger comes from Mallie’s Sports Bar & Grill in Southgate, Mich. The burger weighs 164.8 pounds, spans 2 feet in diameter and costs $399.

The world’s most expensive hamburger is the Fleurburger 5000 from the Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The burger comes comes with foie gras, black truffles and a black truffle brioche bun. It also comes with a hefty $5,000 price tag.

According to a Zagat’s survey, Cheese is the most popular topping for burgers. Lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and bacon round out the top five.

Zagat’s survey respondents also named ketchup the top condiment for burgers, followed by mustard and mayonnaise.

Sources: Fast Food Nation, the National Beef Cattlemen’s Association, Menuism, Huffington Post

Page 4 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

History of burger a heated debate

THE LIST. Hickory Hollow Address: 101 Heights Blvd.

Hours: Mon - Thurs 11 AM -9 PM Friday, 11-9:30 PM Saturday, 11-9 PM Sunday, 11-8:30 PM Website: www.hickoryhollow restaurant.com Description: Billing itself as a “real Texas cafe,” Hickory Hollow features a variety of homestyle eats, such as chicken fried steaks.

If you’re looking to satisfy a beef craving, check out the 1/2-pound cheeseburger deal with fries and a drink beginning at $8.49.

Smashburger Address: 174 Yale Street Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Daily Website: www.smashburger.com Description: One of the new “fast gourmet” burger chains, Smashburger features Angus beef smashed into patties along side upscale touches such as artisan buns and French fries featuring rosemary, olive oil and sea onions.

Each restaurant’s menu is crafted to suit local tastes. Check out the Texas burger, with mustard, American cheese, onions, tomatoes and pickles.

Railroad Crossing BBQ Address: 14715 Hempstead Highway at Gessner Hourse: 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday and Tuesday 11 AM to 8 PM, Wednesday through Saturday Website: www.railroadcrossing bbq.com Description: Nestled right next to the railroad tracks (hence the name), the Railroad Crossing BBQ features a variety of tried and true barbecue dishes, sandwiches and burgers. Try the bacon cheeseburger to satisfy your urges for both pork and beef.

Alamo Bar & Grill Address: 7846 Fallbrook Hours: 11 AM to 12 AM, Monday 11 AM to 2 AM, Tuesday through Saturday 12 PM to 8 PM, Sun Yale Street Grill Address: 2100 Yale Street Hours: 7 AM to 4:30 PM Description: Housed in a former pharmacy in the Heights, Yale Street Grill has made its reputation with old-fashioned food at old-fashioned prices. Don’t expect foo-foo burgers here; you’ll be disappointed. This place specializes in down-home, good comfort food – burgers are no exception.

A bun, a beef patty, a few vegetables and maybe cheese: The recipe for a hamburger isn’t that complex.

The same can’t be said for the origins of the hamburger. At least five people lay claim to inventing the dish that has become an American culinary tradition. The claims stretch from a diner in Connecticut to Texas to Germany. A look at the contenders for the creator of the hamburger, in chronological order:

Fletcher Davis

Spotlight: Becks Prime At Becks Prime, a homegrown Houston institution, they like to brag that there are no microwaves, and that the only use for their freezers is to frost the beer mugs. That’s because everything at the 28-year-old chain is fresh –– a fact easy to discern on its full menu of inventive burgers that’s landed Becks on Texas Monthly’s 10 Best List and caused the tough Zagat’s guide to gush, “Best burgers, bar none. Real fries, and heavenly, thick milkshakes.”

Becks burgers are a half-pound meal on a fresh bun, all patties made of house-ground Angus chuck roast, distinctively grilled-toorder over mesquite wood coals. It’s an upscale, customized take on fast food classics, with fries, onion rings and milk shakes as accompaniment.

There are equally sophisticated hotdogs and non-burger sandwich options, plus a dinner menu that features steaks, tuna and chicken –– but it’s the burgers that are the soul of the 14-restaurant business, two of them in Dallas.

The Heights Becks is in a building that matches the historic character of the neighborhood, at 115 W. 19th St. (phone 713470-1176), and there are nearby locations at the golf course at Memorial Park, and a huge “sportatorium” with walls of TVs and a full bar at Memorial City Mall.

For more, go to www.becksprime.com Rainbow Lodge Address: 2011 Ella Hours: 11:30AM to 10:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday 6 PM to 10:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.rainbow-lodge.com Description: You won’t find the normal fare at Rainbow Lodge.

Dotted with exotic meats such as elk, venison and buffalo, the seasonally adjusted menu features a variety of dishes for patrons for something off the beaten path.

For burger aficianados, check out Wild Game Burger Fridays, where diners can sample a new mix of burger meat every week, including wild boar, venison and pork belly, among others.

The Carriage House Cafe Address: 7955 Fallbrook Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 3 PM, Sunday Website: www.thecarriagehousecafe.com Description: A family-friendly eatery that salutes Texas’ past, the Carriage House Cafe features

fresh ground burgers every day seasoned with its unique blend of herbs and spices. For enormous appetites, check out the Chili Mountain burger, a 1-pound burger served open-faced covered in chili, cheddar and onions.

Chatters Cafe & Bistro Address: 140 S. Heights Blvd.

Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday 10 AM to 11 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.chatterscafe.com Description: Sandwiched (pardon the pun) between the myriad pitas, appetizers and entrees, Chatters offers a quartet of burgers for beef and non-beef lovers alike.

Check out the Chatters Burger featuring the restaurant’s special Chatters sauce, and add some cheese or bacon for good measure.

Mom’s Country Deli Address: 7818 Pinemont Hours: 6 AM to 3 PM

Website: www.momscountrydeli.com

Description: Mom’s Country Deli features old-fashioned meals just like, you guessed it, mom used to make.

Davis claimed that he first created what would later become known as the hamburger in tiny Athens, Texas, in 1880. From there, accounts say, his culinary concoction spread nationwide after he peddled his burgers at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

A documentary about the history of the eponymous Texas burger chain Dairy Chain includes an account of Davis’s invention of the burger, and a state legislator in 2008 introduced a bill to officially name Davis as the creator of the burger.

Charlie Nagreen An enterprising youngster from Wisconsin, 15-year-old Charlie Nagreen stepped into burger history in 1885 when he hawked meatballs at a nearby county fair in Seymour, Wis. Realizing that patrons didn’t want to be encumbered by his hard-to-handle dish as they walked through the fair, Nagreen slapped his meatballs in between two pieces of bread to make them easier to handle. The handy-dandy new sandwich earned Nagreen the sobriquet of “Hamburger Charlie.”

To this day, the town of Seymour lays claim to be the birthplace of the hamburger, and honors “Hamburger Charlie” as the burger’s true inventor.

Frank and Charles Menches An Ohio family has long held that their patriarchs are the rightful owners of the burger creator title. According to the family history, Frank and Charles Menches began selling ground beef sandwiches at the 1885 Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., after running out of pork for their popular sausage sandwiches.

Naming their sandwich a hamburger after the town in which the dish was first served, the Menches brothers’ name adorns two burger restaurants in Ohio.

Otto Kuasw Looking for something to appease the hearty appetites of sailors who patronized his waterfront restaurant in Hamburg, Germany, where he worked as a chef, Kuasw began serving sandwiches with sliced beef sausage topped with a fried egg between two pieces of buttered toast. According to legend, German sailors reached New York and began asking local restaurants for a “Deutsches Beefsteak” sandwich they had from Kuasw. Since the sailors first had the sandwich in Hamburg, the dish quickly became known to New York restaurants as a hamburger.

Louis Lassen Perhaps the most well-known of the claims, Lassen claims to have created the sandwich in 1900 in New Haven, Conn., in his restaurant Louis’ Lunch. According to Lassen’s family, the Danish immigrant ground up strips of beef and grilled the patty in a vertical gas stove. Lassen served the patty on two slices of bread for a customer who was in a hurry and wanted to eat and run.

The gas stoves can still be seen at Louis’ Lunch, which is still in operation.

Page 5 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Kojak’s Cafe Address: 1912 W. 18th St. Hours: 7 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Friday Description: Kojak’s Cafe features a variety of burgers for any taste. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, try the Hot Hot burger, with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, sliced avocado, spicy ranch dressing, lettuce and tomato.

The Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. Address: 1221 West 11th Street Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 1 AM, Fri. and Sat. Website: www.witchcrafttavern.com

Description: Combining a selection of craft beers, quality wines and upscale dishes, the Witchcraft Tavern is a mecca for food and spirits. Among the establishment’s variety of burgers is the Stilton Burger, with hickory maple bacon, sauteed mushrooms, basalmic onion and stilton blueberry cheese.

Onion Creek Cafe Address: 3106 White Oak Blvd.

Hours: 7 AM to 12 AM, Monday, Tuesday and Sunday

7:30 AM to 2 AM, Wednesday through Saturday Website: www.onioncreekcafe. com Description: One of a quartet of restaurants owned and operated by the Creek Group, the Onion Creek Cafe is an institution in the Heights known for its coffee, drinks and food. Looking to satisfying a big appetite? Then check out the Big Nasty burger, which comes with double havarti cheese, grilled onions, crimini mushrooms, applewood bacon, horseradish mayo and barbecue sauce.

Dry Creek Cafe Address: 544 Yale Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM, Sunday through Thursday 7 AM to 10 PM, Fri. and Sat. Website: www.drycreekcafe.com Description: With a motto like “Eat a Burger ... Enjoy Life!”, you know Dry Creek Cafe is a paradise for burger lovers. The restaurant offers a variety of burgers featuring toppings you won’t find at a fast food joint. We recommend the Triple Bypass burger, with a fried egg, cheddar cheese, applewood bacon and Tabasco mayo.

Cedar Creek Address: 1034 W. 20th Street Hours: 10 AM to 12 AM, Monday and Tuesday 10 AM to 1 AM, Wednesday 10 AM to 2 AM, Thursday and Friday 7 AM to 2 AM, Saturday 7 AM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.cedarcreekcafe. com Description: An excellent place to pair a burger and a brew, the Cedar Creek Cafe features more than 30 beers and a plethora of burger options. Put a burger with some tangy taste in your belly by trying the Chester burger, with Applewood bacon, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese.

BB’s Cafe Address: 2701 White Oak Hours: 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 2 AM, Fri. and Sat. Website: www.bbscafe.com Description: A Cajun restaurant ready to satisfy all cravings Louisiana, BB’s menu also carries a darn fine burger. Get a cheeseburger and make it Cajun-style with a side order of red beans and rice.

Jackie’s Kitchen Address: 2210 Mangum Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.jackieskitchenhouston.com Description: Opening its doors in 2010, Jackie’s Kitchen has

Page 6 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader Lola Address: 1102 Yale Street Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.eatlola.com Description: This modern diner is known for its signature sandwiches and enormous breakfasts.

Remember Us For Dinner!

Burger lovers are encouraged to Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:30pm Java Java check out the Lola Burger, a 1/2Monday-Friday 4:30pm-7:30pm Address: 911 West 11 St. pound burger cooked medium BYOB of wine $2 glass Hours: 7:30 AM to 3 PM, Monday with cheddar cheese, greens, 7 TH 3TREET through Friday tomato and pickle.

WWW +OJAKS#AFE COM 8:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday and Sunday Table 19 Website: www.javajavahouston.com Address: 632 W. 19th Street Description: Started in the Hours: 7 AM to 3 PM, Monday former Heights Above Florist shop, through Friday Java Java has quickly become one 7 AM to 4 PM, Saturday of the city’s top coffeehouses and 8 AM to 3 PM, Sunday eateries. Among the burger offerDescription: Standing in the ings, we suggest the California former Pie in the Sky location, Burger, with cilantro mayo and Table 19 opened in August and avocado slices on a kaiser bun. is quickly becoming a popular brunch spot. Burgers are available KC’s Bar and Grill after 11 a.m., and include the Address: 10444 Hempstead Rd. Provolone Mushroom burger.

Hours: 11 AM to 12 AM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 2 AM, Friday 2 PM to 2 AM, Saturday Website: www.liveoakbarandgrill. com Description: This watering hole along Hempstead Highway offers live music and karaoke nights along with a full menu. Burger lovers should check out the Wild West burger, with swiss cheese and avocado.

quickly established itself as a family-friendly eatery specializing in comfort food. For the more traditional burger eater, we recommend the patty melt, cooked the old-fashioned way with grilled onions and American cheese on sourdough bread.

Spotlight: BRC Gastropub BRC Gastropub offers comfort foods along with wine, craft beers and ales, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in the city, served in a casual, friendly setting. BRC Gastropub’s Executive Lance Chef Fegen and Owner Lee Ellis’ philosophy of the perfect neighborhood restaurant also means you must have the Ultimate Pub Burger on the menu.

For BRC, that means fresh house-ground white-faced Hereford beef on a toasted Slow Dough bun, topped with melted, aged Tillamook cheddar, tomato, iceberg lettuce and crispy maple-cured bacon, with smears of their creamy “special� sauce.

Monday is the time to try the normally $12.99 Pub Burger, when it goes for only $8 with fries all day and night.

There’s also a slider menu, which features a classic cheeseburger offering, a more elegant foie gras-burger slider trio, and a daily surprise pick.

BRC now offers party packs and catering so it can be the life of your party or event.

BRC Gastropub, 519 Shepherd Dr., is located near the Heights and Rice Military. You can find them online at www.brcgastropub.com

Kojak’s CafÊ

Spotlight: Little Bitty Burger Barn Fun things started happening five years ago at 5503 Pinemont when Little Bitty Burger Barn first opened its doors in November 2007. The ride to Burger Fame began February 2008 with stellar reviews of their fresh-cut French fries, and votes for Best Sliders and No. 1 Burger Joint in Houston in local media.

National recognition wasn’t far behind, with a visit from The Food Network, and Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

Little Bitty Burger Barn also began making its mark on the surrounding community by becoming part of it. That included a sponsorships of a team with the Oaks Dads Club, and fundraisers to help after neighborhood tragedies.

And there are more interactive opportunities. Customers submit their favorite recipes in an annual contest, and the winner’s selection gets added to the menu.

LBBB’s vast and varied menu doesn’t reflect the “little bitty” in its name, with burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads and other specialties listed on the walls and ever growing. But it’s the burgers, first and foremost, that have earned LBBB legions of fans — and more than a few copycats.

Someburger in the Heights Address: 745 E. 11th Street Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday Description: A throwback to vintage burger shacks of years gone by, Someburger specializes in no frills, straight forward burgers. Try the double meat cheeseburger combo for a tasty, inexpensive lunch that takes you back to a time when burger was a no-nonsense meal.

Triple A Restaurant Address: 2526 Airline Drive Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday 6 AM to 3 PM, Saturday Website: www.triplearestaurant. com Description: Billing itself as “Where Good People Meet to Eat,” the Triple A Restaurant recalls a 1940s diner, complete with waitresses that call you “sweetie” and classic comfort food dishes.

Burger lovers should try the fresh ground cheeseburger for a taste of vintage Americana dining.

Zelko Bistro Address: 705 E. 11st Street Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Description: Housed in a 1920s bungalow, Chef Jamie Zelko’s namesake eatery specializes in New American cuisine forged from the freshest ingredients.

Burger lovers will be drawn to the

Boss burger, with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, dijonaise on brioche bread.

Barbecue Inn Address: 116 W. Crosstimbers Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Website: www.thebarbecueinn.com

Description: A local institution, the Barbecue Inn earned its reputation for its fried chicken, which many rank as Houston’s best. But the rest of menu is worth more than a passing glance, including its hamburger and cheeseburger.

Doyles Restaurant Address: 2136 W. 34 St. Hours: 10:30 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday Website: www.doylesofhouston.com

Description: Serving patrons in the Oak Forest for nearly 60 years, Doyle’s has become an icon for its Italian fare and thin-crust pizza. Burger lovers aren’t out of luck, though. Several burgers dot

Page 7 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader the menu, including the Smoke Mytiburger House Burger, with sweet barbeAddress: 2211 W. 43rd Street cue sauce, crispy bacon, cheddar Hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM Moncheese, red onion, lettuce and day through Sunday tomato.

Description: A paragon of old style road-style Texas hamburgSammy’s Wild Game Grill ers, Mytiburger has been serving Address: 3715 Washington up thin-patty vintage style burgers Ave, Ste A for nearly 50 years. Check out Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM Sunthe namesake Mytiburger, along day – Thursday with some of their onion rings and 11 AM to 11 PM Friday & malts.

Saturday Website: www.samDairy Queen myswildgamegrill.com Address: 5425 Antoine Description: Sammy’s Wild Website: www.dairyqueen.com Game Grill serves farm-raised Description: Any Texan who game meats such as antelope, played a Little League game has venison, elk, ostrich, and buffalo. crossed the threshold at a Dairy Burgers at Sammy’s are a healthy Queen, an Lone Star food institualternative, being free of growth tion for decades. In fact, if you’ve hormones, antibiotics or preservatives, high in protein and low in carbohydrates and cholesterol.

Little Bitty Burger Barn Address: 5503 Pinemont Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM, Sunday

Web: www.littlebittyburgerbarn.com

Description: With a bevy of accolades and kudos from Houston burger lovers, the Little Bitty Burger Barn has been pleasing customers for a long time. The menu, which is constantly changing, features burgers for any type of palette. The more daring diners can try their luck with the Double Dare, a massive burger featuring eight 1/4-pound patties, eight slices of cheese, topped with bacon, jalapenos and barbecue sauce.

Millers Cafe Address: 3830 N. Shepherd Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday 11 AM to 5 PM, Saturday

Website: www.millerscafehouston.com

Description: Any place that calls itself the “home of the almost famous hamburger” has to know something about slinging beef.

Millers Cafe has been serving burgers since 1980, and their current menu features 14 different burgers to satisfy a variety of cravings. Among those are the Bleu Cheese Burger, complete with its namesake dairy.

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Five Guys Burgers & Fries Address: 2902 N. Shepherd Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.fiveguys.com Description: Another one of the “fast gourmet” burger chains that have popped up in Houston in the last decade, Five Guys features a simple menu with made-to-order burgers. But beware: the standard burger includes two patties. For lighter appetites, try their Little Burger or Little Cheeseburger.

Old fashioned hamburgers at their best!

Happy Hour - Buckets of Beer • 4 pm - 8 pm Daily •

3401 W. T.C. Jester • 713-957-1100 M-F 11am-9pm Sat 11am-5pm

Cottonwood Address: 3422 N. Shepherd Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM, Monday through Thursday 4 PM to 2 AM, Friday 12 PM to 2 AM, Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.cottonwood houston.com Description: A craft beer mecca created by the owners of the popular Liberty Station, Cottonwood brings a massive collection of brews along with a menu comprised of comfort food with a modern twist. Burger lovers are urged to check out the Bleu Cheese Burger, with bacon jam, mayo, shoestring onion rings and bourbon sauce.

Petrol Station Address: 985 Wakefield Hours: 5 PM to 12 AM, Monday 2 PM to 12 AM, Tuesday - Friday 11 AM to 1 AM, Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM, Sunday Description: A bar and coffeehouse known for its killer beer

selection, Petrol Station also features a stellar menu. Looking for something in a burger? You have to try the Rancor, an Angus burger with bacon, cheddar, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle and mayo.

Pappa Geno’s Cheese and Steak Address: 1801 Ella Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday Website: www.pappagenos.com Description: While Pappa Geno’s is known to most for its Philly Cheesesteaks and fries, the eatery does have a selection of excellent burgers. Try the 1/2-pound Philly Burger, which features shredded steak covered in grilled onions atop a beef patty, with two types of cheese and mayo.

Shade in the Heights Address: 250 W. 19th Street Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Friday

Page 8 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader 9 AM to 10:30 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.shadeandcanopy.com

Description: A bastion of fine dining in the Heights, Shade features a upscale menu and renowned brunches. For burger lovers, Shade offers the Shade Burger, with lettuce, tomato and shade pickles, served with chipotle ketchup, arugula mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

El Gran Malo Address: 2307 Ella Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM, Monday through Thursday 4 PM to 2 AM, Friday 11 AM to 2 AM, Saturday 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.elgranmalo.com Description: This “gastrocantina� brings a spin on Mexican food and pairs dishes with speciality tequilas. Their burger is known as the torta, and features Angus beef with poblano, pepper jack and crema fresca. For a little extra kick, add pork belly, chorizo or a fried egg.

Places You Must Try BARBECUE INN

116 W. Crosstimbers at Yale Houston, TX 77018 713-695-8112 www.thebarbecueinn.com

BERRYHILL

702 E. 11th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-225-2252; fax 713-8611004 www.berryhillintheheights.com

BLUE MOOSE LODGE 5306 Washington Ave., Ste C

Houston, TX 77007 713-862-2638 www.thebluemooselodge.com

CHICAGO ITALIAN BEEF/ CHICAGO PIZZA 1777 Airline Dr. Houston, TX 77009 713-862-2828 www.chicagopizzaanditalianbeef.com

KOJAKS

1912 W. 18th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-426-1800 www.kojakscafe.com

YALE STREET GRILL

2100 Yale St. Houston, TX 77008 713-861-3113

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Page 9 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

You Must Try ROZNOVSKY’S

3401 W. T.C. Jester Blvd.

Houston, TX 77018 (713) 957-1100 Down House Address: 1801 Yale Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.downhousehouston.wordpress.com Description: Down House’s locally sourced menu creates myriad dining options, including a couple of exotic burger options. Try the Korean-style Kim Chi Burger, with house kim chi, cheddar cheese, a sunny-side up egg and bulgogi sauce.

Woodrows Heights Address: 1200 Durham Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Wednesday 11 AM to 2 AM, Thursday to Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM, Sunday Website: www.woodrowsheights. com Description: Formerly known as the Mardi Gras Grill, Woodrows Heights features Cajun style food. For burger aficianados, the restaurant offers build your own burgers. You can also order one of the eatery’s own creations, such as the Black and Bleu burger, which comes with Bleu cheese and red onions.

Crisp Address: 2220 Bevis Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 1 AM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday Website: www.crisphouston.com Description: Featuring an excellent selection of wine and beer, Crisp also has a full menu featuring pizzas and sandwiches. Among the offerings is the Brisket Burger, with a handmade patty, balsamic onion, aged provolone, basil and sage mayo on ciabatta bread.

BRC Gastropub Address: 519 Shepherd Hours: 11 AM to 2 AM Monday through Friday 10 AM to 2 AM, Saturday and Sunday Website: www.brcgastropub.com Description: Part of the New American style of cuisine that has risen in popularity in recent years, BRC Gastropub has a unique twist on the burger. Aside from a traditional cheeseburger, BRC offers sliders with foie gras, cress and sweet caramelized onions.

Spotlight: Prince’s Hamburgers

Spotlight: Rainbow Lodge

Prince’s Hamburgers is proud to be Houston’s Original Hometown Burger, celebrating our 80th year in Houston. We continue to have customer satisfaction as our primary goal and use only the finest, fresh ingredients every day, with each and every menu item prepared fresh daily in our kitchens.

Our Original Hamburger is from an 80-year-old recipe with our homemade Prince’s sauce. Our onion rings are hand-battered and our old fashioned milkshakes hand-dipped. You will not find another Houston institution quite like Prince’s.

In addition to our award winning burgers, we feature daily specials such as our Pulled Pork Smokey Pig Sandwich, HandBattered Chicken Fried Steak, Smothered Pork Chops, Eddie’s Meatloaf, and Catfish Tender Basket.

Prince’s also features an All-American breakfast, serving favorites like our Migas, Sunrise Special, Lone Star Breakfast, & famous breakfast tacos.

We are proud to be a Houston institution of 80 years and have four locations as well as serving Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium and the exclusive concessionaire of Rice University. We have an award winning catering service that caters all events and sizes. Visit PrincesHamburgers.com to see our menu and locations, including the closest one to you at 1201 N. Post Oak Rd at I-10. Prince’s, Houston’s Hometown Burger Since 1934.

What goes into an eight-ounce burger? At the Rainbow Lodge, every Friday yields a new mix. One week it may be antelope, venison, wild boar and pork belly. Another week, it may be nilgai (antelope), lamb, venison and lamb belly. Forrest Gump’s mama would say that it’s like a box of chocolates: “You never know what you’re gonna get.” And that’s the beauty of it -- you could literally get a different burger every week.

Not only do the mixes change based on what’s available at the end of the week, but the toppings do, as well. If you follow @TheRainbowLodge on Twitter, they announce their Friday mix around 10:30 a.m. the day of. They only make 12 burgers each Friday, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

On one particular Friday, the mix was buffalo, lamb, venison, and pork belly topped with queso fresco and avocado pico de gallo. The large, tall, impressive burger was served on a Slow Dough challah bun with the queso fresco and avocado pico de gallo already heaped on top. Sitting beside it were fresh heirloom tomato slices, butter lettuce, pickles and red onion. A healthy dose of lightly salted, golden, house-made potato chips completed the dish, which included a side plate condiment trio of whole seed mustard, ketchup, and mayo.

Rainbow Lodge is at 2011 Ella Blvd (on the corner of East T.C. Jester inside Loop 610), 713-861-8666.

Spotlight: Liberty Kitchen Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar is referred to affectionately as “the Kitchen” by its fan base, many of them neighbors in The Heights. But don’t let that oyster bar emphasis and its reputation for the freshest seafood fool you. “The Kitchen” devotes a large chunk of its menu to “landlubber” fare, including freshly ground and creatively topped burgers.

There’s the Liberty Burger, simply topped with tomato, onion, pickle, cheddar and a smoky sauce, the imaginative Hawaiian burger with grilled Spam, American and cheddar cheeses and fried egg on an English muffin, or a plate of classic cheeseburger sliders.

Each is served with crispy fries or a seasonal fruit salad.

Owner Lee Ellis, Executive Chef Lance Fegen and Chef De Cuisine Travis Lenig have built a weekly special menu that focuses on down home goodness. Monday’s feature is the Super Slider of the Day, served with fries, creamy slaw and a slice of Petite Sweets Pie. Liberty Kitchen is located at 1050 Studewood @ 11th St. You can find them online at www.libertykitchenoysterbar.com

Spotlight: Mytiburger No matter how its passionate fans describe it –– classic, vintage, an old-fashioned joint –– the burgers do the talking at Mytiburger, a fixture at 2211 W. 43rd St. in Oak Forest since 1967.

They’re the kind you (or your mom and dad) chowed down on in the 1960s and ’70s –– simply grilled patties on lightly grilled buns with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and a slice of good ol’ American cheese, if you please. On the side, you’ll find substantial fries and homemade onion rings. There’s a drive-thru, and décor inside is a throwback, too, with a black-and-white floors, tile counter, old school menu board (no digital here), and vintage Coke memorabilia.

But there’s a lot new, as well. Bacon, refried beans, eggs are now topping options, patty choices include buffalo, turkey and veggie, and you can take sweet potato fries for a healthier touch. Most modern touch: free wi-fi. That’s all thanks to Shawn Salyers, who quickly rescued Mytiburger after the longtime owner closed it last summer. Order a thick malt or milkshake, and toast Salyers for saving this community institution.

To call in an order or for more info call 713-686-7078.

Page 10 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Branch Water Tavern Address: 510 Shepherd Hours: 5 PM to 12 AM, Tuesday and Wednesday 5 PM to 1 AM, Thursday 5 PM to 2 AM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM to 11:30 PM, Sunday Description: This New American restaurant pairs premium food with exceptional cocktails. The Kobe burger is a prime choice for burger lovers, featuring white cheddar and bacon.

Bernie’s Burger Bus Address: various Hours: various Website: www.berniesburgerbus.com Description: Riding the surge of popularity in food trucks, Bernie’s Burger Bus (yes, it is actual a school bus) serves up its delectable concotions such as Bully.

The burger features two beef patties topped with Texas cheddar, mustard, thin onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, roasted garlic tomatoes and pickles. Check the website for its locations that day.

Porch Swing Pub Address: 69 Heights Blvd.

Hours: 11 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.porchswingpub.com Description: This neighborhood watering hole in the Heights keeps it simple. Burgers are no-frills. Try the Burger Melt, featuring a burger with tomatoes and cheese on a toasted hoagie bun.

360 Sports Lounge Address: 4601 Washington Ave #150 Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM, Monday and Tuesday 4 PM to 2 AM, Wednesday through Friday 11 AM to 2 AM, Saturday 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday Website: www.360sportsbar. com Description: The haven for sports fans has all you could need to satsify your urge to watch the big game -- large-screen TVs, beer and spirits and plenty of munchies. Try the Chuy’s burger, with avocado, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion.

Prince’s Diner Address: 1201 N. Post Oak Rd Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM Mon-Fri 8 AM - 2:30 PM Saturday Website: www.princeshamburgers.com Description: There’s more than just your classics at Prince’s Hamburgers. For those interested in light and lean, they offer a turkey, garden and buffalo burger that puts a great twist on old faithful.

Places You Must Try SAMMY’S WILD GAME GRILL 3715 Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007

HUBCAP GRILL 11133 W. 19th St. Houston, TX 77008 www.hubcapgrill.com

www.sammyswildgamegrill.com

W Grill Address: 4825 Washington Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday Website: www.wgrilltogo.com Description: Bigger isn’t always better, so we recommend trying out the Angus sliders at this tiny drive-thru restaurant on Washington near Durham. The trio of small, tasty burgers comes with onions, pickles, tomato and lettuce on a white bun.

Roznovsky’s Hamburgers Address: 3401 TC Jester Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM Mon - Fri. 11 AM - 5 p.m. Saturday Description: This eatery draws a fair share of regulars during lunch crowd -- a tell-tale sign that it’s doing something right. While the shop offers a variety of eats, check out the daily special, which is sure to please.

Becks Prime Address:115 W. 19th St. Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.becksprime. com Description: One of the first “better burger” chains serving up thick, juicy burgers to patrons, Becks inspires a fierce amount of loyalty from patrons. Nothing quite typifies its burger offerings like the BP Burger, complete with Prime sauce, lettuce and tomato.

Queen Grill and Creamery Address: 1802 W. 18th St. Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Friday 11 AM to 10 PM, Saturday Website: www.queengrillncreamery.com Description: The place to go for quick, cheap and good burgers, Queen Grill has a variety of burgers and frozen concoctions to satisfy. Don’t mess around with the small stuff here. Get the Triple Cheeseburger.

Christian’s Tailgate Address: 7340 Washington Website: www.christianstailgate.com

Spotlight: Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. Description: Once dubbed “Hamburger Heaven” for its juicy burgers, Christian’s Tailgate is sports lover’s paradise. It’s a place to grab both a burger and a game on the tube. Check out the Country Fried Bacon Burger, served with onion rings and yummy fried bacon.

Canyon Creek Address: 6603 Westcott Website: www.canyoncreekcafe.com Description: Another one of the Creek Group of restaurants catering to locals, Canyon Creek’s burger selection features 8-ounce burgers with a variety of toppings to any taste. One of our favorites, the Duke, is topped with Fritos, chili, cheddar cheese and red onions.

Solea Address: 1500 Shepherd Hours: 4 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday 4 PM to 11 PM, Wednesdayand Thursday 4 PM to 1 AM, Friday 11 AM to 1 AM, Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM, Sunday Website: www.soleacafe.com Description: Solea’s plethora of wine and beer make it a good place to unwind and relax to listen to live music. The food only adds to ambience. Try the Solea burger, with olive tapenade, red onion, sun-dried tomato and feta cheese.

Beaver’s Address: 2310 Decatur Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday 11 AM to 12 AM, Thursday and Friday 12 PM to 12 AM, Saturday 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Sunday Website: www.beavershouston.com Description: A modern riff on Texas barbecue, Beaver’s has been drawing discerning diners for years. Burger lovers should try to the Beaver Burger with its sirloin, beef shoulder and bacon patty served open-faced with lettuce, tomato and pickle.

When Delicious Concept’s Ken Bridge transformed his panAsian Dragon Bowl into the Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. recently, his new menu went heavy on the burgers –– with his usual flair.

The menu labels the section “Serious burgers,” and that’s no lie.

There’s a Stilton burger with hickory maple bacon, sautéed mushrooms, balsamic onions, and a Stilton blueberry cheese made from scratch in-house, as is the full menu.

The Andouille burger has a house-made honey chipotle fromage blanc. “Savory with a little sweet kicked in there,” says Bridge. “A good balance, something that you typically would not see anywhere else.”

A pulled pork “blues” burger, chili burger, avocado burger, “plain” burger with cheese and a black bean-based veggie burger round out the selections, each served with hand-cut fries or a salad. “They’re just custom crafted burgers with a bunch of attention and a bunch of love,” said Bridge about the burgers at Witchcraft Tavern.

As with all of Bridge’s restaurants –– Pink’s Pizza, Lola’s, Shepherd Park Draught House –– the boss is hands-on from concept to menu to décor.

“The vibe is vintage, kind of old school, but a little bit modernized with the menu and with our craft beers,” he said. The restaurant’s name comes from Frank Sinatra’s classic, Witchcraft, which is framed on a wall. “Great food, great tunes,” said Bridge.

Witchcraft Tavern is located at 1221 W. 11th St.

Spotlight: Luke’s Ice House For pure heft, the All Day Burger at Luke’s Icehouse is in a category all its own. The burger is nearly one pound of 100 percent pure fresh Texas beef, never frozen, served with an egg on top.

For those with an independent spirit, there’s the Burger on Demand, which allows you to build your own.

There are specials every night at Luke’s, and on Texas Size Thursdays, every week, burgers are a deal, priced 2-for-1 from 5-9 p.m., with a side of house cut steak fries, onion rings or searing jalapeno “bottle caps.” Wash that down with $12 buckets of Texas beer, $3 Texas drafts and $4 Texas liquor.

Luke’s Icehouse, on Durham Drive near Washington Avenue, has a large deck and outdoor bar. With several flat screen TVs, this is a sports lover’s paradise, and the preferred viewing party location for the radio station ESPN 97.5 FM. At Luke’s Icehouse, they proclaim it is all about “Cold Drinks, Hot Food, BIG Fun!” For more information about Luke’s Icehouse, visit their Facebook page or call 281-888-7028.

Page 11 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader melted over crispy bacon on an angus patty, made with a special blend of spices, on a toasted bun.

Kobe, bison or chicken also available.

Hubcap Stop: Brothers Roell (right) and Bobby Hinojosa enjoy early spring-like weather and a great burger at Hubcap Grill.

Southwell’s Hamburger Grill Address: 1909 Taylor St. Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Sunday Website: www.southwells.com Description: The name says it: Southwell’s specializes in hamburger straight off the grill: 17 styles, in fact, from the standard hamburger to the onion patty melt.

(Photo by Ivee Sauls)

CITY WIDE

WHOLESALE SUPPLY 801 Service St. (1 light inside 610 N @ Airline) M-F 6:30am - 5pm | Sat 7am - 2pm • 713-862-2530

Plonk!

Address: 1214 W. 43rd St. Hours: 4 PM to 11 PM, Mon 4 PM to 12 AM, Tuesday through Thursday 4 PM to 1 AM, Friday and Saturday 4 PM to 11 PM, Sunday Website: www.plonkbistro.com

Description: Food, wine, beer -- Plonk! takes all three seriously, creating a trifecta of serious, yet casual dining experiences. Burger lovers should try the Guanciale Burger. Named the best burger of 2011, the burger features Niman Ranch guanciale, Gruyere cheese and slow-caramelized onions.

Papa Mo’s Deli Address: 465B TC Jester Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturday Website: www.papsmodeli.com

Description: Billing itself as “A Taste of New York in Texas,” Papa

Mo’s features the all the favorites you’d expect to find in a Big Apple deli. Burger selection is limited to the basics: Hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger and a bacon cheeseburger.

Hubcap Grill Address: 1133 W. 19th St. Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday Website: www.hubcapgrill.com

Description: Perhaps one of the city’s best known purveyors of burgers, Hubcap Grill has built its reputation with huge, tasty burgers that draw “oohs” and “ahhs” from patrons. The menu is constantly being added to, so stop by frequently. Try a Triple Heart Clogger, with an all-beef patty, wiener, bacon and cheese.

Brickhouse Tavern & Tap Address: 12910 Northwest Freeway Hours: 11 AM to 12 AM, Sunday 11 AM to 1 AM, Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 2 AM, Friday and Saturday Website: www.brickhousetavernandtap.com Description: There’s plenty of good things to try on the menu at this popular nightspot on the Northwest Freeway. Try the Kobe Burger, featuring a hand-molded wagyu patty, sauteed onion, roasted tomato, brie and roasted red pepper aioli.

Blue Moose Lodge Address: 5306 Washington Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday Website: www.thebluemooselodge.com Description: Cheddar, American, and mozzarella cheeses are

WHERE RESTAURANTS, DELIS, & CAFES

CAN $AVE ON SUPPLIES OVER 6,000 ITEMS

We’re Open To The Public!

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1201 N. Post Oak

Page 12 • THE LIST • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

The Home-Burger: Readers submit their recipes We asked Leader readers to submit their best burger recipes. Our intention was to have a contest and cook off, but with just four entries, that didn’t happen. Still, these are four great recipes that show how our home chefs are just as creative as the pros.

so the burger patty will be extra juicy!

Burger on a Biscuit

The patty: This is the most important part! The patty must be huge, but flat and uniform. Before cooking, mix in fresh oregano leaves with the ground meat . This will add a ton of flavor and it will compliment the lamb.

one pound of ground sirloin or 80/20 hamburger one teaspoon of garlic salt one teaspoon of onion powder

Texas Brunch Burger

The bun: I don’t feel the bun is of much importance because THE BUN DOES NOT MAKE THE BURGER. It’s whats inside that counts :) Any bun will do, as long as it is a firm bread.

Nobody wants a soggy burger. The bun should hold together until the burger is done.

Created by Logan Rimes

2 slices of Texas toast 2 Tbls. melted butter 1/3 lb. ground chuck Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage 2 eggs Quaker Oats Quick Grits shredded sharp cheddar cheese hot sauce (optional) chili (no beans) salt pepper mayo Instructions for grill: Form 1/3 lb. ground chuck into a square patty about the size of your texas toast. Salt and pepper both sides. Grill about 4 min. on high on each side until medium done.

Brush Texas Toast on inside with melted butter. Grill until toasted on both sides just before assembly of your burger.

Instructions for stovetop: In a medium skillet form about an egg sized portion of Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage into a very thin square sized patty the size of your Texas Toast. Cook until done, set aside and drain grease from skillet. Cook 2 eggs in remaining sausage grease, over medium, breaking the yolks before you turn.

Cook a small portion of Quaker Oats Quick Grits in a small saucepan to a thick consistency.

Heat up a small portion of chili (no beans) Assembly: Add mayo to bottom slice of Texas Toast Add burger next Add one egg on burger Add sausage on egg Spread a layer of grits on sausage Add hot sauce to grits (if desired) Let shredded sharp cheddar cheese melt into the grits Add a layer of chili on top of cheese grits One more egg on top of chili Texas Toast on top and you’re ready for brunch Serve with fried okra and a Dr. Pepper

The Lamburger!

Created by Benjamin Ward Ground lamb offers a much stronger flavor than that of regular beef hamburger.

Lamb is also has a higher fat content,

Toppings: Bulgarian feta, or any sharp full flavored feta. I want people to actually taste the cheese. Grilled onions, not raw onions, but fully grilled, caramelized onions. BACON, huge slabs of crispy bacon. Instead of lettuce, we will use fresh leaves of spinach.

Created by jeffB5

one teaspoon cracked pepper Mix the ingredients together and place small burger patties into a skillet. Cook on low to medium heat.

Cook to desired wellness. Flip one time.

In the mean time, cook your favorite

biscuits according to package directions.

Place burger on biscuit and add your favorite toppings. I use lettuce, thick tomatoes, and chipotle mayonnaise.

Go to heaven!

TOP TEN

BURGER IN TEXAS

-TEXAS MONTHLY

The Dirty Bird

Created by Casey Gage 1 Package ground turkey (1.25lbs) 1/3 cup of barbeque sauce + extra as a topping 1 Tablespoon stone ground mustard + extra as topping 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste 1/3 Cup blue cheese crumbles + extra as topping 1 green pepper diced 1 yellow onion diced 2 garlic cloves diced Drizzle of olive oil 6 whole wheat hamburger buns Fresh baby spinach leaves as topping Sliced heirloom tomatoes as topping In a medium sauté pan, heat the drizzle of oil and add the diced onion, pepper and garlic. Saute until nicely browned, remove from heat and set aside to cool. In a medium bowl combine the first seven ingredients, add the cooled onions, peppers and garlic. Mix the turkey meat well with hands and form into 4-6 equal sized patties.

Grill patties approximately 5 minutes per side or until cooked thoroughly.

Place the buns on the grill until toasted to perfection.

To assemble the burgers, slather additional barbeque sauce on the bottom bun, and then sprinkle with more blue cheese. Place the patty on the slathered and cheesy bun and then top with a nice thick slice of tomato and fresh baby spinach leaves.

Slather more stone ground mustard on the top bun and top off your Dirty Bird. Then devour!

To make an “Extra Dirty Bird” top the turkey burger with a fresh local fried egg.

Wash it all down with a local Houston craft beer.

Come taste for yourself at one of our twelve Houston-area locations.

Find us online at www.becksprime.com. © Becks Prime Equities, Ltd. 2012