Dan's Hamburgers

Burger Nirvana on N. Lamar in Austin, TX. Yesterday I treated myself to lunch out. This place is truly a veritable temple to the cow. A cathedral for the carnivore. Dan’s Hamburgers. In a time when Austin’s pretentiousness is peaking, this place is a throwback to a simpler time that was a lot less full of itself. This is not a place that advertises organic foods that are purchased from 3rd world suppliers at 1st world prices. Nothing about billions having been served. No free range, low fat, or any of the other feel good marketing BS that infects other burger places to be found anywhere. What you will find here is an amazing aroma that seduces your soul when you open the door of your car from the parking lot. You’ll also see glimpses of an old iron grill that appears to be from the 40’s or possibly earlier, searing wonderful all angus beef patties. You will also possibly note that this is likely one of the last places in Austin where you can order a burger in English and the person who takes your order does truly speak the language, and wonder of wonders, gives a damn about giving good service.

I think we probably waited maybe 3 minutes longer than we would have at our local gigantor burger palace. It was worth it. Old school white paper for the wrapper with grease pencil writing on it that you can actually read says which burger is which. As I’m picking up the order they are pulling the onion rings and fries out of the fryer and bagging it up for me. No heat lamp nonsense!

The burger was juicy but well seared on the outside, almost bordering on crispy. The texture of the meat was that of lean ground beef and no fillers, unlike at the chains whose patties just have a different texture that makes you wonder what in the hell the truth is behind the “100% all-American beef” ads. This burger didn’t have a quart of mayo slopped on it like most fast food places. The tomatoes were actually RED, not the anemic pink 3rd picked over garbage the size of a quarter that I’m used to having disgrace my burger. The lettuce was crisp and had been shaken or spun to keep it from being too wet and therefore compromise the structural integrity of the burger.

This place is absolutely one of the best. If you have the chance to make it, you will not be disappointed.…

Unimpressed... tastier burgers can be found elsewhere... I WISH THERE WAS AN IN-N-OUT HERE!. I had several locals tell me the history of this burger joint & how great their food is. So my hubby & I tried it today. The place was packed, but service was quick. We got our order hot & fresh... took a bite into it, and wasn't impressed. The burger was definitely better than Mighty Fine's or any other fast food joints out there.

I still say an IN-N-OUT "animal-style" burger is unbeatable. After eating one, you want another! The burgers are packed w/ flavor. Not just some greasy patties dressed w/cheese & bacon. Unfortunately, IN-N-OUT's are only in Cali, AZ, & Vegas. So if you're looking locally... check out P.Terry's on S.Lamar & Barton Springs. The burgers are tasty & the fries are similar to IN-N-OUT's -- a freshly cut potato that's never been frozen. =)…