Places To Eat

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Bobby J’s Old Fashion Hamburgers

My continuing quest to find delicious burgers in the Lone Star State recently led me to a place recommended by a reader who lives in San Antonio. He insisted that I had to eat at Bobby J’s Old Fashion Hamburgers — a popular burger joint in Helotes, a community located on the far northwest side of San Antonio. So, when my travels took me west, I did just that. A friend and I timed our trip so that we could stop for lunch at Bobby J’s.
Bobby J's SignFolks have been eating at Helotes for quite a long time. The name Helotes is derived from the Spanish word elotes, meaning corn on the cob. Spanish explorers reported the use of corn on the cob by Apaches in the area as early as the 1700’s. By 1873, Helotes became a stagecoach stop on the Bandera Road, a place where travelers could relax and enjoy a meal.

Bobby J’s was certainly not around in those years when stage coaches traveled the Bandera Road. If it had it would have made Helotes an even more popular stop along this old stage route. Bobby J’s was the brainchild of a real estate guy named Bob Sfalos. In 2000, Sfalos fulfilled a personal dream of opening a burger joint on property that he owned. His wife thought he was crazy but joined him in this new venture to concoct a better-tasting burger.
Bobby J's InteriorAfter eating at every burger place in the area, Sfalos and his wife narrowed their favorites down to three. Then they strategized on how to improve on their favorite burgers and came up with their own secret burger formula. The rest is history. Whatever they came up with worked and soon Bobby J’s earned its own place on top of the burger joint heap. Bobby J’s is undeniably one of the most popular place to eat a burger in the greater San Antonio area.

My buddy and I arrived at Bobby J’s after the lunch crowd — or so we thought. The place had a steady stream of customers the entire time we were there. I ordered the Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Burger with a side order of onion rings and a glass of sweet tea. A lady named Benita took our order and made us feel right at home. I always appreciate friendly folks like Benita who make a dining experience all the better.
Bobby J's BurgerAs for the burger — it arrived with jalapeños cascading out of the bun. Perfect! I cut the burger in half to reveal a perfectly cooked hand-pressed patty smothered in cheese. The first bite confirmed everything I had heard from my friend who recommended I eat at Bobby J’s. That first bite told me that this was destined to be one of my favorite burger dining experiences. And, the onion rings were the perfect companion to this meal.
Bobby J's Burger HalfBobby J’s is definitely a burger joint I will have to visit again. I enjoyed the eclectic license-plate themed decor and absolutely loved the burger. Along with countless others who have eaten at Bobby J’s, I am glad that Bob Sfalos left the real estate business to make burgers. If you find yourself anywhere near San Antonio, set your compass to Helotes and head on over to Bobby J’s for one of the most delicious burgers in the Lone Star State.

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Mamie’s Kitchen

Pattison, a small town located in southern Waller County, was named after James Tarrant Pattison. This early settler built his plantation house on a tract of land he purchased in 1839. Pattison’s house served as a stage-coach stop on the Atascosito Road, a military highway established by the Spaniards sometime before 1757.

According to the Pattison family, there is a little more to the story. As they tell it, Pattison and a rival plantation owner each wanted the rights to name the town. So, they decided to match their favorite horses in a race. They agreed that the winner would have the privilege of naming the proposed town after himself. The rest is history.

Pattison is located west of Houston and north of Brookshire near the junction of Farm Roads 1458 and 359. Pattison is a small town that is home to Mamie’s Kitchen — a restaurant that serves dishes big on flavor. This small town eatery is named after Mamie Wilpitz Wilson. For more than 40 years, Mamie and her husband John operated Wilson’s Grocery in Pattison. This grocery store became a favorite gathering place for locals.

Miss Mamie earned a reputation as a woman who cared about her neighbors. That’s because she and her husband John had an open door policy that endeared them to others. Mamie, in fact, became known as an encourager who was always ready to listen and to give sage counsel to kids and adults alike. She was regarded as a mother by the folks of her community.
Mamie's RestaurantMamie’s Kitchen, a fairly new restaurant in Pattison, was named in honor of Miss Mamie. Their aim is “to reclaim the feeling of years ago, by offering food and a warm and comforting atmosphere to all who enter this place.” After stopping to eat at Mamie’s a couple of months ago, I have returned to Pattison more than once to eat at Mamie’s.
Mamie's Christmas DinnerMy first meal at Mamie’s was their Christmas Dinner. Oh my soul, it was delicious. I shared a table with a bunch of friends. Each of us received a plate heaping with turkey and dressing and the works. Every bite was filled with home-cooked deliciousness. But, as good as my turkey dinner was, I knew I would have to return to eat a burger.
Mamie's BurgerOn my return visit, I ordered a hamburger with a side of onion rings. This is one big burger. Those of you who follow my blog know that I have a first-bite rating when it comes to trying a new burger. If the first bite is good then all is well. The first bite was indeed good. As a matter of fact, it was better than good. And the onion rings were oh so amazing. Mamie’s is also known for its fabulous pies. So, I forced myself to eat a piece of pecan pie infused with slivers of almonds. Wow!
Mamie's MenuBecause we are all busy it’s easy to fall into a tired routine of eating at the same fast food joints or chain restaurants. Don’t get stuck in that rut. Get out and look for interesting places to eat near you. Make it a point to not judge a book by its cover. Take a chance on a place you might otherwise pass by. You just might find a culinary treasure like Mamie’s Kitchen — a place that will delight your palate and make your taste buds think they won the lottery.

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Novrozsky’s Hamburgers Etc

I discovered Novrozsky’s Hamburgers Etc on a recent road trip to Orange to visit the fascinating old Farmers Mercantile, a general store that has served the people of the area for almost 90 years. Hungry for a good burger, I asked Siri to find places to eat near me. Novrozsky’s topped the list. The name alone made me curious so I entered the address into Google maps and headed in their direction.

The original Novrozsky’s restaurant was founded in 1982 in Beaumont. Today, they have locations through Southeast Texas, including Orange. According to their website, they pride themselves “on serving the most delicious and satisfying burgers in Texas.” Another reason I had to check this place out for myself.
Novrozsky's FrontThe Novrozsky’s restaurant in Orange is housed in a modest and nondescript building with only the name Novrozsky’s on the front. No problem! As someone who enjoys sleuthing out a good burger, I was far more interested in what I would find inside the building.

I arrived well past the lunch crowd and walked right up to the counter and ordered their Bacon Cheddar Burger with all of the trimmings on a jalapeño bun along with a side order of hand-battered onion rings. Novrozsky’s hamburgers are made with Nolan Ryan beef — 100% all natural, hormone-free beef raised right here in the Lone Star State.
Novrozsky's CupI filled my styrofoam cup with raspberry iced tea and waited for my burger. Looking around, I noticed that I was not the only person interested in having a burger for lunch. My burger arrived with a heaping order of onion rings. If the aroma was any indication, I knew this was destined to be a mighty good meal.
Novrozsky's BurgerOf course, the first bite always tells the story and my first bite was not disappointing. Oh my soul! This was truth in advertising — a truly delicious and satisfying burger. If it had been possible I would have eaten two of these fabulous burgers. As for the onion rings — unbelievably delicious! The onion rings were a meal in themselves.
Novrozsky's Burger PlateThe only thing that disappointed me was the last, moist, delicious bite. Not because it did not taste as good as the first bite but because I did not want for this meal to end. It was that good. I give Novrozsky’s absolutely high marks in every burger regard. You can bet that I will stop at Novrozsky’s again the next time I find myself anywhere near one of their many locations in Southeast Texas.

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Royers Round Top Café

Round Top, a popular tourist destination, is one of the smallest incorporated communities in the Lone Star State. This tiny town has a rich history influenced by English and German settlers. The family of Stephen Townsend was the first to settle in the area in 1826. This family bears the distinction of having sent more men to the Battle of San Jacinto than any other family.

Joel Robinson, a resident of Round Top, also fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. After the Texan army defeated the Mexican forces on the plains of San Jacinto on March 21, 1836, the Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna was nowhere to be found. Robinson was assigned to the small detachment of men who searched for and captured the defeated general on the day after the decisive battle.

In the 1840s, a German man named Alwin H. Soergel, settled in the Round Top area. This talented author, musician, and historian built a white house with an octagonal tower — giving rise to the name Round Top. Soergel’s home served as the United States Post Office for the tiny community as early as 1847.
Round Top City Limit SignToday, Round Top has a population of fewer than one-hundred residents. Even so, this tiny community draws visitors from around the world. Round Top is an internationally recognized cultural center for the arts with a 1,200-seat concert hall at Festival Hill, the permanent home of the Texas Festival Orchestra.

Round Top’s vintage downtown is also a tourist draw. Henkel Square features a variety of shops and galleries housed in restored structures originally built by English and German pioneers to the area. Of course, the heavy tourist traffic explains why there are so many historic bed-and-breakfasts in Round Top.
Royers CafeOn my continuing search for delicious hamburgers in the Lone Star State, I visited Royers Round Top Café — “a Texas country bistro serving gourmet comfort food.” This café is famous for their delicious handmade pies, which have made their way to the White House. How cool is that! But, I visited Royers to sample their burger and then to chase it all down with a tall glass of iced tea and a slice of pecan pie.
Royers Burger CutI ordered the Café’s Burger — a handmade burger boasting a half-pound of local beef served with all the trimmings between a toasted sourdough bun with a side of hand-cut fries. All it took was the first bite to convince me this was one delicious burger. As for the pecan pie, I think it was made in heaven. No wonder folks come from all over the place to eat at Royer’s. Not only was the food great, the wait staff was very attentive and helpful.
Royers PorchIf you have not yet visited Round Top, add it to your list. You’ll enjoy strolling through the various interesting shops with their eclectic wares. And, be sure to time things so that you can stop by Royers for lunch. It’s a popular place so you might have to wait for a few minutes on the front porch. But, don’t be impatient and drive off. This place is definitely well worth the wait.

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Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot

A friend recently encouraged me to eat at Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot — a tiny burger joint with a big reputation for serving tasty burgers in Houston. Sparkle’s is located at the corner of Leeland and Dowling, just east of Houston’s historic Eastwood neighborhood. Housed in a small building flanked by picnic tables and a shade tree, Sparkle’s has a very reasonably priced breakfast and lunch menu.
Sparkle's Hamburger SpotI ordered the bacon cheeseburger with a side order of onion rings at the walk-up window. The young lady who took my order was friendly and helpful. Everything at Sparkle’s is made-to-order, so the service is not fast. They wait until you place your order to start cooking. Once I placed my order, I joined the dozen other folks sitting around the picnic tables, patiently waiting to hear their number called. Those who had phoned in their orders did not have as long to wait.
Sparkle's Walk-Up WindowI have to confess that waiting was the hardest part because I was so hungry. When the gal at the window finally called out Number 74, she handed me my burger in a white styrofoam box. I settled into a comfortable seat at the picnic tables and opened the box. Inside I found a healthy burger swaddled in paper along with a generous portion of onion rings.
Sparkle's BurgerThe burger was big — at least a half-pound and inch-thick crumbly patty cooked to perfection and topped with a generous portion of cheese and bacon. The mustard and mayo slathered buns created the perfect embrace for the meat. When it comes to burgers, it generally doesn’t take more than one bite to conclude whether it’s good, bad, or downright nasty. One bite of this burger made every minute of the wait worth it all. Delicious, hearty, and flavor filled!
Sparkle's MenuIf you are looking for fancy, look elsewhere because there is nothing fancy about Sparkle’s. This place is about the food. They do burgers and they do them right! The folks on the other side of the walk-up window know what they are doing and they do it well. Sparkle’s has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best burger joints in their own neighborhood and beyond. And they have earned a spot on my own list of the best places to eat a burger in the Lone Star State.

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Hermann Sons Steak House

The city of Hondo has one of the most unusual welcome signs in the Lone Star State, or anywhere for that matter. The Hondo Lions Club erected the sign at the city limits in 1930 with the intention of slowing down motorists barreling down Highway 90. The first sign read “This Is God’s Country, Don’t Drive Through It Like Hell.” Because some of the town folk did not like the harsh tone of the sign, the word “please” was added in the 1940s.
Hondo SignLocal law enforcement could probably speak to the effectiveness of Hondo’s sign. I have certainly learned to respect the slower speed limits as I drive through smaller Texas towns like Hondo on my backroads adventures. There is, however, another sign in Hondo that has unquestionably caused many travelers through town to slow down and pull off the road — and that is the Hermann Sons Steak House sign.
Hermann Sons SteakhouseThe roots of this well-known steak house reach all the way back to 1937 when a fellow named Alvin Britsch opened a restaurant called The Bobcat Grill. The menu in those early days featured hamburgers, homemade chili, and Britsch’s famous “pepper steak.” Britsch later added steaks to the menu, inaugurating the start of the Hermann Sons Steak House. Today, a third generation of Alvin Britsch’s family owns and operates the steak house.
Hermann Sons InteriorI learned about this popular Hondo eatery from my wife Cheryl. Her family would eat at Hermann Sons every time they traveled to the Hill Country along Highway 90. Her favorite meal — the trademark pepper steak. This dish is more than a meal to Cheryl. It is a nostalgic reminder of happy days of traveling with her family. On our recent visit, Cheryl ordered the pepper steak without even glancing at the menu.
Hermann Sons Burger WrappedAs for me, I ordered a burger — in particular, the Big Tex Burger. This big burger is served on a deliciously moist sourdough bun. I added cheese and bacon to my order and a side order of onion rings. My burger arrived swaddled in a white wrapper with deliciously inviting onion rings on the side. I unwrapped the behemoth and cut it in half to make it easier to eat.
Hermann Sons Big Tex BurgerThe burger was absolutely delicious. The uneven and crumbly patty was cooked to perfection. The sourdough bun held the contents together well without falling apart. And the onion rings were oh-my-soul amazing. All of this and a cold glass of iced tea made for a perfect meal. I should also mention that the wait staff was friendly and attentive. A good meal and a friendly wait staff certainly make for a memorable dining experience.
Hermann Sons Burger CutIf you find yourself headed west of San Antonio on Highway 90 any time soon, make it a point to time your trip so that you can stop for lunch in Hondo. And remember — don’t drive like hell through Hondo. Instead slow down and pull into Hermann Sons Steak House and enjoy a heavenly good meal!

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J.P. Bombers Burgers

J.P. Bombers Burgers opened its doors three years ago on a you-gotta-be-going-there stretch of McArdle Road in Corpus Christi. Set back a good distance from the road, this little burger joint is housed on the north end of a modest little strip center. If you are not careful, you can drive right past the place like I did.
JP Bombers RestaurantSince opening its doors, J.P. Bombers has managed to earn a reputation as one of the best places in the Sparkling City by the Sea to find a great burger. After reading some online reviews I knew I had to go there. And I made sure to go with a big appetite. I arrived hungry and with all of the anticipation of a kid waiting to unwrap a birthday gift.

The moment my wife, my daughter, and I walked through the door, we were greeted with a “Welcome to Bombers. Sit anyplace you like.” We sat next to a table of city utility workers and near a table of older ladies enjoying a game of cards. We instantly loved the laid back feel of the place.
JP Bombers MenuThe menu listed some pretty cool combinations of burgers, in fact, lots of interesting choices. A young lady named Jessica waited on us and recommended the Atomic Burger since this was my first time. This burger features a large patty slathered in melted American cheese and garnished with a healthy helping of grilled onions, jalapeños, and bacon — all of this on a delicious toasted bun.
JP Bombers PicklesMy wife and daughter opted to share the sliders with a side order of tater tots. For an appetizer, we ordered hand-breaded fried pickle chips. The fried pickles arrived with some Ranch dipping sauce. Delicious.
JP Bombers SlidersI asked Jessica about the name of the place. She told us that J.P. stands for Jalapeño Poppers, one of their specialties. She also told us that the business is entirely family owned and operated. Her in-laws, in fact, are the owners. Her family, she told us, cares deeply about serving the best and offering good service.
JP Bombers AtomicAs for my burger — Wow! Everything about the Atomic Burger was delicious. The meat was perfectly cooked. The bun was amazing. The grilled onions, jalapeños, and bacon were diced and evenly spread on top of the cheese and meat, making the flavor in every bite consistently good. Thoroughly enjoyed this burger and would definitely order it again.

For the more adventurous eaters, Bombers has their version of a big burger challenge — a burger with a whopping 48 ounces of meat served with four trimmings, a side of fries, 3 stuffed Jalapeño Bombers, and a 32 ounce drink. If you can eat this behemoth burger in 40 minutes or less you earn bragging rights and get your pic added to the wall. The burger is free if you meet the challenge, otherwise be ready to fork over some dough!

Bottom line — Bombers is fantastic. I not only recommend it, I can hardly wait to go back. If you are headed to Corpus Christi anytime soon, swing by 6109 McArdle Road and try one of their amazing burgers.

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The Hanging Tree Restaurant

My continuing quest to find the best burgers in the Lone Star State recently me took to Goliad, one of the oldest Spanish colonial municipalities in the state. Goliad was established in 1749 and was originally named La Bahia. The name of the town was changed to Goliad in 1829 in honor of Father Miguel Hidalgo, the patriot priest of the Mexican Revolution. The name Goliad is an anagram of the letters of the name Hidalgo (minus the silent H).
Goliad CourthouseGoliad is the county seat of Goliad County. Like other county seats in Texas, Goliad boasts a beautiful courthouse situated in the town square. The current courthouse was built in 1894 and was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1964. The famous Goliad Hanging Tree on the courthouse lawn survives as a symbol of justice. This tree was used for both court-approved hangings as well as a number of impromptu lynchings during the infamous 1857 Cart War between Texans and Mexican Texans.
The Hanging TreeAcross the street from the courthouse and the actual hanging tree is the Hanging Tree Restaurant. This eating establishment specializes in good down-home cooking. The restaurant is very clean. Mounted animals adorn the walls and silently look down on diners. The glass top tables frame old historic photos of Goliad and the surrounding area. I love these old and grainy black and white photos of the area’s early buildings and residents.
Hanging Tree RestaurantOf course, I was at the Hanging Tree to eat a hamburger. I ordered a cheeseburger with an order of onion rings along with a cold glass of tea. Looks like the hamburger was a popular choice. I noticed that several other diners had also ordered burgers and onion rings. I could hardly wait.
Hanging Tree MenuA good hamburger bun is just as important to me as the flavor of the meat. A bun is supposed to serve as more than just parentheses around the meat. A bun should enhance the overall flavor of a burger. The first thing I noticed about my cheeseburger was the square bun. This was no ordinary out-of-the-bag bun. This bun was infused with bits of jalapeño and cheese. And it was mighty delicious.
Hanging Tree BurgerBottom line — I’m glad I stopped to eat at the Hanging Tree. Absolutely enjoyed my cheeseburger and onion rings. Also enjoyed the ambiance of the place and the big picture window that frames the hanging tree on the courthouse lawn across the street. I am happy to add the Hanging Tree to my list of interesting places in Texas to eat a delicious hamburger.

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Hotel Blessing Coffee Shop

My road trip to the tiny town of Blessing was inspired by the name of the town. Blessing was established in 1903 on land owned by Jonathan Edwards Pierce, a namesake of Jonathan Edwards, the renowned 18th century preacher. When Pierce gave the right-of-way to the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway, the settlement was as yet unnamed. Pierce proposed to name the settlement “Thank God.” However, when the Unites States Postal Service rejected his proposal, he named the place Blessing instead.
Hotel Blessing FrontThe best known spot in Blessing is the old Hotel Blessing, built in 1906. The hotel was built for land-seekers and was also a residence for developers Pierce and his son, Abel. Today, the hotel looks pretty much the same as when Pierce lived there and shipped his cattle to market on the nearby railroad. Hotel Blessing has survived the ravages of time, the battering of Gulf Coast storms, and retains its turn-of-the-twentieth-century charm.
Hotel Blessing EntryOnce you step through the double entry doors it’s as though you have entered a time capsule. The long entry hall is accented with period antiques and other Texas memorabilia. A stairway on the left leads to the second floor. At the end of the hall is the entry to the Dining Room — the historic Hotel Blessing Coffee Shop. Of course, this is more than a coffee shop. This cafe has been serving meals for more than a hundred years and is unquestionably one of the best places to eat in the Lone Star State.
Hotel Blessing FoodThe cafe is a bit unorthodox, which is what makes it so special. My wife Cheryl and I were immediately greeted when we walked in. We were instructed to “grab a plate and help yourself to as much as you can eat — and sit anywhere you like.” The food is served buffet style on antique stoves at the back of the dining area boasting tables, chairs, and decor as old as the hotel itself. Crissy, one of the young ladies who works at the cafe told us the peach cobbler was especially good. “I made it myself,” she smiled.
Hotel Blessing Cafe InteriorCheryl and I loaded our plates with more food than you can legally eat a Baptist potluck fellowship. And it was all good. In fact, it was better than good. It was excellent. This was homestyle cooking at its best. Some have said that if you leave the cafe hungry then “it’s your own dang fault.” I agree. I ate more than I should have. And, Crissy was right. The peach cobbler was very good!
Hotel Blessing SignAnd the price for all of this homestyle goodness served in a place steeped in so much history — only ten bucks per person, including drink, dessert, and all the food you can possibly eat. That’s it. Ten bucks — tax included (pay with cash or check only). Not many places where you can get a deal like that these days and enjoy your meal in a laid back historical setting.
Hotel Blessing Come AgainThere is no question about the fact that Cheryl and I will look for the next opportunity to hit the road to the cafe at Hotel Blessing. We think that maybe next time we will go there for breakfast. Crissy assured us that the pancakes are amazing. And she definitely knows what she’s talking about!

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The Garden Company Cafe

On a recent day trip to Shiner to visit the Catholic Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, one of the most beautiful of the painted churches in Texas, I made my way back home on backroads. Hungry for a hamburger, I stopped for lunch in Schulenburg, a small town located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 77.

The area around Schulenburg was settled by German, Austrian, and Czech settlers in the mid-nineteenth century. The town of Schulenburg was founded in 1873 when the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway came through the area. The town gets its name from Louis Schulenburg, the man who donated land for the railroad.
The Garden Company CafeUncertain about the restaurants in town, I asked Siri (my iPhone travel guide) to recommend a restaurant. I read some quick reviews and decided to have lunch at The Garden Company Cafe, not necessarily a hamburger joint, but a place with lots of interesting choices on the menu. Housed in a period-looking farm house, I could not help but stop to eat there.

In addition to the restaurant, The Garden Company also features a marketplace and a nursery with colorful bedding plants, shrubs, trees, and more. The restaurant is creatively decorated and has large windows that let lots of light spill in to the rooms. The place was packed when I walked in — a good sign. Of course, I took advantage of the opportunity to see what folks were eating while I waited for my table.
Garden Co Cafe MenuThe selections on the menu looked amazing. Wish I could have ordered a sampling of everything, but I was there to eat a hamburger. So, I ordered the Plain Jane — just a simple burger. The Plain Jane has a patty made of a blend of chuck and brisket topped off with an ample melted portion of aged sharp cheddar. The meal is served with oven roasted potato wedges, lettuce, tomato, and red onion on the side.
Garden Co Cafe BurgerThe Plain Jane burger was anything but plain. It was delicious. The bun was moist, the flavor of the meat was really good, and the potato wedges were cooked to perfection. Just the right size and the right amount of everything. The only thing that disappointed me was that the burger and potato wedges filled me up and I had no room left to eat one of their delicious-looking desserts.

I’m glad that I stopped by The Garden Company Cafe — absolutely a good decision. The wait staff was friendly and courteous, making the experience that much more enjoyable. If you are headed down Interstate 10 and find yourself anywhere near Schulenburg, stop by The Garden Company Cafe to enjoy a delicious meal or coffee and a dessert. I think you’ll agree with me that it was well worth the stop.