Austin’s burger scene is full of delicious options, from classic cheeseburgers to innovative twists on the traditional patty. If you’re a fan of smashed burgers, the type that’s flattened on the griddle for crispy edges and juicy bites, then you’re in luck.
Here’s a guide to the best smashed burgers in Austin, with recommendations ranging from pop-ups to food trucks to brick-and-mortar restaurants. Get ready to satisfy your burger cravings and explore the city’s burger landscape with these must-try spots.
Photo by Courtney Pierce
The owner seasons their red angus patties with sauteed onion and green chiles, and their Jewish West Texas background presents itself in more conspicuous ways with latkes, queso, and house-made salsas crowning some of the most eclectic burgers in Austin.
Their executive chef, Thomas Malz, creates a toothsome chili-cut grind of Texas beef that’s browned with cold cubes of butter, then steamed under a cloche to melt a cap of smoked cheddar and American cheese.
Widely popular across the state, this brand of crackly, ketchup-oozing “flattened meat sandwiches” is a must-try. Their beefy bacchanal now takes to the road and tours as far away as Marfa.
Photo by Hayden Walker
They serve black drum and Gulf shrimp matched only by Deen & Peeler premium angus squished between Slow Dough Bread Co. challah buns trucked in daily from Houston.
Photo Credit: @dandeliongatherings
Everything on this burger is hand-forged and highly curated, from the seasonal pickles to the fluffy challah and griddled Peeler Farms wagyu. Even the requisite ketchup, mayo, and mustard in its “secret sauce” is made in-house by Bryce Gilmore’s team of chefs.
Photo courtesy of Songbird
Executive Chef Joshua van den Berg’s standout item is undoubtedly the patty melt smash burger. Made with a blend of sirloin, brisket, and short rib, this burger is smashed on the flat top and topped with sweet onion, onion straws, and horseradish. Plus, at Songbird, you can enjoy the added bonus of fryers that are run on beef tallow, adding even more flavor to this already delicious dish.
Photo credit – Hold Out Brewing
They serve a 50/50 burger blend that incorporates pork with local pasture-raised angus, treated like a pork bao, with salted cucumbers, burnt onion bacon jam, and added umami from a fried egg mayo.
Photo Credit – Kinda Tropical Facebook
this chef brings similar sensibilities to the sizzle-and-smash medium, with double patties of all-natural, grass-fed beef saturated in white American cheese. To capture the summer-like vibes of his new digs, he then gives it a tropical touch courtesy of lightly roasted pineapple lazing beneath a blanket of kewpie mayo and red onion.
Photo by Gimme Burger (Facebook page)
This little food trailer at Butler Pitch & Putt serves a yellow mustard-heavy burger, elevated with Ranger Cattle wagyu from one of Texas’ premier beef producers.
Photo: Golden Tiger (Facebook)
Put Gold Tiger in the OGs category, their smoky interpretation is smeared with a distinctive chipotle Thousand Island.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…