Houston, TX

Most Houstonians love their beef, and when looking for something more casual than steak au poivre but better than fast food…we need good recommendations for great burgers!

Every Tuesday the Houston Chronicle does an online reader poll to find out the best recs by residents. Recently readers voted for their favorite hamburger restaurants. See where readers say you ought to be eating for the tastiest burgers:

#1 Lankford’s Grocery — Lankford’s is a retro spot in mid-town on Dennis Street, and readers loved the juicy burgers piled high with all the veggies. It sounds like delicious burgers and great ambience if you like classic diners.

#2 Tookie’s — this one surprised me. I had heard it highly suggested so we gave it a try. We must have hit it on an off-day because we found tiny, tasteless burgers of McDonald’s quality for top price! But 20% of readers—the highest number—said it has the best burgers in the Houston area. Tookie’s is down on 146 just before the Seabrook-Kemah bridge.

#3 Bellaire Broiler Burger — A classic burger joint from the ’60s, readers loved the flame broiled burgers so juicy you need extra napkins. Critics say the decor is simple, the food traditional and delicious. Located on Bellaire Blvd in Bellaire.

#4 Christian’s Tailgate Grill and Bar — After the top three old-fashioned and retro entries, readers next liked the modern version of hamburger and sides. Select from hand-formed burgers, prefab fries and carmelized onion rings. Located on Bagby in Houston.

#5 Mytiburger — Mytiburger has two locations in Houston (northwest and west). I haven’t tried it and no readers rated it with any specifics so it’s a bit of a mystery…but if you feel like taking a bet, perhaps 9% of readers responding to the poll can’t be all wrong!

The #1 write in was the District 7 Grill on Pierce St. in Houston. Apparently the service is as good as the burgers there.

Have a great weekend.

[tags]Burgers, Best Burgers, best Burgers in Houston, Houston Chronicle Poll[/tags}