I think it is safe to say that there are not many eateries in the Lone Star State that make a tortilla burger. I first learned about this burger without buns on a recent episode of The Texas Bucket List. This “everything you should do, see, and experience in Texas” television show is one of my favorites. When I watched the feature on the tortilla burger I immediately added this culinary adventure to my personal Texas bucket list.
The tortilla burger featured on The Texas Bucket List is served at The Frosty, a 50’s-themed diner located in Woodsboro. The small town of Woodsboro is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and Farm Road 2441 in Refugio County. Originally named Church, the name of the town was changed to Woodsboro sometime around 1907 after a fellow named Captain Tobias D. Wood, a real estate developer, sold a large ranch property.
The Frosty is located at 809 Wood Avenue, the same spot it has occupied for years. Over time, previous owners expanded the place to include a small dining area and a drive-thru window. You can also place your order at the convenient walk-up window. This cool little diner is very likely the birthplace of the tortilla burger, a creative solution born on a day when the kitchen ran out of hamburger buns. The rest is history.
After weeks of waiting, my wife and I decided to swing by Woodsboro on our way from Katy to Corpus Christi. The first thing we noticed when we pulled in to the parking lot at The Frosty was the sign outside the building advertising The Frosty Combo — a tortilla burger, fries, and a medium drink for less than seven bucks. This is exactly why we were in Woodsboro.
Once inside we were more than pleasantly surprised. To say that The Frosty is a clean diner would be an understatement. The place was immaculate. And the bathrooms, by the way, were every bit as clean as Buc-ee’s! But, I digress. Back to the reason we took this detour on our Spring Break road-trip — to eat a tortilla burger. We both ordered The Frosty Combo.
Daniel Linares, the current and ninth owner of The Frosty, was in front of the stove. Since taking ownership, he has expanded the menu but keeps alive the tortilla burger tradition. I told Daniel that we had come all the way from Katy to try the tortilla burger for ourselves. He promised us a good dining experience — and he delivered on his promise.
The thought of eating a burger that replaces buns with tortillas sounds counterintuitive. I mean, who slathers mustard on a lightly fried corn tortilla? But, counter-intuitiveness aside, the tortilla burger has endured at The Frosty because it actually works. The tortillas do nothing to rob the burger of its integrity but, in fact, contribute their own distinct flavor to enhance the entire burger experience.
As for the first bite — surprisingly delicious. Who would have thought that a burger as crazy as this would be this good. The crispy, pepper-speckled fries were also tasty. Add a glass of tea with crunchy ice and this turned out to be a great meal. Cheryl and I are really glad that we stopped by The Frosty and hope to do so again.
If you find yourself anywhere near Woodsboro, live adventurously. You owe it yourself to stop by The Frosty to try their tortilla-clad burger. As for me, this hybrid burger has definitely earned a place on my personal list of delicious burgers in the Lone Star State. The tasty tortilla burger — only in Texas!
Explore Texas 
Although Frosty’s are delicious, Henry’s Mexican Food in Refugio Texas has also served tortilla burgers for over 20 years. Even further back than that, the Bowl a Rena in Refugio, (now closed) also used to serve them. Refugians believe that’s where the were invented. Felix, Sanchez, the manager and cook at the time, served his boss a hamburger on tortillas because he ran out of buns. Urban Legend? Maybe but that’s our story and we’re sticking to it!
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Thanks for the info, Rachel. Will have to check out Henry’s in Refugio. Regardless of where this fabulous burger originated, we are indeed fortunate to have such a tasty burger hybrid in the Lone Star State.
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The whatA burger in Refugio served great tortilla burgers. They were my dads favorite
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Thanks for this info, Kenneth. How cool that Whataburger in Refugio served tortilla burgers. Refugio seems to be ground zero for this creative culinary creation.
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The place was called Whopper Burger on a corner off Hwy 77 ( Alamo St, ) next to Edwards Drive In Owner was Ralph Williams , not sure when he first started selling them but his were killers LOL andFelix at the Bowl a Rena and Henrys were tops these three places had the best tortilla burgers with in 300 miles around Refugio ,Tx. or more !! Not sure if there was a Bucket List back then if there was they did not do their homework . As for now there are three or more places in Refugio ,Tx selling them and one in Woodsboro , tx. none rank along the ones from Whopper Burger and Felix’s tortilla burgers and Henry’s
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The name of the place was Whopper Burger and Ralhp Wialliam was the owner his place , The Bowl Rena, Felix and Henty’s were selling the best ones back i late50’s and 60’s . No one with in 3 to 5 hundred miles around could rank with theirs. As of this day there are tortilla burgers being sold in Refugo,Sinton, Taft and Woosboro Tx. no comparison they will never get close to it !! And remind you Texas Bucket List did not do thier home work back then but not sure if it existed ??
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I agree the Tortilla burger was invented in Refugio, but I believe Ralph Williamson beat Felix Sanchez to it. We were eating Tortilla Burgers at the Whopper Burger back around 1964-65 or so.
In any case–Refugio County is the birthplace of the Tortilla Burger!
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Thanks for this history, Laura. You are absolutely correct in pointing out that Refugio County is the birthplace of the Tortilla Burger. And those of us who love burgers are the grateful beneficiaries of this creative Texan invention.
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Good to hear Ralph Williamson’s name brought up. Knew Ralph and Kay back in the early 1980’s
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“the tortillas do nothing to rob the burger of it’s integrity…”
I can relax now. Hamburger integrity is secure.
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Yes, indeed. We can all sleep better tonight 😉
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Since we are talking about that region of Texas …
Tasty Taco in Sinton Texas and Dairy King in Taft Texas also have good tortilla burgers. Sinton also believes it was Ground Zero for tortilla burgers as well. I don’t know if we will ever know, but that only adds to the appeal if you ask me.
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Interesting stuff, Robert. It’s been fun to get feedback with bits and pieces of information about the possible origin of the tortilla burger. I’m just glad that places like The Frosty continue to make the tortilla burger available for a new generation of burger lovers.
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I was one of the owners of Tasty Taco in the mid/late 70″s and we were serving tortilla burgers than. It was started by the prior owner who may have served them ten or more years before then. So we are talking almost 50 years ago.
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Thanks for sharing this history, Kevin. Great to know that Texans have enjoyed this innovative burger for many years.
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ate tortia burgers in Taft and Sinton they make them but there is nothing to compare !!
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Robert I is my son and he is correct in pointing out that Sinton is ground zero for the tortilla burger. I had my first tortilla burger from Tasty Taco when I was in 10 years old. One of my friends father owned Tasty Taco (we are still friends). This would make it around 1962. The owner is still alive although Tasty Taco no longer exists. I will do some research and get back to you.
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Thanks so much for this info. 🙂
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