Juicy Burgers Are Better

Set inside a 100 year-old log cabin, going to Rainbow Lodge is like taking a slice out of time. Inside, wild animal trophies hang on wood-slatted walls. A gorgeous winding deck and beautiful green foliage beckon from outside. The wild game theme extends to the menu, where Chef Mario Valdez's offers dishes like nilgai, antelope, and wild boar alongside fresh fish. Their Friday lunch burger, made with wild game and pork or lamb belly custom grind, is also to-die-for.

The decor at this neighborhood bistro is crazy-gothic, but that's part of the charm & food is solid. My fave is their Kobe Burger. The long bar (renovated a few years ago to accommodate more people) is perfect for single diners; happy hour specials and drinks are also solid.

There's a reason why the scene is always vibrant at Flemings River Oaks: Impeccable service, a fantastic wine list/bar, and superbly prepared steak. Their 5 for $6 until 7pm happy hour -- which includes a fantastic Prime Burger with cheese & bacon -- is also one of the best in town.

Max's Wine Dive is definitely that: a dive, but it's cool, it's hip, the Fri/Sat/Sun brunch is rockin, and the gourmet comfort food is so decadent it will make you moan--in a good way. Chef Michael Pellegrino's seasonal menus are super creative and fun as well. Come with a friend or a group of friends and go to town on gourmet comfort food like their famous fried chicken, truffle fried egg sandwich, gourmet burger, and "max n cheese." Or, come by yourself, sit at the bar, order a glass of wine and feast by yourself. You can't go wrong either way.

Chef David Grossman offers modern, stylish, irreverently decadent food --think duck fat popcorn, Australian butter poached wagyu, and his famous sticky toffee pudding.

The setting is modern, like a piece of Eames furniture. The food is upscale, new Southwestern, and the chef is non other than Robert del Grande. Food is generally excellent, but it's the simple things, like onion rings or a burger, that will surprise you.

Laurenzo's does a helluva juicy prime rib, but it's the burger that will keep you coming back, a sight to behold and one of the best in town.

This unassuming wine bar is kick back, with counter service and great patio. Hang out with a glass of wine and some of the great food developed by Chef Erin Smith.

Tucked away in the back of a strip mall behind the Galleria, the burgers here, made with Akaushi beef, are delicious. It's not counter service, it's table service so expect to pay about $11-12/ burger

Owned by a trained chef, this is one of the 1st all-akaushi burger places in town. It's built itself a cult following. The fries with salted caramel sauce will blow your mind!

Juicy, glistening, gourmet, restaurant-worthy burgers with names like "homeroom," "substitute" and "the bully." Homemade condiments. 2 thumbs up!

Open from 7am-2pm, this cafe-bar-restaurant has a little bit of everything. Great comfortable Georgetown-esque vibe, delicious cappuccinos -- it's a place you can come to for great breakfast in the morning (corned beef hash or soft tacos), solid lunch in the afternoon (hamburger, sandwich, or salad), afternoon coffee, dinner (steak, seafood), and late night drinks. You could stay there all day if you wanted; it's that kind of place. Free wifi, refillable press coffee, and a good bar where you can dine solo, work on your laptop, or sip on a crafted cocktail.

If you want a solid, meaty burger, Christian's Tailgate delivers with grub-worthy thick patties. Casual diner atmosphere with neon lights and beer on tap.

Arguably the most beautiful restaurant in the city at this moment, Triniti won the American Institute of Architects 2012 award for best renovation. Inside the restaurant, the glowing golden orbs of designer Tom Dixon's chandelier set the mood for a night of culinary exploration. Order a tasting menu created especially by the rockstar kitchen team helmed by Chef Ryan Hildebrand, or order a sampling of a la carte dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Recs include the foie gras breakfast, kale salad, or one of the melt-in-your-mouth beef dishes, like a butter-poached ribeye.

Run, don't walk, to this new burger & crepe joint in Sugar Land Town Square. The akaushi burger is juicy, the twist bun is fantastic, the sweet potato fries, a must-not-miss.