Few foods have achieved global icon status quite like the hamburger - a simple yet irresistible classic that transcends cultures, cuisines, and generations. In the U.S. alone, nearly 50 billion hamburgers are served each year, according to the Department of Agriculture, proving that this humble beef-patty-on-a-bun is more than just a meal - it’s an institution.
From sizzling grills at fast-food drive-thrus to gourmet interpretations at five-star restaurants, the burger’s versatility knows no bounds. And what better time to celebrate its legendary status than May - National Hamburger Month?
Across the country, food lovers embrace this annual occasion, indulging in bold flavors, creative toppings, and time-honored favorites.
The origins of the American hamburger stretch back more than a century, evolving from European influences and immigrant ingenuity. Like many beloved foods, its earliest form arrived in the early 19th century, when German immigrants introduced Hamburg-style chopped beef to the U.S.
However, at the time, the dish was often served raw - a stark contrast to the sizzling, grilled patties we know today.
Enter Dr. James H. Salisbury, a New York physician who advocated for cooking ground beef as a healthier alternative. His approach led to the creation of the Salisbury Steak, setting the stage for the cooked beef patties that would eventually transform into the modern hamburger.
While the debate over who first placed a burger on a bun remains unsettled, food historians agree that the American hamburger emerged simultaneously in multiple cities, gaining popularity as a portable meal sold from lunch trucks.
But its big break came at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where the modern version of the hamburger was introduced to the masses - marking the beginning of its rise as a national favorite.
National burger chains gained momentum and expanded rapidly in the years following World War II. White Castle, which opened its first location in 1921, paved the way for the burger boom, followed by McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger in 1948, Whataburger in 1950, Burger King in 1954, and Wendy’s in 1969.
The hamburger has evolved into countless variations, from towering double-stacks to gourmet creations with unexpected toppings. Whether it’s the bun, the patty, the cheese, or the extras piled high, every burger tells its own delicious story.
Galveston has fully embraced America’s most iconic sandwich, and the team at Galveston Monthly set out to explore the island’s booming burger scene. We could have filled an entire issue celebrating the incredible selection offered at local eateries, but to keep things bite-sized, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 standout burgers - each recommended by our readers in a recent poll.
From indulgent smashburgers to perfectly griddled patty melts, this curated list spans the east to the west ends of the island, showcasing the best of Galveston’s burger mastery. And with May being National Hamburger Month, there’s no better time to sink your teeth into these must-try favorites!
BREWS BROTHERS
When head chef Blaine Lunz joined this beloved neighborhood brew pub in 2022, he brought a fresh approach to the kitchen, adding exciting new menu items - most notably, the burger of the month, owner Justin Strait said.
"We are a craft beer brew pub specializing in burgers," Lunz explained. "But we love being referred to as a beer and burger joint."
Brews Brothers takes pride in sourcing premium Angus beef from 44 Farms in Texas, ensuring every patty is hand-formed daily from fresh, never frozen meat. Their buns? Baked locally, adding an extra touch of quality to every bite.
One standout creation is the smashburger, served "manimal style," featuring a mouthwatering combination of grilled onions, house-made beer mustard, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, hand-crafted malt vinegar and garlic aioli, and grilled mushrooms, all stacked onto a pillowy egg knot bun.
The Blaine Smash comes with two four-ounce patties, but guests are encouraged to stack them as high as their appetite allows. For the perfect pairing, Galveston Monthly recommends ordering a side of their thin, crispy, crave-worthy hand-cut potato chips - the ideal crunch to complement a top-tier burger.
FISH COMPANY TACO
When Fish Company Taco reopened with a fresh new look and an expanded menu last year, it doubled down on its commitment to locally caught seafood - a fitting focus for owner Raz Halili, who also operates Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House in San Leon and grew up working the docks of his family's business, Prestige Oysters Company.
But seafood isn’t the only star on the menu. Meat lovers, rejoice! The counter-service restaurant now offers a double burger crafted by executive chef Joe Cervantez.
The Fish Co. Taco Double Burger features two rich, flavorful Akaushi beef patties, perfectly seared and stacked with cheese, grilled onions, house-made pickles, shredded lettuce, and a secret sauce that packs a serious punch - all tucked into a classic sesame seed bun.
For those unfamiliar, Akaushi beef comes from a small Japanese cattle breed, one of four types of Wagyu prized for its exceptional marbling and tenderness.
This irresistible double burger is a happy hour exclusive, available for just $6 until 6pm - a deal that makes sinking your teeth into one even more satisfying.
GONZALO’S AMERICAN BISTRO
Run by husband-and-wife team Felipe and Angela Gonzalez, this East End gem has been serving up comfort and creativity since its 2022 opening. With a laid-back bistro vibe and a menu rooted in elevated home cooking, Gonzalo’s American Bistro has quickly become a local favorite.
At the heart of the kitchen is Chef Felipe, whose decades of experience in Galveston’s restaurant scene shine through in every dish. And when it comes to burgers, he doesn't just follow tradition - he redefines it.
All of Gonzalo’s burgers are double-stacked, but if you're feeling adventurous, the Triple Blue Cheese and Bacon Burger is the ultimate challenge. Stacked with six juicy patties and weighing in at a whopping 1.5 pounds of certified Angus beef, this towering creation is not for the faint of heart.
For those who prefer a less daring approach, the classic double offers plenty of indulgence, featuring two perfectly seared patties with a variety of cheese and topping options to customize your bite.
Every burger is served on a soft brioche bun and comes with a choice of house-made fries, potato salad, shaved-to-order coleslaw, or a bag of chips. For those looking to elevate their meal, the truffle parmesan fries are a decadent upgrade - crispy, savory, and worth the extra indulgence.
MAC-IES SMASH BURGERS & FRIES
Nestled in the heart of town, Mac-ies Smash Burgers & Fries has been serving up crispy, flavorful smashburgers since opening in 2021 - quickly earning its reputation as an island favorite.
Co-owners Dillan Mena and Shelby Leann run one of Galveston’s busiest food trucks, dishing out classic, build-your-own smashburgers and fries right next to their sister restaurant, Galveston Bagel Company.
First things first - the name. Mac-ies (pronounced “Mackees” with a hard ‘c’) is a tribute to the owners' daughter, adding a personal touch to this locally loved burger stop.
Guests can customize their smashburgers, choosing between one to four four-ounce seasoned patties, grilled to perfection on a flat-top and topped with a selection of fresh ingredients.
Their signature Wacky Mac is stacked with four juicy patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion, all finished with their homemade special sauce - a must-try addition to any order.
Mac-ies’ buns are similar to brioche, made from the same flour as Dillan’s original bagel recipe, and sturdy enough to hold any quarter-pound burger creation. Each burger is hand-rolled and made fresh daily - never frozen.
Exciting news for burger lovers - Mac-ies is set to open a brick-and-mortar location soon on Broadway while keeping its beloved food truck stationed at its current 23rd Street location.
PLAYGROUND PATIO BAR & GRILL
Situated in the heart of downtown Galveston on The Strand, Playground Patio Bar & Grill is a happy hour favorite known for its casual, artsy vibe and live entertainment. Whether you're dining inside or enjoying the outdoor patio, expect a lively atmosphere with live music or a DJ most days, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
The menu features a variety of crave-worthy burgers, including the classic Backyard Burger, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, and the barfly’s favorite Hangover Burger, which comes stacked with a fried egg, crispy bacon, and jalapeños.
The standout California Bacon Burger is a feast of bold flavors, featuring an eight-ounce flat-top grilled patty, served on a pillowy challah bun and layered with Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, fresh avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and a house-made chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
Guests can round out their meal with a side of fries or onion rings, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.
STAR DRUG STORE
A true Galveston institution, Star Drug Store traces its roots back to 1886, when the prominent Scanlon family first acquired the land for the building. Over the decades, ownership changed hands, and the space underwent numerous renovations, but its legacy remains firmly intact.
Recognized as the oldest drugstore in Texas, Star Drug Store also holds the distinction of housing Galveston’s first desegregated lunch counter - a tradition that current owner Natili Monsrud proudly continues, preserving the charm of a classic counter-style café.
Among the standout menu items is the Blue Cheese Burger, a fan favorite. For those looking for something different, cheddar and Swiss are also available.
Each burger is crafted from a half-pound of premium ground beef, featuring a 78/22 lean-to-fat ratio that delivers rich flavor and juicy texture. Grilled over an open flame, the patties develop a perfectly seared crust, striking the ideal balance between tenderness and charred goodness.
Guests can customize their burgers with lettuce, tomato, and onion, all served on a corn-dusted Kaiser roll, toasted in butter on a flat top to enhance its texture and flavor. Each meal comes with a side of your choice.
For a true Star Drug Store experience, Galveston Monthly highly recommends pairing your burger with an egg cream soda - a sweet, fizzy, New York-style fountain drink that perfectly complements a classic diner meal.
SONNY’S PLACE
Few spots in Galveston carry as much local history and character as Sonny’s Place, a bar and grill with more than 80 years of stories to tell. Owned and operated by the Puccetti family since its 1944 opening, Sonny’s isn’t just a restaurant - it’s a living piece of Galveston lore.
This off-the-beaten-path neighborhood hangout is as genuine as they come, where regulars are treated like family and the walls hold decades of memorabilia, tales, and even a few bullet holes from the past.
Among its time-honored menu staples is the classic patty melt, featuring a juicy 80/20 ground beef patty, grilled to perfection on a flat-top in butter and served between two slices of golden, toasted white bread with melty American cheese. A nostalgic favorite, this sandwich embodies old-school comfort food at its best.
The patty melt is perfect as is, but guests looking for an extra savory kick can request grilled onions to complete the experience.
THE SPOT GALVESTON
For decades, The Spot has been Galveston’s go-to beachfront restaurant, serving up a winning combination of locally sourced seafood and mouthwatering burgers since the late 1990s.
Native Galvestonian Dennis Byrd took over the restaurant in 2002 after graduating college, and over the years, he transformed the property into the Island Famous concept, adding three additional bars on-site while maintaining the same high-quality food that locals and visitors have come to love.
One of the newest - and most popular - additions to the menu is their Smash Burger, which has quickly become the number one seller. Guests can customize their burger with a single, double, or triple four-ounce certified Angus beef patty, all served on a toasted potato bun for the perfect balance of softness and structure.
The Smash Burger comes layered with melty American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and their signature Spot sauce, delivering bold flavors in every bite. All burgers are paired with seasoned waffle fries, a satisfying side that completes the meal.
Expanding beyond Galveston, The Spot now has locations in League City and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, spreading its signature island flavors even further north.
WEST END MARINA & RESTAURANTS
Once a humble bait camp, West End Marina & Restaurants has evolved into an iconic waterfront destination on West Bay, thanks to the vision of owner John Turner.
Nestled in the west-end subdivision of Sea Isle, this vibrant spot offers five distinct indoor and outdoor dining concepts, giving visitors plenty of ways to enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
While the menu features fresh, wild-caught Gulf seafood, General Manager Billy Bunch confirms that burgers reign supreme as the restaurant’s best-selling item.
Their signature burger starts with an eight-ounce, 80/20 Angus beef patty from 1855 Farms, expertly flame-broiled to order for a juicy, charred perfection. Guests can enjoy the classic setup of shredded iceberg lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and red onion, or take it to the next level with two slices of American cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, jalapeños, and sour dill pickles for an extra kick of flavor.
Every burger is served on a soft, toasted potato bun, delivering the perfect balance of texture to complement the hearty, flame-grilled patty.
WAY WEST GRILL & PIZZERIA
Tucked away in the incorporated village of Jamaica Beach on Galveston’s west end, Way West Grill & Pizzeria delivers laid-back coastal charm with a menu that covers breakfast, custom pizzas, Tex-Mex favorites, and, of course, burgers.
This family-owned eatery first made waves as a food truck launched by Cindy Roberts in 2018 before evolving into a full-fledged restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The Beach Burger stands as their number-one seller, and for good reason. This seven-to-eight-ounce, hand-pressed patty is seasoned generously and grilled to order on a flat top for a perfectly seared crust.
Toppings take this burger to the next level, featuring cheddar cheese, hand-breaded jalapeño and onion straws, barbecue sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, and a generous spread of Roberts’ signature bacon jam - all tucked into a freshly baked Ashcraft bun.
And fair warning - you’ll need both hands to tackle this oversized, flavor-packed masterpiece, which comes served with a side of crispy fries.