’09’s FAVORITE BURGERS
BY LAUREN BROWNING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALEIGH HART
BURGER RESEARCH?
It was a tough job, but someone’s arteries had to endure it. Truth is, there are so many juice-dripping, mouth-stretching, dopamine-rushing, carnivore-delighting burgers in Alamo Heights — where to begin? For the sake of space, I created a short list of beloved local establishments, each highlighting a unique burger experience. May it ignite many sizzling conversations and explorations to come. Burger blessings to you and yours.
CAPPY’S
Best Burger Name: The Cappy’s Heights Burger
Location: Cappy’s, 5011 Broadway,
Alamo Heights, TX 78209
What you will love: Half-pounder grilled over open flames with crispy bacon and a side of hand-cut fries.
Note: Some call this the original ’09 burger, since Cappy has been setting the pace for delicious local food since his restaurant opened in 1976.
FRONTIER BURGER
Best Burger Name: The Original Frontier Burger
Location: Frontier Burger, 838 NE Loop 410,
San Antonio, TX 78209
What you will love: A simple, traditional mouth-watering burger with two patties equaling a hefty two-thirds pound of charbroiled beef. Perfect with the notable onion rings.
Note: This is the return of a popular San Antonio staple from the 1950s, when Jim Hasslocher served us this juicy burger in the Jim’s Frontier Drive-Ins. His legacy of hospitality and food you can trust lives on.
BURGERFI
Best Burger Name: The CEO Burger
Location: 1907 Nacogdoches Road (in the back parking lot of H-E-B),
San Antonio, TX 78209
What you will love: This burger is a blend of wagyu and brisket topped with homemade candied bacon-tomato jam, truffle aioli and aged Swiss Cheese.
Note: This new 21st-century burger joint comes with a commitment to freshness and an eco-friendly approach. Bunless burgers are available, and a must-try are all the enhancements for the hand-cut fries.
CHEESY JANE’S
Best Burger Name: Wurst Burger
(also known as The Racker on the food truck)
Location: 4200 Broadway,
San Antonio, TX 78209
What you will love: Delivers a smoky, porky blast with generous barbecue sauce, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses and Kiolbassa sausage from the San Antonio Kiolbassa family.
Note: The owner, Jon Lindskop, is a restaurant regular, smiling, serving and inviting children to watch the popular 16-ounce milkshake being made to thick, creamy perfection.
CAPPYCCINO’S
Best Burger Name: “Fun Guy” Burger
Location: Cappyccino’s,
5003 Broadway, Alamo Heights,
TX 78209
What you will love: Half-pound patty cooked on the griddle, topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, poblano peppers and fontina cheese.
Note: Cozy surroundings, known as the good-looking “younger brother” and neighbor to Cappy’s.
MAX’S WINE DIVE
Best Burger Name: The Signature Blend Burger
Location: 340 E. Basse Road,
San Antonio, TX 78209
What you will love: Half-pound hand-formed burger with bacon, cheese, fried egg, mushrooms, caramelized onions and pulled pork,all on one burger and served withfries and irresistible garlic aioli.
Note: Portions are generous and perfect to split with another. Remember the thoughtfully chosen wine list and excellent Quarry Village location.
BUN ‘N’ BARREL
Best Burger Name: The Thai Burger
Location: Bun ‘n’ Barrel, 1150 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78209
What you will love: Complex layers of heat with a Thai chili flavor explosion from fresh homemade sauce. Half-pound burger on a golden twisted bun with avocado, served with spicy fries.
Note: Famous since the 1950s as a renowned diner, drive-in and dive featured on the Food Network. Cool this spice attack with the sparkling limeade made from real lime juice.
