Burgers

The Squirrel Master at Cottonwood is a poblano-stuffed burger with a jalapeño fried egg, pepper jack and bacon. (Photo: Laura Max Nelson)

Hamburgers have always been my quintessential comfort food, beginning with childhood visits to (the former) Burger King on South Post Oak. This remains true. Over the years, my hamburgers of choice have evolved from quick grab-and-go meals into, at times, sophisticated and flavorful presentations.

Some favorite spots grind and mix the typical chuck with brisket or short rib. Japanese-beef Wagyu and Kobe, plus Angus and buffalo, are top-ingredient additions. For me, the most euphoric result is a light crust on a cooked-to-temperature, juicy patty, along with my topping of choice – a fried egg. Beware of hamburgers flaunting a restaurant’s  “special sauce,” which can hide poor-quality, flavorless meat.

Three buddies and I embark on a monthly “Burger Buddies Adventure.” Maybe you’ve read about it in my blog at eat-more-burgers.com. My personal favorite is the bacon cheeseburger, topped with a fried egg on freshly baked challah, at Stanton’s City Bites, 1420 Edwards Street in the First Ward, which was founded in 1961 as a grocery store.  The Squirrel Master Burger topped with a jalapeño fried egg, from Cottonwood at 3422 N. Shepherd in Garden Oaks, is another favorite. Mockingbird Bistro, 1985 Welch Street in the Montrose area, otherwise known for its Texas/country French cuisine, has an M Bistro Burger that shines. Burger buddy Scott Scheinthal loves Shepherd Park Draught House, 3402 N. Shepherd Drive in Garden Oaks, especially the burger with bacon, fried egg, gorgonzola, gouda and cranberry preserve on a homemade brioche bun. And, for that true old-school comfort burger, my go-to spot (since my Bellaire High School days) has always been Bellaire Broiler Burger, 5216 Bellaire Blvd., especially the #2 with bacon and cheese.

These burgers represent just a sampling of local ones worth cheering about. I always enjoy hearing from others about the burgers they love. So, share your favorites in the Comments under this story. I’ll add them to my to-do list.