A New Direction for Tasty Texas Travels

Once again, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged.  In the meantime, I’ve eaten at some good places and some not so good places, but I just haven’t found the time to blog.  I’m back on the road again, and I’ve decided to change up Tasty Texas Travels.  I’m fortunate to visit some of our best towns in Texas, so why not share a little bit of history about these Texas gems.  After all, this is Tasty Texas Travels. 

McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers: Huntsville

What a better way to start off the week much less a Monday with a blog about a good ol' hamburger? 

Started in Huntsville in 1995 by Kevin and Lisa McKenzie, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers is truly a family affair.  Expanding their operations to Conroe and Montgomery, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers has continued their excellence by winning the Best BBQ in Montgomery County for 11 years in a row and Best BBQ for Huntsville for 14 years.

My first visit to McKenzie's was five years ago.  I dropped in for a hamburger, and I fell in love with the then smaller, intimate location.  Forget the award winning barbeque, this girl sticks to their hamburgers.  Wednesday's lunch special is the hamburger basket, and guess what today is- Wednesday. 

As you can see, the shredded lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and pickles are overflowing- makes me feel better about eating a burger- healthier?  On this day, the beef patty is medium in thickness, slightly smaller than the buttery bun, seasoned well, though a bit overcooked and charred in some areas.  Overall, a pretty good burger.  The french fries are hand cut style.  Little to any seasoning, quite greasy, and slightly undercooked for my liking.

Maybe on this day, McKenzie's is just out of whack.  Overall, it was still a very edible burger basket.  Due to their popularity, they moved into a much larger location across the road a few years ago.  I am hoping this isn't part of the issue. 

As I was waiting in line, I noticed another familiar logo in McKenzie's- Bodacious BBQ Sauces and Seasonings.  According to their website, their sister, Shannon, owns a Bodacious BBQ.  Ummmm, I guess I will have to go back and try their BBQ since we all know how much I like Bodacious BBQ. 

If you are in Huntsville and you want to experience the Best of Huntsville and Montgomery County BBQ, check out McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers.  Did I mention that they have free pinto beans?

McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers
1548 11th Street (Hwy 30)
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-7347
http://www.mckenziesbarbeque.com/

Tom's Burger & More: Elmendorf (San Antonio)

Today, I found myself on the Southeast side of San Antonio looking for a place to eat.  Unfamiliar with the area, I stopped into Tom’s Burger and More.  They offer a variety of food from today’s special-spaghetti to the usual fare of burgers and fish and shrimp combos.

Today, I order the usual fare: a cheeseburger combo.  My burger and fries arrive- the fries are thick cut but not as thick as steak fries.  They are golden brown, but lacking crispness and taste.  They weren’t great, but still very edible.  The burger was a decent thickness, seasoned well, and tasted great.  Fresh tomatoes, onions, and lettuce accompanied it.  The bun was rich, fresh, and buttery.  Overall, Tom’s serves up a really good burger. 

But, then there was another white packet on my tray- dessert?  Yep, it was a fried apple pie.  I am not a purveyor of fried pies besides the Mrs. Baird kind that my mom used to eat in my early childhood.  In my tastes, the pie dough was odd in consistency it was bubbly and flaky.  I can’t say if this is how real fried pies are or not- the inside tasted just like apple pie filling from the can.  In my opinion, I can skip the fried pie the next time.

Overall, when I am back in the Southeast San Antonio Elmendorf area, I would stop back in for a burger at Tom’s.  The no frills place is filled with hard working people, so Tom’s must be doing something right.

Tom’s Burger and More

13950 IH-37 South

Elmendorf, TX 78112

210/633-0143

Wolf's Burger: East Houston

OK, this is one of those places that you don't judge by the outside.  Wolf Burgers is located in a run down strip shopping center on the Sam Houston Tollway just North of I-10 E.  On this day, it is packed as it probably always is on any given day.

Today, the usual: Cheeseburger Basket with French Fries and Ice Tea.  The burger is really good- multi napkins- fresh ground beef, well seasoned, cooked to perfection on a seasoned grill and JUICY.  The bun was warmed to the point of almost crispy, but you could taste the butter.  The steak fries were a total disappointment.  I should have gone with the tater tots or onion rings. 

If you find yourself on the East side, check out Wolf's Burgers.  Don't judge this place by the Outside, go on inside.  You will be pleasantly surprised, and I would definitely get there early.....

Wolf's Hamburger
4323 E Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77015
713/453-1890

Lockhart Food Follies: Lockhart

Well, I know that I am late in writing up my blogs on certain restaurants, and the moral of this story is to not wait so long because some restaurants can close in the mean time.  This is what has happen to Henry's in Lockhart.  It was less than 2 weeks ago that we were sitting in Henry's enjoying a hamburger and fries.

In fact, I will still write about it.  The hamburger was pretty dang good.  The ground meat was debatable if it was fresh or frozen, but it was well seasoned.  The usual suspects were found: lettuce, tomato, and pickles.  Overall, a pretty good burger on a sweet tasting bun.  The only thing was that the typical bagged french fries came out in a pretty chintzy portion.

On another note....just for your information if you don't already know it.  Lockhart is a SERIOUS BBQ town- the BBQ Capital of Texas.  On this day that we ended up at Henry's, my counterpart had just wanted a chopped beef sandwich- you wouldn't think it would be hard to find in Lockhart- Oh, but it is...  After going to Kreuz's and Smitty's, we gave up on the chopped beef sandwich.  Smelling of smoke and hot, we ended up at Henry's by default.  Both Kreuz's and Smitty's greet you with a wall of smoke and heat.  You buy your meat by the pound then eat it without sauce and with white bread.  But, no chopped beef sandwiches to be found!  And, we didn't feel like trying Black's.

I did end up with a pound of brisket from Kreuz's- another Food Folly.  Although the meat was smokey and tender, I definitely believe I have had better brisket.  In fact, some of the meat was so fatty and poorly cut that I thought I was eating a pot roast.  I wasn't that impressed, and we went to A LOT of effort to get that pound of brisket when all we wanted was a chopped beef sandwich- isn't that the truth Mrs. Wells!!!!!

Lockhart: BBQ Capital of Texas
http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/visitors/bbqcapitaloftexas.asp

The Hill Drive In: Bellville

The Hill is one of our favorite burger places around.  Located on the way out of Bellville toward Brenham on Hwy 36, the Hill always has a crowd.   Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will find The Hill serving up delicious fare to the locals since 1952.

Don't think that The Hill is just a burger place.  The chicken tender baskets or fried shrimp baskets will put a smile on your face.  The hamburgers are at least 1/3 of a pound of freshly ground beef, layered with the sweetest mayo and mustard accompanied by the freshest shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.  For a basket, you can choose crinkle fries or tater tots with a medium drink.  Other sides include sweet potato fries, pinto beans, fried okra, and a bunch of others that I have not tried.  Mac-n-Cheese bites have caught my eye though.

Regardless of what you eat at The Hill, I can say that hamburgers, chicken strips, and fried shrimp baskets will not disappoint, and don't forget the malts and shakes especially during these Dog Days of Summer.  So if you are in the area, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, stop on in at The Hill for a local treat! 

The Hill Drive In
979/865-3607
758 W Main St
Bellville, TX  77418 
http://www.thehillrestaurant.com/

Superior Burger Bar: Elgin

No offense, but this place is a dive....with one heck of a burger.  It's Friday, and I find myself driving back from Austin.  I am hankering for a greasy burger not an Elgin Hot Sausage.  Located just outside of the historic downtown of Elgin, Superior Burger is in a non-descript building next to a barber shop.   I think the foldable sign in front let's you know that they are open.

Don't judge the book by the cover because once you walk inside you will really need to be open minded.  The tiny joint is quite dark with a few tables- not very appealing.  On this day, there was a table of local women eating fried fish, and a man, who looked like a banker, eating a burger.  The menu is very limited: burgers, chicken fried steak, pork chops, chicken strips, and fried fish- maybe fried chicken- can't remember.  WARNING: Superior Burger takes only CASH!  There is a bank down the road, so place your order and come back.

Today, I order up a hamburger and fries- imagine that? 

The french fries were the most golden and crispest fries that I have ever had.  There was absolutely no seasoning on them, but they were to die for.  Typical frozen kind, but cooked to complete perfection.  Now, the star, as shown above, was the hamburger. With each bite, the bun oozed with butter .  The meat tasted fresh, and I can't figure out if they seasoned it before or after cooking- lots of black pepper.  All I can think is what a well seasoned griddle they must have!  The burger totally rocked!

Superior Burger Bar is a little gem in Elgin.  It now has a loyal follower.  Plus, it is nice to get off the beaten path into the historic downtown.  My only complaint is that their tea comes in a can, but then again, I should be drinking water.  Stop off if you're in Elgin, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised that you skipped the Hot Sausage for Superior Burger Bar!

Superior Burger Bar

101-B Central Avenue

Elgin, Texas

512/285-4348

Thur and Sun 11 am to 9 pm

Fri and Sat 11 am to 11 pm

Shady Grove: Austin

Shady Grove is my favorite place to eat in Austin.  It is so hippie, so Austin, yet so comfortable.  It was a Thursday night, and they were having a lawn concert.  You can eat either outside among the trees or inside. 

Tonight, I decide to move beyond my normal hamburger and fries, and go with the 100% ground sirloin meat loaf with a twice baked jalapeno potato.  But, first, we start with chips and queso and salsa roja.  Their queso just rocks- its a cheesy blend of incredible ooze!  It's a must try.

My meatloaf was interesting.  The actual loaf was quite spicy.  It was covered in a tomato sauce more like salsa.  Overall, it was pretty good, but a little too spicy.  The twice baked jalapeno potato was good, but I think they put all of the jalapenos in the meat loaf.

If you get a chance, check out Shady Grove.  It will not disappoint!  Word of Caution: their wine list is a 4x6 piece of paper whipped out of the waiters pocket.  Plus, on nights of lawn concerts, only plastic cups are used.

Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-9991http://www.theshadygrove.com/

Billy Bob's Burgers: Hondo, Texas

Like Tink-a-Tako, I have been passing Billy Bob's Burgers in Hondo on my trips to Big Bend.  In a town where the motto is "Don't Drive like Hell through God's Country," it was time to stop at this little joint.  It was close to 1:30, and there was still a line in the drive thru.  Don't get scared by the some what dilapidated buildings and signs.



This photo of the burger basket is giving me a hard time.  If it doesn't show, imagine a beautiful big burger oozing with red onions, pickles, lettuce, and USDA Beef next to crispy golden crinkle fries on top of red and white checkered paper!



Today, I chose the Cheeseburger Basket.  Imagine that, given the number of posts on Cheeseburgers- heck, I am a Texan and I love my Beef!

Since I got this to go, I was super happy to see the crinkle fries.  Crinkle fries are such a treat!  Yummy, golden deep fried, super crisp, seasoned just right crinkle fries.  Wow, the fries alone are worth a future stop.  They would go great with a nice side of home made ranch. 

Next: the burger.  The burger was HUGE!  The red onions were the sweetest that I have ever tasted.  The meat was thick, well seasoned, and just a great burger.  In fact, Maddie the Mad Dog was trying her best to get her fair share of this burger bliss.  I can say trying to eat this burger as you are driving down Hwy 90 is as dangerous as trying to text and drive.  I made a HUGE mess ultimately having to break it apart into much smaller, easier to handle pieces where I could savor the flavor longer.  Delish!

If you are heading to Big Bend, the River, or just close to San Antonio, check out Billy Bob's Burgers in Hondo.  It is definitely going to be a regular stop on our trips West.  Once again, Maddie the Mad Dog approves of this blog and this burger!

Billy Bob's Burgers
1905 19th Street
Hondo, Texas 78861
830/426-3050

Hamburger Depot: Beaumont, Texas

 As usual, it is Friday, and I am wanting a good burger.  I decided to try Hamburger Depot.  Located on the end of a Shell station, you walk into a busy and hustling place.  It was 2 pm, and there was still a line- good sign!  Plus, their slogan is "The Best Thing Since Ground Beef!"  How can a Texan not love that?

You order at the counter.  I chose the Depot Cheeseburger Basket with Fries.  You can chose either onion rings or tots for an extra fee.  I took my spot awaiting the half pound burger, drooling as each order walks by.  Finally, they called my number!

Oh my, look at that beautiful cheese.  It has to be cheddar given the amount of greese and the style of melt.  And, some of it found its way over to my golden crisp french fries- cheese fries are truly one of my downfalls.  My poor arteries were cringing at this site.

The burger had a nice seasoned griddled taste.  The burger actually REALLY needs to be cut in half bc I made a totaly mess!  Things were falling and oozing everywhere.  The french fries were cooked to perfection, but they had no salt or seasoning at all.  I swear I was watching them toss something on them just prior to bringing the orders out, but mine had nothing.

Overall, this burger was great.  I even saved some of it later, and it was even great cold.  I know this is one place that I will come back to since they have bacon cheese fries as well as a Sissy Burger.  Plus, they have other locations: Jasper, Kirbyville, and Downtown Beaumont.  As they say, "Hamburger Depot is worth the weight!"

Hamburger Depot
1652 W Cardinal Dr
Beaumont, Texas 77705
409/840-6600

Feed Barn: Bryan, Texas

Today, I tried the Feed Barn in Bryan, Texas.  I have eaten here before, and I remember it was good food with good atmosphere.  Located in an industrial area of Bryan, Feed Barn is off the beaten path.  The restaurant serves burgers, steaks, and fish- I guess that was obvious from the picture above.  You order and pay at the cash register.  Drinks are self serve, and your food is picked up at a kitchen window.

Since this girl likes her burger baskets, I decided a good cheese burger was needed on this Friday afternoon.

The patty is thin with the bun and condiments fresh.  The meat was actually quite disappointing.  It did have a nice seasoned grill taste, but I kept getting a taste similar to McDonald's.  I don't know what it was, but it was there.  Plus, the patty tasted like and had the consistency of a frozen variety.  The french fries are steak cut, and they were deep-fried crisp.

In the end, I would say that I have had a better burger in the Bryan/College Station area.  I would go back to the Feed Barn to try something else.  The room was filled with men eating steaks, so maybe that is the route to go.

Feed Barn
2017 Fountain Avenue
Bryan, TX 77801
979/822-9488
http://www.feedbarnbcs.com/

Burger Fresh: Tomball, Texas

I discovered Burger Fresh while I was making the drive back and forth to The Woodlands.  Recently, I saw that they made Texas Monthly’s Best Burger Places.  I decided to give them a try at their Tomball location.  Burger Fresh has two other locations in Conroe and Montgomery.

Oh my, what a little gem.  It is a typical burger, drive in place.  You can order ¼, 1/3 or ½ pound burgers.  They serve certified Angus beef, but they also serve wild game burgers and other sandwich fare like Philly Cheese Steaks.  All combo baskets come with your choice of fries, tater tots, or onion rigs.

Tonight, I decided to try a 1/3 burger basket with French Fries to go.

Oh my, Oh my.  The burger was so juicy, well seasoned, dripping with ooooze.  The shredded lettuce was super fresh and plump.  The tomato, the pickles, the onions….Oh my, this is the best burger that I have had in my lifetime.  The fries were typical frozen, fried up and tossed with seasoned salt.  Next time, I would definitely try the onion rings because they were a beautiful golden brown, thick cut, and made my mouth drool at their site.

I immediately called my husband, and said that the next free Saturday that we have, we are coming back to Burger Fresh.  And, I can’t wait.  Way to go Texas Monthly, you got this one right.

Burger Fresh

1000 W Main (FM 2920)

Tomball, Texas 77375

832/559-8275

http://iwantmyburgerfresh.com/

Dairy Bar: Brenham

This evening, we were in the mood for a local burger.  We decided on Dairy Bar in Brenham, Texas.  Since 1985, Dairy Bar has been a local favorite and winner of the Brenham Banner Press Favorite Burger Award.  This no frills joint serves an array of food from burgers and shakes to hot dogs and Tex Mex.

On this evening, my dining companion had a cheeseburger with fries.

The ½” freshly ground beef burger is sure to please.  Fresh lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles accompanied the burger.  The crinkle fries were golden brown and crisp, but they were your typical frozen bagged variety.  Obviously, the burger is the most popular dish at the Dairy Bar given the standing room only audience.

I went a different route, and ordered a chicken strip basket.  The four strips were golden brown with a black pepper batter similar to Dairy Queen's.  The basket came with Texas Toast, crinkle fries, and gravy.  The gravy was a darker, thinner style of cream gravy which was dotted with black pepper.  It had a faint taste of bacon grease.  Overall, the chicken strip basket was a nice alternative to a burger.

Like I said, the Dairy Bar was standing room only on this Thursday night with a line of cars out to the road in the drive thru.  If you are coming through Brenham on Hwy 290, either stop in or drive thru this local Brenham eatery.  You will not be disappointed unless it is Sunday when they are closed!

Dairy Bar

2703 Stringer Street (off Hwy 290 Feeder)

Brenham, TX 77833-5745

979/836-5112

Butcher Boy's: Nacogdoches

Today, I decided to try Butcher Boy's in Nacogdoches.  I was in the mood for a good burger, and they sure didn't disappoint.  Butcher Boy's is family owned and operated since 1977.  They serve BBQ, burgers, chicken fried steaks, and homemade pies- chocolate or coconut cream.  Don't worry if you are on a diet because Butcher Boy's even has 2 low carb meals on the menu.

You place your order at the counter, drinks are self serve, and they call your name when your order is ready.  Your order comes out in a brown paper bag.  I ordered the cheeseburger combo meal.

All I can say is that this burger is a multi-napkin event.  The thin, freshly ground, beef patty oozed with goodness.  Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and red onions took their place.  The mayo had a touch of sweet that went well with the slightly salty, in a good way, seasoning in the meat.  The bun was freshly toasted, and the patty covered all of it.  The fries were typical fries, yet they could have cooked a tad longer.

Overall, I really enjoyed Butcher Boys.  If you aren't dining in, still stop by and check out their full meat market that includes fresh meats, freezer meat packs, custom smoking, and famous cheese balls.  Surely, it will not disappoint.

Butcher Boy's
603 North Street (Business 59)
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
936/560-1137
http://www.butcherboysnac.com/