Houstonist Bites: Pappas Burger

Houstonist reminds you that we're diligently working to bring you the best information available should you love burgers — the sacrifices we make! To that end, we made our way to Pappas Burger for our usual bacon cheeseburger and onion rings (shown in the photo).

Like many of our favorite joints, Pappas is a walk-up — and a crowded one. The waitstaff was extremely friendly, and management visited our table once we were seated with beverages. Two members of our party ordered the turkey burger (consider yourself warned: they take longer to cook than beef). Our lunch took longer than normal, which made us think a mishap might have occurred. But the food did arrive fresh and hot; the burgers were juicy and served on homemade buns, and the onion rings were lightly battered and the onions inside had a nice crispness. We wonder — can onion rings be al dente? If so, these were perfect. But the bacon was very nearly the sheer kind we find so disappointing.

Also on the menu are a portabella sandwich, grilled and fried chicken sandwiches, grilled ahi tuna and cajun catfish sandwiches. A nice listing of salads, buffalo wings and entrees which are only served after 5 p.m. during the week and all day Saturday and Sunday.

The Upside: Great burgers, onion rings and fries, friendly and helpful staff and large variety of menu choices. Pappas restaurants always serve large portions and have excellent food quality, and their burgers are no exception.

The Downside: Houstonist found Pappas Burger a bit pricey, with an average sandwich or burger costing more than $9 (fries are included, but the onion rings are extra, which is typical everywhere we go — why the persecution of the onion ring types?). The wait and crowd can be a deterrent, depending on your appetite.

Bottom Line: While the burgers are excellent, we still prefer smaller establishments with lower prices and comparable burgers. That said, we won't turn our nose up at an opportunity to "get our burger on" at Pappas. And if you don't like the wait, phone in an order to go.

Pappas Burger
5815 Westheimer Road
713.975.6082