Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Creative burgers are front and center at the recently opened Austin-transplant Hopdoddy Burger Bar in the River Oaks District. (Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar)

Austin transplant and recent Houston addition Hopdoddy Burger Bar lists 12 burgers on the menu, including Akaushi, Angus, bison, vegetarian, turkey, chicken, lamb and tuna options. I chose the Llano Poblano burger because of its blend of spicy ingredients – Angus beef topped with apple-smoked bacon, Tillamook pepper jack, seared poblano peppers, chipotle mayo, red leaf lettuce, white onion and a beefsteak tomato. While not large, the burger shined atop a toasted, fresh, baked-from-scratch bun. The meat was cooked to order at medium with a nice center of pink, complemented by a smoky charred crust and cheese melting over the sides. The hand-cut truffle fries were thin and crispy, with a generous shaving of parmesan cheese and spices, and a just-right drizzle of truffle oil. Hopdoddy is at a reasonable price point, unlike some other new upscale burger establishments. While wait times have decreased some since grand-opening week, bar seating is on first-come basis if you don’t have time to spare.