Bubba's Texas Burger Shack

Eating at Bubba’s, a literal wooden shack near the Galleria area, feels more like dining inside of a decades-old postcard than anything resembling modernity, which is probably why the burgers are so incredible. Bubba’s specializes in bison burgers, but you can get beef, too, if you’re some kind of burger purist. Dress up the burger with jalapeños, grilled onions, or even an entire frito pie, which is a very Texan thing to do. While you could go here for dinner, visiting Bubba’s for a late lunch will help you avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic. Plus, you’ll have the rest of the day to nap, which will be necessary.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Bison Burger

Bubba’s specializes in bison burgers, but you can get beef, too, if you’re some kind of burger purist. Dress up the grassy and light bison patties with jalapeños, grilled onions, or even an entire frito pie.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Patty Melt

This is the patty melt final boss—the patty melt to rule them all. Caramelized, griddled beef (or bison), gloriously dripping with melted American cheese, onions, and chopped jalapeños smashed between crispy toasted rye bread. Just hot enough to burn your mouth, just spicy enough to keep you coming back for bite after bite.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Frito Pie

We appreciate that this frito pie resembles one you’d get at a little league game. Think nearly electric yellow cheese, industrial-grade chili, and thick slices of jalapeño. Just like the concession stand used to make.