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This will be the most difficult list to narrow down for Ralph because he loves a great hamburger. When choosing a hamburger restaurant in Waco, he looks at the whole experience of eating a great burger. He takes it serious. lol This is such a staple to him, that most of the time he would rather eat a burger than anything else. So according to Ralph, these are the best LOCAL hamburgers in Waco. Most have been around 15 years or more. Ralph has been in trouble because he has never taken his wife to some of these burger joints. He says that burgers are often a lunch item and he does not usually eat lunch with his wife — a least that is the story he gives her. Most of these hamburger restaurants are small holes-in-the-wall and smell greasy like they are supposed to. Many you would have never stopped in because of the appearance, but looks can be deceiving! These are not in any true order because that changes by the mood he is in. But if you want to know Ralph’s favorite hamburger as of today, he will be happy to tell you, especially if you want him to go with you! LOL
1. They have to be locally owned.
2. Must have been around at least 15 years or duly noted.
3. The reason that Ralph thinks about these places is because of their burgers and fries, not anything else.
4. He has to have eaten here in the last 6 months — don’t feel sorry for him.
1810 Herring Ave
Dubl-R is in a part of town you would never go and has been there since 1996. Dubl-R is a greasy burger joint that does not have the best air conditioning and not a lot of seating. However, this is one of Ralph’s favorites. Dubl-R is one of those that he never took his wife (of over 30 years) until recently for the first time and got in a LOT of trouble for waiting all those years. It is by far one of Diana’s favorites now too. They have great fries to go with the burgers. They call them curly fies but Ralph calls them GREAT.
6818 Sanger Ave
Tom’s is a favorite of locals in the area. They claim they have burgers made 18 ways. The spicey fries are great and you get a ton of them. Get a basket and you get a fresh made cookie.
Update: Their Cajun fries are the way to go! Seems like the burger has even gotten better! Worth a try!
901 Lake Air Drive & Union Hall (Downtown)
Captain Billy Whizzbang’s has been a staple in Waco since 1977 when it was located on Waco Dr. It now sits at 901 Lake Air Drive and just opened in Union Hall in downtown Waco. Ralph does NOT like their claim to fame which is their Whizz-Pigg burger, made of ground beef and ground pork. It’s just a matter of taste. Ralph says to stick with the regular hamburger. You will hear the occasional slap of a spatula on a marble slab since all patties are hand pressed. Their spicy fries are some of the hottest in town.
1815 N. 18th
This is a no-frills Korean-American eatery doling out a range of noodles, burgers & stir-fries. So why do we mention them in the burger section – oriental fries!!! These fries are his favorite in town because they are SO different. They are not a regular potato fry but are curly fries that come with a dipping sauce. They have a good burger called the Lip Locker which is kind of small but those fries are SO GOOD it is worth the trip. It is best to check their schedule before heading over. Diana also loves coming here!
1424 Speight Ave
Probably one of the oldest Burger joints in Waco, Cupp’s has a rich history since 1947. Located near Baylor, the students and alumni have kept the history alive. This place is very small and often does not have enough tables — especially if Baylor is in session. They carry breakfast, burgers, and hand cut fries. Now this is Waco history!
3101 Beale St. in Bellmead
Just step up to the counter take a seat and order an amazing burger and watch it being made in front of you. You won’t get a friendlier bunch of people. This was also a favorite of Ralph’s father-in-law who was in here at least ONCE a week and would love to talk to you. They had the Maurice envelope that people would add money to so as to buy him his lunch for fun. GREAT LOCAL BURGER!
2601 Circle Rd
There is nothing Healthy as the name suggests, but it has been a staple on the Circle since 1949. If you can navigate the traffic circle at LaSalle, Valley Mills and Hwy 77, then you need to sit and enjoy a classic old fashion burger, shake or malt. There used to be a t-shirt that said “I survived the circle” for a reason. This place recently sold but has not changed any of the things that makes it so famous.
600 North Patricia St. (at East Crest and Hwy 77)
IMPORTANT UPDATE Dave’s has been moved from the Honorable mention to the “List”!
Ralph does not get here much because it’s on the other side of town but they have a great burger. He tries to put it on his list when he goes to Sam’s.
Ralph recntly took his Diana and his daugther Sara and it was loved by all. He said it was great as always! Fantastic burger and onion rings! Totally worth the effort!
2600 W Waco Dr. and 26th Str.
Now this is an OLD diner that was built the year Ralph was born. They completely renovated the place recently (about 10 years ago, lol) Back in the day they had 4 locations. They are so old school, they do not have a website. lol
They have a menu of items, but their burger is awesome. Old style french fries to go with your 50’s style burger. Put Kim’s on the to go list (maybe not at the top).
899 S. Hewitt Dr.
There is a qualifier put on this Restaurant and the location! The original location opened downtown about 5 years ago in the heart of the tourist district. They have opened a second location in Hewitt which is what made the list!
Ralph likes the Texan Burger which comes with cheese, bacan, and A-1 sauce. This can be very messy but really good! Dripping with juice and sauce! The fries look so plain but are GREAT. Hot, crispy and golden brown.
George’s
All their burgers are double meat and are great, but Ralph does not think of it as a burger place, so it is not on his list. They have a great chicken fried steak and fajitas and two locations.
1925 Speight Ave & 1201 Hewitt Dr
Revival Eastside Eatery
Only been open for about a year but has GREAT burgers. This is another one of those that Ralph has not taken his wife. Oops
704 Elm Ave
Twisted Root (We have some BAD news on this one. They are “temporally closed” while they are working on I35. Well the Twisted Root in Arlington Texas is permanently closed so that is not good news for Waco.)
Ralph loves this place but it is not locally owned so can’t make the list. They are across I-35 from Baylor.
801 S 2nd St
Jake’s Texas Tea House
They have a great burger served in a hub cap. Get the wedge fries with it. Lots of other southern cooking served family-style. They are part of the Downtown Waco restaurants.
613 Austin Ave
Griff’s Grill
They have a great burger but have so much more than burgers including a great plate lunch. So Ralph does not count this is a burger joint but a great greasy spoon restaurant!
10400 Wortham Bend in China Spring
MORE IDEAS for locally owned restaurants and Things to Do in Waco
Ralph’s Favorite Locally Owned Tex-Mex Restaurants
Ralph’s Favorite Locally Owned BBQ Restaurants
After your husband takes you SHOPPING IN WACO at Craft Gallery, reward him at one of these places.
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