Consumption Junction: Sparkle's Hamburger Spot

Here at Houstonist we are always on the lookout for some good grub, and while this may be a taco truck town, there certainly is no shortage of places to find a good old-fashioned burger. We came across Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot one day as we drove around compiling a photography project.

The nondescript blue clapboard trailer at the corner of Leeland and Dowling caught our attention immediately. A single bulb out front illuminated two tables and three benches, along with one lone (and very large) customer waiting for his food. It was at that moment that we knew we needed to sample the fare.

We arrived around one o’clock the following day, ordered a cheeseburger and fries, and upon noticing them on the menu, added to that a chocolate malt. The prices are ridiculously cheap — our giant burger ran us a mere three bones, with a side of fries or rings just one additional dollar. Being traditional, we opted for the standard cheeseburger, but it is also available in cheese-less, bacon, hickory bacon, jalapeno, and chili varieties. Other food on the menu includes pork chops, chicken wings, fried shrimp, a fried chicken sandwich, and a variety of breakfast tacos and breakfast plates, including chicken 'n' waffles.

Despite the menu, Sparkle’s is definitely not a fast food joint — after several trips we’ve discovered it takes around twenty minutes on average to get your order, but you can also call ahead. The wait gave Houstonist some time to soak up the atmosphere of our surroundings, from the Swisha House poster in the window to the customers — most of whom seem to be regulars — to the fact that Kool-Aid is on the menu (for a dollar!).

If there is a dignified way to eat a Sparkle Burger, we haven't found it yet. The experience is an audible one: Salivation is unavoidable, induced by the mere aroma (Pavlov would be proud). An irregular, hand-formed patty resting upon a buttered and grilled bun, the burger is big — an inch thick, savory, and cooked just right. Somehow this enigma-burger is flawless, with just enough spice and just enough toppings, and it has seen just enough griddle to be crisp around the edges but stay juicy on the inside. Our side of huge steak fries was seasoned well, but if you prefer crispy with your burger, you should opt for onion rings. Sparkle’s makes their shakes and malts with real ice cream, and ours was rich and intense.

If you are going to brave the wait and give Sparkle’s a chance, Houstonist recommends scheduling some time for a nap afterwards, just in case.

Sparkle's Hamburger Spot
1515 Dowling Street
713.225.8044