Austin’s culinary scene is renowned for its diverse and innovative offerings, with burgers being no exception. The city’s commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices has led to a surge in restaurants featuring locally sourced, grass-fed beef burgers.
These seven establishments stand out for their dedication to serving top-notch grass-fed burgers, combining exceptional flavor with ethical sourcing. Each restaurant brings its own unique flair to this classic American dish, offering patrons a chance to savor high-quality burgers while supporting local farms and sustainable agriculture practices.
1) Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Hopdoddy Burger Bar stands out as a top destination for grass-fed burgers in Austin. This popular eatery takes pride in serving high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Their menu features a variety of burger options, including grass-fed beef patties that are antibiotic and hormone-free. Customers can also choose from bison, chicken, or vegetarian alternatives.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends beyond just the meat. Hopdoddy offers freshly baked buns, hand-cut fries, and house-made sauces to complement their burgers.
Hopdoddy’s atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it a great spot for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners. The bar serves craft beers and cocktails, including their signature margaritas.
While prices may be slightly higher than standard burger joints, many patrons find the quality justifies the cost. The restaurant often has special limited-time burgers for those seeking unique flavors.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 1011 E 5th St, Ste 180, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.hopdoddy.com
2) Wholly Cow Burgers
Wholly Cow Burgers stands out as a top destination for grass-fed beef burgers in Austin. Since 2010, this local favorite has been serving up high-quality, locally sourced patties to eager customers.
The restaurant takes pride in using pasture-raised beef that’s free from hormones and additives. This commitment to clean, ethical sourcing is evident in the flavor and quality of their burgers.
Beyond burgers, Wholly Cow offers a diverse menu including Philly cheesesteaks, Reubens, and breakfast options. They also cater to various dietary needs with gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly choices.
Located inside a convenience store at 3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Wholly Cow Burgers might surprise first-time visitors with its unassuming setting. However, the delicious food quickly overshadows any initial hesitation.
Wholly Cow Burgers serves breakfast from 7 AM to 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday, perfect for early risers seeking a hearty start to their day.
Contact: 3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Website: www.whollycowburgers.com
3) P. Terry’s Burger Stand
P. Terry’s Burger Stand has been serving Austin since 2005 with a commitment to quality ingredients and better service. Their menu features all-natural burgers made from grass-fed beef, giving customers a healthier and more flavorful option.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh-cut Idaho potatoes for its fries and hand-spinning its milkshakes. This attention to detail extends to their veggie burger, created by local Chef Andrew Brooks, which has gained recognition as one of the best in town.
P. Terry’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Their menu caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free choices. The restaurant’s popularity has led to multiple locations across Austin, making it convenient for locals to enjoy their burgers.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand, 851 W Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00 am – 11:00 pm, Fri 7:00 am – 1:00 am, Sat 8:00 am – 1:00 am, Sun 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Website: www.pterrys.com
4) Salt & Time
Salt & Time stands out as a top destination for grass-fed burgers in Austin. This eastside butcher shop and salumeria crafts their renowned Butcher’s Burger using high-quality, locally sourced beef.
The Butcher’s Burger features a hefty half-pound patty made from daily steak trimmings. It’s served on a brioche bun with house-made pickles and Duke’s mayo, creating a simple yet flavorful combination.
Accompanying the burger are delicious beef fat fries, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. Salt & Time’s commitment to using local ingredients shines through in every bite.
The restaurant’s popularity has led to plans for a spin-off location focused solely on burgers. This new venture will expand their offerings to include lamb and chicken options as well.
Salt & Time: 1912 E. 7th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 524-1383
Open daily 10am to 8pm
Website: saltandtime.com
5) Casino El Camino
Casino El Camino stands out as a unique burger destination in Austin’s vibrant food scene. This dive bar on 6th Street has gained a reputation for serving exceptional burgers in an edgy atmosphere.
The burgers at Casino El Camino are known for their substantial size and bold flavors. Their signature 3/4 pound patties are hand-formed and cooked to perfection, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
While not explicitly advertised as grass-fed, Casino El Camino’s burgers are celebrated for their quality and taste. The menu offers a variety of creative toppings and combinations to suit different preferences.
The ambiance adds to the experience, with a dark, cave-like interior that provides a stark contrast to the bustling street outside. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable burger in an unconventional setting.
Casino El Camino’s burgers are cooked to order, ensuring each one is fresh and tailored to the customer’s liking. The restaurant also serves other bar fare like hot dogs and wings.
Address: 517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 469-9330
Website: casinoelcamino.net
6) Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Jack Allen’s Kitchen offers a local, farm-to-table approach to burgers in Austin. The restaurant sources ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors, ensuring fresh and high-quality components for their dishes.
Their menu features a standout grass-fed burger option that showcases the flavors of Texas. The patty is made from locally sourced beef, grilled to perfection, and served on a freshly baked bun.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen prides itself on its Southern-inspired flavors infused with Southwestern spices. This unique blend of culinary influences is evident in their burger creations, which often incorporate regional ingredients and flavors.
The restaurant has multiple locations in the Austin area, making it convenient for burger enthusiasts to satisfy their cravings. Each location maintains the same commitment to quality and local sourcing.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen: 3600 N. Capital of TX Hwy, Bldg D, Austin, TX 78746. Website: jackallenskitchen.com
7) Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats offers a unique twist on Austin’s barbecue scene with their locally-sourced, grass-fed burgers. This food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant has gained a reputation for its high-quality meats and innovative dishes.
Their burgers showcase the rich flavor of grass-fed beef, perfectly complemented by house-made toppings and freshly baked buns. The meat’s natural taste shines through, enhanced by expert grilling techniques.
While primarily known for barbecue, Micklethwait’s burgers have become a standout menu item. The kitchen team applies the same attention to detail and craft to their burgers as they do to their acclaimed barbecue offerings.
Visitors can expect a casual, welcoming atmosphere typical of Austin’s best local eateries. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and creativity extends beyond the main dishes to their selection of sides and desserts.
Micklethwait Craft Meats: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702. Open Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Website: micklethwaitcraftmeats.com
Benefits of Grass-Fed Burgers
Grass-fed burgers offer significant advantages in terms of nutrition and environmental impact. These benefits make them an increasingly popular choice for health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.
Nutritional Advantages
Grass-fed beef contains up to five times more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef. This higher omega-3 content can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Grass-fed burgers also provide double the amount of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a fatty acid associated with reduced body fat. This makes them a potentially better option for those managing their weight.
These burgers are richer in essential nutrients. They contain higher levels of vitamins A and E, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene. This nutrient density can contribute to overall health and wellness.
Grass-fed beef typically has less total fat and fewer calories than its grain-fed counterpart. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to reduce their calorie intake while still enjoying a satisfying burger.
Environmental Impact
Grass-fed cattle production often uses less energy than conventional feedlot systems. Pasture-raised animals require fewer resources, as they consume naturally growing grass rather than cultivated feed.
This farming method can help improve soil health. Grazing cattle contribute to natural fertilization and encourage plant diversity in pastures.
Grass-fed systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Well-managed grazing lands can act as carbon sinks, potentially offsetting some of the methane produced by cattle.
Pasture-raised cattle often have access to more space and natural behaviors. This can lead to improved animal welfare compared to conventional feedlot operations.
Austin’s Grass-Fed Burger Scene
Austin’s grass-fed burger scene has flourished over the years, with local restaurants prioritizing quality ingredients and sustainable practices. The city’s commitment to farm-to-table dining has elevated the humble burger to new culinary heights.
History and Evolution
Grass-fed burgers gained popularity in Austin during the early 2000s as health-conscious diners sought alternatives to conventional beef. Pioneers like Wholly Cow introduced organic, grass-fed options before it became trendy. The movement gained momentum as more restaurants recognized the benefits of grass-fed beef.
By the 2010s, grass-fed burgers had become a staple in Austin’s culinary landscape. Establishments like Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Jack Allen’s Kitchen helped popularize high-quality, locally sourced burgers. These restaurants emphasized not just the meat quality but also creative toppings and housemade buns.
Today, grass-fed burgers are available across various price points and dining styles in Austin. From food trucks to upscale eateries, the city offers numerous options for burger enthusiasts seeking healthier, more sustainable choices.
Local Sourcing Practices
Austin’s grass-fed burger scene thrives on strong relationships between restaurants and local ranchers. Many establishments partner directly with Texas farms to ensure a steady supply of high-quality, grass-fed beef. This farm-to-table approach supports local agriculture and reduces transportation costs.
Restaurants like Dai Due take local sourcing to the next level by butchering whole animals in-house. This practice allows for optimal use of the entire animal and ensures freshness. Other eateries, such as True Food Kitchen, focus on transparency, providing customers with detailed information about their beef sources.
Seasonal menu changes are common among Austin’s grass-fed burger restaurants. These adjustments reflect the availability of local ingredients and showcase the chef’s creativity. Some establishments even offer specialty burgers featuring less common meats like bison or lamb, all sourced from nearby farms.
Choosing the Right Burger
Selecting the perfect grass-fed burger in Austin involves considering flavor profiles and complementary sides. A well-chosen burger and accompaniments can elevate the dining experience.
Flavor Profiles to Expect
Grass-fed beef burgers offer a distinct taste compared to grain-fed alternatives. The meat tends to have a leaner, more robust flavor with earthy and slightly nutty notes. Many Austin restaurants enhance these natural flavors with creative toppings and seasonings.
Some popular flavor combinations include:
- Green chile and cheese for a Southwestern kick
- Harissa and chipotle cheddar for a spicy twist
- Aioli and sour pickles for a tangy contrast
Wagyu beef burgers, available at select Austin eateries, provide an even richer, more buttery taste profile. These high-end options often come with premium toppings like truffle aioli or aged cheddar.
Pairings and Sides
The right sides can complement and balance a grass-fed burger’s flavors. Many Austin restaurants offer classic pairings with a local twist:
- Beef fat french fries: A indulgent option that enhances the burger’s meaty flavors
- Potato latkes: A unique alternative to traditional fries
- Fresh salads: Lighter options to balance the richness of the burger
Beverage pairings are equally important. Craft beers from local Austin breweries often pair well with grass-fed burgers. For non-alcoholic options, house-made sodas or freshly squeezed lemonades can provide a refreshing contrast.
Some restaurants offer specialty sides like roasted tomatoes or house-pickled vegetables to add extra depth to the meal. These thoughtful additions can turn a simple burger into a memorable dining experience.