Nothing like a burger and the start of the weekend. What could be better?

There are numerous places around Austin where you can find a delicious, juicy burger, made to order, but we have our favorites. Here are my 5 recommended burger joints perfect for a weekend treat.

Moonies Burger House

With three locations, you can get your burger craving met with friendly service. There are many good items on the menu, but if not sure, start with Moonie’s Classic Burger. However, my fave is the Blue Moon with smoked bacon, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.  And don’t forget their onion rings – I highly recommended.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen

With only fresh, locally sourced food, this will be a delight for your taste buds.  Their Southwestern cuisine infused with Southern-inspired flavors are available at their six locations around Austin. For a burger recommendation, go for the Fat Jack Burger, with hickory sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, dill pickles, and jalapeno mayo with your choice of russet or sweet potato fries. If you intend to stop by, call in advance for reservations. 

Top-Notch Burgers

Famous for being featured in the movie Dazed and Confused, many have recommended this restaurant for their hand-battered onion rings and the double meat Longhorn Special. Galaxy Cafe and Zocalo Taqueria Fresca Cafe are also part of the company

Hopdaddy

Now with 7 locations in Austin, their “irresistible food is prepared in-house daily from freshly sourced ingredients for quality you can taste.” Burgers are made from ethically sourced meat and freshly baked buns. There are many delicious options, but my favorite is the Magic Shroom—with creamy goat cheese, field mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, onion and basil pesto sauce.

All-Star Burger

Just outside of Austin in Bee Cave is where you’ll find All-Star Burger in the Hill Country Galleria. Their menu has 13 incredible specialty burgers, including a bison, veggie, and venison option. My favorite is the Pacific Coast Beef Burger, with Monterey jack cheese, red leaf lettuce, avocado, sprouts, and creamy mustard. Oh, and sweet potato fries, please.

You can get anything you want on your hand-crafted burger, made with only premium gold pure country Angus beef. I’m sorry for the cows, but my stomach always comes away happy.

The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge

In Spicewood, this is the place for dinner if you want to start the weekend with dinner on the deck, a fabulous drink, and a view of Lake Travis. (See photo above) A favorite spot among the lake-goers, the Lighthouse offers three fabulous burger choices, but for some added spice, try their Guacamole Burger, a hand-pressed patty, guacamole, pico, pepper jack cheese, and a fried jalapeno on top. Don’t forget to get the truffle fries on the side.

If the kids are with you, there is a kid’s menu with meals called “I don’t know” (chicken tenders), “I don’t care” (burger with fries), “Nothing” (grilled cheese), and “Whatever” (mac and cheese).  They definitely know kids.

Whether you want to celebrate National Hamburger Day, or just want to try a new type of burger, any of these 5 burger joints will definitely satisfy your taste buds.