Garland sits in the shadow of Dallas, but locals know you don’t have to get on I‑30 or 635 to find a seriously good burger. From smoky brewpubs downtown to old‑school griddles in strip centers, these are the spots Garland folks bring up when the burger craving hits hard.
1. Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery
Known first for barbecue and house‑brewed beer, Intrinsic also cranks out one of the most underrated burgers in the eastern Metroplex.
The patties are thick, juicy, and kissed with smoke, often using the same attention to meat that makes their brisket so popular. Expect a soft brioche or potato‑style bun, melty cheese, and toppings like house pickles, bacon, and smoky sauces. You can usually swap in brisket chili, pulled pork, or other BBQ as a topper if you’re going all‑in.
Pair it with their hand‑cut fries or elote‑style street corn and a pint of whatever’s on tap—locals will tell you this is one of the best “burger and a beer” combos in Garland.
2. Burger Island (Garland)
Burger Island looks like a classic, no‑frills burger joint, but the locals know it as one of the best values in town…