The Side Dish: Mexican-Style Burgers
Hybridity between two buns
Editor’s note: I’m not a big burger eater, but I have noticed that Mexican-style burgers/smashburgers have enjoyed increasing popularity of late. By “Mexican-style,” we mean seasoned with herbs, salt, pepper, and mustard and liberally topped with vegetables, cheese, and more meats. Sometimes they’re smashed, sometimes they’re not. They’re a delicious border-crossing iteration of an American classic. I asked contributor Haris Qureshi (@trillpaki), who is impressively well-acquainted with burgers, taco trucks, and things you eat at 2am (there is overlap on that Venn diagram, as you’ll see below), to investigate. Enjoy!
Tacos Las Amazonas Estilo Jalisco, 4619 S Congress Ave
This well-known southside taqueria stays open until 1 AM every day and until 3 AM on the weekends so it’s a popular post-downtown trip for a nightcap. They have three burgers, the Hawaiian (with ham and pineapple), the Michoacana (a more traditional Tex-Mex style burger with avocado, swiss cheese, chipotle aioli, bacon, sausage, and ham), and the Amazona (similar to the Michoacana but with mushrooms instead of sausage). You can find people trying to soak up their future hangovers with burgers, tacos, and tortas here on many a late night.
Salchi 512, 10601 North Lamar Blvd
This classic and tasty Mexican-style burger goes for $12 (cash only) and can be found at an under-the-radar food truck on the Taco Mile of North Lamar that stays open until late at night. The menu features Mexican-influenced American fare like hot dogs, fries, and burgers; the burger comes with bacon, avocado, ham, and pineapple and is served alongside the common Mexican side of pickled jalapenos and carrots. This one is definitely a must try and if you’re coming in with a group, get some loaded fries to share.
This taco truck serves primarily Mexican food, but their Wagyu burgers may be the highlight of their menu. Both the Jefe and Jefa burgers are great; the Jefe is a more traditional American-style burger with bacon and Monterey Jack, while the Jefa comes with sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese.
Moreno Barbecue is an iconic new-school Tex-Mex joint with everything from tacos to barbecue plates, but their burgers are the stars of the show. Austin native Bo Moreno uses the scraps from his brisket business to make a mean burger that comes in both smoked brisket and smashburger varieties. Be sure to try sides like the mac and cheese and the beans, but you also can’t go wrong with the seasoned fries.
Casita Nicole Antojitos Mexicanos, 9618 Manchaca Rd
This taco truck is known for their machetes and aguas frescas, but they’re equally well regarded for their Mexican burgers. Try the Alvin’s for a more American-style burger, or if you’re looking for authenticity, go with the hamburguesa topped with ham, pineapple, and bacon. The seasoned fries that come with the burger are a great touch as well.
Owned by Austinite James Diaz, this Mexican-influenced barbecue truck that garnered fame in Denver is located downtown at Rainey and Driskill. It features a mean brisket smashburger as well as hot dogs, barbecue plates, and sandwiches. Make sure to ask for the Hot Cheeto elote mix on the burger too to make it extra puro!
Their La Plancha burger is technically served on a torta bun, but don’t count out Mariha Hinojosa’s Mexican restaurant on East MLK Jr Blvd for a great take on the Mexican burger. Served with refried beans and ham along with traditional burger toppings, this is a great casual meal, especially if you add fried egg and avocado.
This smashburger truck in the Arbor Food Park on East 12th Street was started by well-known Austin chef Beto Robledo (of Cuantos Tacos) and features three Mexican-influenced styles: the Sincronizada, which comes with ham, a split hot dog frank and bacon; the Hawaiana, which comes with ham and pineapple; and the Campechana, which comes with a longaniza patty made of chorizo as well as an Angus beef patty. The papas fritas come fried in beef tallow, giving McDonald’s and P. Terry’s a run for their money.
Bar Toti
Este, the popular Mexican seafood bar and grill by chef Fermin Nunez, has set Manor Road on fire, but their most consistent and affordable meal may in fact be found at Bar Toti, located just east of their main building. In there, you will find the Smashburguesa, one of the best burgers in town, served with smoked ham, chipotle mayo, and escabeche relish. Their Monday menu features half-off hamburgers all night, so for $11 you’re getting a steal.