Texas has no shortage of shiny new burger bars, but some of the best patties in the state still come off griddles at spots that were around long before your grandparents got their driver’s licenses. The places on this list have been feeding hungry Texans for decades, some since the 1920s and 1930s, with simple menus and plenty of old-school character.
You will find a drive-in with carhops, a burger stand with school desk seating, and more than one former grocery store turned local legend. If you like your burger with a side of history, save this list for your next road trip or lunch break.
1. Dirty Martin’s Place, Austin, TX
Back in 1926, John Martin opened Martin’s Kum-Bak with a single flat-top grill, an eight-stool bar, and a small drive-thru. Nearly a century later, the burger stand at 2808 Guadalupe St is still cooking for Austin.
The nickname came from the original dirt floor, and it stuck so well that it became the official name. The spot sits right in West Campus, so expect a steady mix of University of Texas students, families, and visitors who came specifically for the history…